MLB Player News

Dodgers outfield prospect Joc Pederson was a late scratch at Double-A Chattanooga Thursday, according to The Los Angeles Times.

With Matt Kemp on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, Pederson could be promoted to take over his spot at center field. Pederson is hitting 313 with eight homers and 22 RBI in 51 minor-league games this season.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton tested his hamstring and knee with a light jogging session in the outfield before Thursday's game against the Rays at Marlins Park.

Stanton has complained about his knees being sore and was scheduled to back off his rehab program before he began jogging. Stanton, who has been sidelined since April 29, is playing catch and taking batting practice, according to MLB.com. The Marlins have not released a timetable for his return.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who has missed the last four games with kneed injury, was able to hit Wednesday. He is targeting a return Friday at Atlanta, according to MASNSports.com. He hit .313 (5 for 16) in his last four games before being injured.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton shut down his rehab program Thursday, due to soreness in his knees, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Stanton has been ramping up his recovery from a hamstring strain, but will need to take time off. No time table was announced.

As expected, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Orioles, as he continues to deal with a knee injury. He has not played since Sunday, and the team isn't sure when he will be able to return. 

Marlins right fielder Marcell Ozuna was responsible for one of the Marlins' three hits Wednesday against the Rays, going 1 for 3 with his third stolen base of the year. He extended his hitting streak to 14 games with the 1-for-3 performance.

Ozuna has made a clear case to stay in the starting lineup once right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is healthy enough to return by hitting .317 in 101 at-bats.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton still does not have a specific timeline in his recovery from a right hamstring strain, according to MLB.com. Manager Mike Redmond told reporters Wednesday that Stanton will begin a rehab assignment whenever he feels he is healthy enough to return to game action.

Stanton did some light running and cutting in the outfield prior to Wednesday's game, and he continues to swing the bat and take part in light fielding practice. 

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper is questionable for the team's weekend series against the Braves, MASN Sports reports.

"It's kind of a tough thing - inflammation, bursa sac, whatever you want to call it - hopefully if he just stays off it, (it will improve)," manager Davey Johnson said before Wednesday's game. "He's been trying to go down in the cages and hit and take BP. Hopefully maybe two more days. Hopefully he'll be able to come back and play. Hopefully."

Harper was pulled for a pinch runner Sunday and hasn't played since.

The Rockies optioned outfielder Charlie Blackmon to Triple-A Colorado Springs Wednesday, to make room on the roster for reliever Rob Scahill.

Blackmon appeared in 12 games since being recalled earlier in the month, batting .240 with one home run and a .629 OPS. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was not in the starting lineup, as expected, Wednesday against the Orioles. Harper has been dealing with swelling and soreness in his knee and is expected to miss Thursday's game as well.