MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has homered in his first two games out of the All-Star break and credits his participation in the Home Run Derby as the reason for helping him snap his power drought.

Stanton had gone 75 plate appearances without a home run before parking his 22nd home run Friday.

"Having to lock in for the Derby made me feel better," Stanton said, per MLB.com. "I wasn't myself the last couple of weeks. The short time off and the Derby kind of helped me out. I think it will be all right."

Sizzling Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon has received good news as an X-ray on his ailing ankle has come back negative.

Blackmon, who turned the ankle Saturday, has been on fire with 13 hits in his last 25 at-bats in embarking on a six-game hitting streak.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt said Sunday he was not feeling well after leaving Saturday's game due to dizziness. Belt said he doesn't know how his concussion test went and isn't sure if he will land on the disabled list.

Belt said he was injured during batting practice Saturday. He was looking at the shortstop when the throw came from second base and hit him.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in his team's 5-3 loss to the Giants Saturday.

It was the second home run in as many nights for Stanton, who is coming out of the break hot. He now owns sole possession of the home-run lead in the National League. Stanton has hit .295/.395/.552 with 23 home runs and 65 RBI in 359 at-bats.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is awaiting results of an X-ray after turning his ankle Saturday night, MLB.com reports.

Blackmon went 1 for 4 Saturday to extend his hitting streak to six games. He has hit .305/.351/.477 with 14 home runs, 52 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 354 at-bats.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt underwent concussion testing Saturday after exiting Saturday's game due to dizziness, and while the test results won't be known until Sunday, he has been ruled out for Sunday's game, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt isn't feeling well after a freak injury suffered before Saturday's game, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him go on the disabled list Sunday. He spent much of the first half on the disabled list while nursing a broken thumb.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was removed from Saturday's game against the Marlins in the third inning due to dizziness, MLB.com reports.

Belt was scratched from the last game of the first half with back spasms, which he said wasn't unusual after spending so much time inactive. He missed 50 games with a broken thumb before returning in early July.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was forced out of Saturday's game against the Marlins in Miami in the third inning with a back injury.

Belt missed the final game before the All-Star game with the same ailment. Because the Marlins will start left-hander Brad Hand on Sunday, Belt could sit out his next game as a precaution. He owns a .242/.304/.455 slash line with 10 homers and 23 RBI in 165 at-bats. His status remains up in the air for Sunday.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hit his 22nd home run Friday against the Giants. 

Stanton was the lone standout on offense, accounting for the team's only run. In the bottom of the sixth, Stanton hammered a 77 mph curveball from Madison Bumgarner to center field. Stanton finished 1 for 2, with one run scored and one RBI. He also walked during the game.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper picked up three hits Friday against the Brewers.

Harper debuted a new stance during the game. He appeared to stand more upright at the plate. The stance seemed to help, as Harper ripped a line drive to right, singled up the middle and belted his third home run of the year. 

Harper finished 3 for 4, with one run scored and one RBI. He's hitting .260, with three home runs.