MLB Player News

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf is expected to be activated from the minor-league disabled list as early as Sunday or Monday, MLB.com reports. Ruf was on the shelf due to wrist and knee issues and received just 10 at-bats in the majors this season.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen fell just short of hitting for the cycle Friday, in an 8-2 win over the Phillies.

McCutchen finishes the game 4 for 5, and got everything but the home run out of the way in his first three at-bats. He would miss the cycle in his final two plate appearances, as he added a double instead. McCutchen finished the game with one run scored, two driven in and a stolen base.

McCutchen is hitting .323/.425/.536, ranking third in the National League in OPS. He is also fifth in RBI (52) and 10th in stolen bases (13), while hitting 12 home runs in 84 games.  

Matt Williams has explained the flip-flopping of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in the lineup Friday for the Nationals against the Cubs. Harper was moved up from sixth to second after having complained about hitting down in the lineup.

"I think it's a question of trying to create a little bit with Bryce at the top of the lineup, especially against a righty," Williams told the Washington Post. "We've faced three lefties the last three games. I wanted to give him some opportunity to drive runs in and the same holds true for Anthony in that regard. Bryce at the top of the lineup against the right-handed pitcher, he can create some stuff."

It remains to be seen if the switch becomes permanent against both righties and lefties.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been activated off the disabled list. The move had been anticipated.

Belt has been out for nearly two months with a thumb injury. He was off to a strong start, particularly in his power numbers, with a stat line of .264/.317/.504 and nine home runs in 129 at-bats.

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna extended his hitting streak to nine games Thursday, in a 5-4 loss to the Phillies.

Ozuna went 3 for 4 in the game with a double, and he scored twice in the loss. Ozuna is hitting .353 over the course of his hitting streak, raising his season line to .271/.317/.455 in 83 games. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has nothing but respect for manager Matt Williams, according to The Washington Post.

The two haven't exactly had the smoothest transition this season. Williams benched Harper earlier in the year for not hustling, and Harper seemed to question Williams' lineup decisions on his first day back. Those issues appear to be overblown, as the two downplayed the problems. 

"I got Bryce’s back in every way," Williams said. "That will not change. I want him to play every day, and I want him to play the way Bryce knows how to play."

Harper is hitting .287/.350/.415 over 94 at-bats.

Giants outfielder Hunter Pence may be moved to the leadoff spot for a couple games, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Following Wednesday's game, manager Bruce Bochy said Gregor Blanco would be moved from the leadoff spot, with Pence taking his place. Once Brandon Belt returns from the disabled list, he would likely hit second, behind Pence.

“I’ll probably drop [Blanco] down in the order until he gets his swing,” Bochy said. Blanco had been filling in for Angel Pagan, who has been sidelined with an injury. It's unclear whether Pence and Belt will retain their spots in the order once Pagan is able to return. 

Giants manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that first baseman Brandon Belt will make his return from the disabled list Friday in San Diego, MLB.com reports Wednesday.

Friday makes it eight weeks since Belt fractured his left thumb, and Belt has been putting in work on a minor-league rehab assignment to work his way back. Belt will return to his usual spot at first base when he returns from the DL.

Belt was hitting .264/.317/.504 with nine home runs and 18 RBI in 35 games before the injury.  

Though Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been hitting the ball well on his minor-league rehab assignment, his thumb is still sore, according to MLB.com.

Manager Bruce Bochy said the team could have accelerated his timeline based on Belt's .588 average in his first five rehab games, the soreness has made them aim for more caution. Belt has not played since May 9 when he suffered the injury, but he is on schedule to return Friday against the Padres.  

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Phillies after being unable to start Sunday due to a hamstring injury. However, Ozuna did deliver a pinch-hit home run Sunday against Oakland.