MLB Player News

An X-ray on Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper's injured side came back negative.

Harper expressed that he would want to play Thursday, but it doesn't look like he'll be in the starting lineup. The injury shouldn't keep him out long, and he'll likely try and play through pain to get back into the lineup. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper had to leave Wednesday's game with a bruise on his side, but doesn't expect to miss much time, according to NatsInsider.com.

Harper said he'll try to play Thursday if he can. He added that he won't have any issues playing through pain. Manager Davey Johnson added "We'll take it day-by-day and we'll check him tomorrow, but he'll probably be out of there." The Nationals square off against the Braves Thursday night, so Harper will have the morning and afternoon to get treatment for the injury.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt clubbed his third home run of the season Wednesday.

In the top of the eighth inning, Belt took a 95 mph fastball out to right field for a three-run home run. Belt has been off to a slow start, but he's starting to show signs of life lately. He's hitting .239/.296/.386 in 88 at-bats this season.

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper was diagnosed with a bruised left side after coming out of Wednesday's game early, according to Comcast Sportsnet. Harper initially suffered the injury after colliding with the outfield wall in Tuesday's game, then appeared to aggravate the injury on a check swing Wednesday.

Harper, who is hitting .337 on the year after going 0 for 2 with a walk and a run Wednesday, is day to day.

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper left Wednesday's game in the sixth inning after possibly suffering an injury during an at-bat. Harper seemed to be in pain after checking a swing and failed to run out a ground ball later in the at-bat.

The team checked out Harper in the dugout, and manager Davey Johnson replaced him in right field, where Harper was starting with Jayson Werth out, with Roger Bernadina. Harper was 0 for 2 with a walk and a run before exiting.

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter posted his eighth multi-hit performance in Wednesday's series finale against the Reds. He went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored in the 4-2 win.

Carpenter doubled in his first two at-bats before singling home Allen Craig in the sixth.

The 27-year-old is batting .370 (10 for 27) in his last seven games with one homer and two RBI.

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter went 3 for 4 with two doubles in Wednesday's win over Cincinnati.

Carpenter scored a run and knocked another one in. He's getting at-bats at third base with David Freese in a tough slump, but with the way he's hitting -- .283/.349/.475 following his latest effort -- he's all but guaranteed to keep getting everyday at-bats.

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna will start his second straight game Wednesday.

Ozuna had one hit in his major-league debut Tuesday. He'll bat fifth during Wednesday's game against Mets starter Dillon Gee. Ozuna was hitting .333/.383/.810 in 42 at-bats in Triple-A this year. He should get playing time as long as Giancarlo Stanton is on the disabled list. 

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen was finally able to get his bat going Tuesday night against the Brewers. McCutchen, who had two hits in his previous 26 at-bats entering the game, had four hits in the 12-8 loss.

Three of his four hits were singles, including one in the first inning that scored Starling Marte. He also had a solo home run in the sixth -- his third of the year -- off starter Marco Estrada.

McCutchen finished 4 for 5 with two RBI and a run scored. He is batting .247/.308/.423 over 97 at-bats.

An MRI showed Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has a Grade 2 strain of his right hamstring. Stanton said the best-case scenario is he will return to the lineup in 2-3 weeks.

"I've got to be able to walk a normal pace first," Stanton said, per The Palm Beach Post.