MLB Player News

Phillies first baseman Darin Ruf has been as good as advertised so far this season, hitting .299 with three home runs and a .907 OPS through 23 games. And with Ryan Howard's return still far off -- if he comes back at all -- Ruf looks to have the starting first base job locked up for essentially the rest of the season. 

Ruf hit .317 with 38 home runs in Double-A last year. He had three straight seasons of 30 or more doubles heading into 2013, and had an .882 OPS over five minor league seasons. He strikes out a decent amount, but nothing egregious for a power hitter. And he's sporting a cool .413 OBP so far this season. 

While it's understandable to expect a rookie hitter to see a drop-off after a big start like this, Ruf could still finish 2013 with a .280 average and double-digit home runs. He's worth an add in most 12-team Roto formats as a corner infielder. 

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt managed three singles, two runs and one walk Monday against the Brewers. It was the second time in four games Belt managed three hits.

Despite his recent three-hit games, Belt is batting .241 (7 for 29) with one triple, one home run, three RBI, five runs and six RBI in his last 11 games (eight starts).

After netting two singles Sunday against the Braves, Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf has reached base 32 straight games dating back to last year, which is the longest active streak in the majors, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. It's also the longest streak by a Phillies' hitter since Chase Utley reached base safely in 33 straight games from Sept. 7, 2008 to April 22, 2009.

"I love his swing," manager Charlie Manuel said of Ruf. "I like the way the ball jumps off his bat. His home run the other night was on the inside of the plate and he hit it nice and easy. Nice and easy. The power is there."

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was hitless in four at-bats Sunday against the Indians, striking out twice. He's fallen into a 1-for-20 slump in his last six games.

"It seems like he’s got hot but just hasn’t been able to sustain it," manager Mike Redmond said, per The Miami Herald. "The times he’s gotten into some funks, they’ve been some sustained funks for more than three or four games. Obviously, we need him, when he hits, he changes our lineup."

Stanton, who hit .462 with three home runs, six doubles and six RBI in an eight-game stretch prior to his recent six-game slide, doesn't seem to concerned about his recent struggles.

"That’s how it’s been all year," Stanton said. "You have your ups and downs. You just got to overcome somehow, eventually."

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen went 2 for 3 with one RBI, one walk and one run during Sunday's 5-1 win against the Rockies. McCutchen is batting .368 (14 for 38) with one triple, one home run, three doubles and seven RBI in his last 11 games.

McCutchen has six two-hit games in his last 11 outings.

Cardinals second baseman Matt Carpenter just missed hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning Sunday against the Reds. Instead, he produced a two-RBI double with his hit off the top of the right field wall. 

Carpenter finished 2 for 5 with one walk and two runs Sunday. Carpenter entered the game mired in a 1-for-31 slump in his last eight contests and had his first multi-RBI game in 15 appearances.

Marlins outfielderMarcell Ozuna's season is over after undergoing surgery on his left thumb, but that does not mean he won't play again until next season. Ozuna told MLB.com Saturday he is going to make up for lost time in the Dominican Winter League.

"I'm playing winter ball so I can get ready for next season and Spring Training," Ozuna said. "Then, I can make the team."

Ozuna finished his rookie season batting .265 with three home runs and 32 RBI in 275 at-bats. He will likely battle for a starting spot next season. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was back in the lineup Friday against the Brewers, despite suffering a hip injury in his previous game. Harper made an impact, going 2 for 5 with a home run, his 16th of the season, in a 4-1 win. He drove in two runs and scored one more.

Harper is hitting .279 with a .910 OPS on the season.  

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is back in the starting lineup for the first time since Sunday, CSN San Francisco reports.

Belt has been replaced by Brett Pill for the past three games. Belt's season OPS peaked at .790 on July 21, but he's been terrible since: 2 for 22 (.091), eight strikeouts, four walks, and no extra-base hits. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is starting in left field and leading off Friday against Milwaukee despite tweaking his hip in Wednesday's game, MASN reports.

Harper was forced to leave Wednesday's game but said he felt fine afterwards. It does not appear the injury will have any long-term effects. Harper is hitting .276 with 15 home runs this season.