MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton continued to punish baseballs Thursday against the Padres.

Stanton belted his league-leading 11th home run during the game. Stanton was actually held in check throughout most of the game. He struck out and grounded out in his first two at-bats. After walking in his third plate appearance, Stanton popped out his fourth time up.

With the team tied in the top of the 11th, Stanton stepped to the plate against Dale Thayer. On the third pitch of the at-bat, he took a 93 mph fastball out to center for a two-run shot. The Marlins would retain the lead, and eventually win the game.

Stanton is now hitting .294, with 11 home runs, in 136 at-bats.

The Marlins have yet to give Giancarlo Stanton a day off this season, and who can blame them. The hulking slugger leads the National League with 10 home runs and 38 RBI entering play Thursday against the Padres.

The team is in the midst of a 20-games-in-20-days stretch, however, and manager Mike Redmond is expected to give him a day off at some point, according to MLB.com.

Stanton is hitting .295/.383/.590 in 134 at-bats, ranking third in the NL in OPS, as well as fifth in runs scored at 25.  

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf began his minor-league rehab assignment Thursday for Class A Clearwater, as he continues to recover from a left oblique strain.

Ruf went 0 for 3 in the game with a walk and a strikeout, but made it through all nine innings without incident. Manager Ryne Sandberg told MLB.com Thursday he is a candidate to start in right field when he comes off the disabled list, with Marlon Byrd possibly moving to center. 

Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter is working to refine his fielding, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Carpenter took part in extra reps prior to Wednesday's game. He worked with assistant hitting coach, and former third baseman, David Bell, and infield coach Jose Oquendo. Despite moving back to his natural position during the offseason, Carpenter has dealt with some defensive struggles early. Oquendo is quick to point out that though third is his natural spot, Carpenter did not play the position much last year. 

Manager Mike Matheny also hinted at Carpenter's lack of comfort transitioning to his play in the batter's box. "I don’t think you can take that out of the equation either," Matheny said. "Meanwhile, he’s still trying to get a little more comfortable offensively, too."

Through 132 at-bats, Carpenter has hit .288, with one home run.

First baseman Brandon Belt was pretty much the entire offense for the Giants in their Wednesday afternoon loss in Pittsburgh.

Belt gave his team its only lead with a homer in the first inning, then closed its deficit to 4-3 with a two-run double in the fifth. He has nine home runs this season with just 17 RBI.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Clearwater Thursday. He has been sidelined all season.

Cubs outfield prospect Jorge Soler returned to the lineup at Double-A Tennessee Wednesday, according to MLB.com. It was his first game since injuring his hamstring April 3.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon went 2 for 6 with a double, a solo home run, two runs and two RBI in his team's 12-1 win over the Rangers Tuesday.

The magical season continues for Blackmon, who is 7 for 24 with two home runs and six RBI in five May games. He has hit .358/.396/.610 with seven home runs, 24 RBI and seven stolen bases in 123 at-bats.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was a fixture on base Tuesday, going 2 for 2 with a double, two walks, one run and one RBI in his team's 3-0 win over the Mets.

Stanton also stole his third base of the season in the win. He's in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak in which he has multiple hits in three of his last four games. Stanton has hit .295/.381/.605 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 129 at-bats.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf has been making progress in his recovery from a strained oblique while playing in extended spring training games in Florida, MLB.com reports.

"He's getting at-bats," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I believe he's got four or five games under his belt."

Ruf has yet to play during the regular season due to the injury.