MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper had the stitches removed from his injured thumb Monday, masnsports.com reports.

Harper isn't ready for rehab work just yet. He should be back in early July once the UCL in the thumb heals.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon had his team's only run during a 4-1 loss Sunday against Reds, connecting for a solo home run off Homer Bailey in the fourth inning. It was Blackmon's ninth home run and second in as many days.

Blackmon is batting .304 (14 for 46) with a .609 slugging percentage and .913 OPS in 10 May games. He also has two doubles, four home runs, 11 RBI and 11 runs.

Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen returned from a one-game absence and reached base four times Sunday against the Cardinals. McCutchen went 1 for 2 with three walks and an RBI, giving him 19 RBI this season.

McCutchen sat out Saturday with a gimpy ankle. He's hitting .321/.438/.511.

The Phillies announced Monday outfielder Darin Ruf (oblique) and pitcher Ethan Martin (shoulder) had their rehab assignments moved from Class A Clearwater to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Ruf hit .250 (3 for 12) with two RBI in three games for Clearwater, while Martin tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings over three relief appearances. He allowed three hits and issued three walks.

Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who missed Saturday's game with an ankle injury, was back in the lineup Sunday night against the Cardinals. McCutchen, scheduled to hit third, was batting .319 with four homers, 18 RBIs and four steals entering the game.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt will undergo surgery Tuesday to have two pins inserted into his broken thumb. The timetable for his recovery remains six weeks.

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf (oblique) and pitcher Ethan Martin (shoulder) are expected to move their rehab assignments from Class A Clearwater to Triple-A Lehigh Valley this week, per the Philadelphia Daily News.

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon opened Saturday's game against the Reds with a home run and finished the day 3 for 5 with three runs and two RBI in his team's 11-2 win.

Blackmon has four multihit games and three home runs in May after shooting out to a hot start in April. He hasn't slown down much at any point this season, hitting .355/.388/.603 with eight home runs, 28 RBI and eight stolen bases in 141 at-bats.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen was not in the Pirates lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals, but he wasn't just getting a day off.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported after first pitch that McCutchen is dealing with an injury to his right ankle. The severity of the injury is not yet known, so his status for Sunday's series finale is a question mark. 

The Giants have placed first baseman Brandon Belt on the disabled list with a broken thumb.

Belt was hit by a pitch Friday night, and was removed from the game shortly after. He's expected to miss about six weeks due to the injury.

Belt was hitting .264, with nine home runs, in 129 at-bats.