MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is expected to return from the disabled list Monday barring a setback, and he showed himself to be ready during Saturday's game at Double-A Harrisburg.  

Harper went 4 for 5 Saturday, with three home runs against Akron. He drove in five runs and scored three, in his third rehab game in a row. Harper has been out since late April with a thumb injury, but has been able to play in the outfield during his rehab assignment. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna was forced to leave Saturday's game during the seventh inning, due to what appeared to be an injury to his right leg.

Ozuna flew out to left field in the seventh inning, and then limped back to the dugout grabbing his right hamstring. The team did not provide an immediate update on the injury, so his current status moving forward is not yet known.

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner was forced to leave Saturday's game against the Cardinals, due to an apparent hamstring injury.

Turner drove in one run in the second inning with an RBI double, but pulled up lame, grabbing his left thigh as he reached second base. He was replaced by Juan Uribe at third base, though the extent of the injury is not yet known.

Nationals manager Matt Williams will not reveal how he'll employ his lineup once Bryce Harper returns, according to The Washington Post. 

Williams had previously outlined a situation where Ryan Zimmerman would shift back to third, pushing Danny Espinosa out of the lineup. Harper is expected to see time at all three outfield spots once he returns, which could give Williams more flexibility. It's unclear if Williams will stick with that plan moving forward, or if he has something else up his sleeve. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is in a good spot following Friday's rehab game.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said everything went "great" during the start. Harper could return as early as Monday, so it's promising to see him get through his rehab games without any issues. There's a chance Harper will serve as the designated hitter during a rehab start Saturday.

With how long Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been out, manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com Friday he does not think Belt's minor-league rehab assignment will be a short one.

"He needs at-bats right now. He's missed a lot of time," Bochy said. "Even though he feels good with the hand, it takes a while to find the timing that you're going to need to hit Major League pitching. We're looking for him to get quite a few games down there with the bat."

Belt is working at Class A San Jose through the weekend, and then will report to Triple-A Fresno Monday. Bochy does not think he will have Belt back from the disabled list in time for next weekend's series against the Padres. Belt has been out since May 9 due to a fractured thumb. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna hasn't had a day off since June 12. That is, until Friday night. He is out of the lineup for the game against Oakland.

Ozuna has hit safely in five of his last six games and has been a surprise this season with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in 282 at-bats.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt began his minor-league rehab assignment with Class A San Jose Thursday, as he works his way back from thumb surgery.

Belt began his assignment as a designated hitter, going 1 for3 with strikeout before he was lifted in the ninth inning. He is expected to stay on assignment for about a week before being activated, assuming he avoids any setbacks. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper played seven innings in his rehab debut for Double-A Harrisburg Thursday, his first extended game action since suffering a thumb injury in late April.

Harper went 1 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout before he was lifted in the seventh inning. His early exit was to be expected, as the team's plan all along has called for Harper to play seven innings Thursday. He will then play a full nine innings Friday, before taking Saturday off and playing Sunday.

Manager Matt Williams told MLB.com he thinks Harper could return to the Nationals lineup as early as Monday in Colorado. 

Dodgers outfield prospect Joc Pederson suffered a separated right shoulder Tuesday, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Pederson suffered the injury while attempting to dive for a ball in the outfield, and was diagnosed Wednesday. The injury is not considered a terribly serious one, however, though he will be sidelined at least 10 days as a result.