MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper expects to play Friday after tweaking his hip during Wednesday's game, according to NatsInsider.com.

Harper was removed in the bottom of eighth, but expressed a desire to return as soon as possible. Harper said he "felt fine" after the game. His manager, Davey Johnson, agreed, saying, "I think he'll be alright." 

Harper is hitting .276/.372/.528 in 246 at-bats. He missed time earlier this year with a knee injury.

Though they received a number of frantic calls prior to the deadline, the Marlins never seriously considered any trades for outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, reports the Miami Herald Wednesday.

"No player names were ever exchanged (for Stanton)," an anonymous source with knowledge of the team's plans said.

The Marlins' final trade before the non-waiver deadline Wednesday came July 6, when they shipped Ricky Nolasco to Los Angeles. According to the report, the Marlins never listened to any offers for Stanton, who is hitting .256 with an .866 OPS on the season. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Tigers in the eighth inning with a hip spasm. Harper went 2 for 4 in the game before exiting an 11-1 loss.

The extent of the injury is not yet known, but he did play through it for a few innings before departing the game. He is considered day to day for now. 

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton remained with the team Wednesday as the non-waiver trade deadline passed. The Marlins weren't talking to any teams about a Stanton trade in the final hour leading up to the deadline, sources told FOX Sports.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is still confident his team can make a run at the playoffs, according to MASN.

Harper pointed to the Nationals' nine remaining games against the Braves as a potential reason they could get back into the race. The team is currently 10 1/2 games out of first in the NL East. Harper added, "if we play like we’re capable, we will win this and we will do it. I know that for a fact."

Harper is hitting .273/.370/.529 in 242 at-bats. 

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter is not in the team's starting lineup Wednesday against the Pirates.

Carpenter will be replaced by Daniel Descalso at second. In 405 at-bats, Carpenter is hitting .311/.386/.477. 

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is not in the team's starting lineup for the second consecutive day Wednesday.

Belt will be replaced by Brett Pill, who will hit sixth against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick. Belt is hitting .255/.331/.425 in 318 at-bats. 

A rival executive told FOX Sports he believes Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton remains unavailable leading up to Wednesday's trade deadline. The latest rumors have the Rangers and Red Sox reportedly interested in acquiring the 23-year-old outfielder.

Although the Marlins have pretty much closed the door on trading outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, the Red Sox might convince the Marlins to rethink their stance, according to MLB.com. A league source said the Red Sox might be willing to offer a substantial deal to acquire Stanton.

Sources said the Rangers call the Marlins "every week" to inquire about trading for outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, according to FOX Sports. While in the past Stanton has expressed frustration about the Marlins' moves, he isn't expected to be traded by Wednesday's non-waiver deadline.