MLB Player News

Carpenter went 4-for-5 with four doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 12-3 blowout win in Colorado.

Carpenter has given opposing pitchers nightmares since the start of the season's second half and Sunday's four-double performance was no exception. The 32-year-old now has 38 doubles and 34 homers this season with 87 runs scored. Carpenter continues pushing St. Louis towards the postseason as he strengthens his MVP candidacy.

Reyes will start in right field and bat fifth Sunday against the Dodgers.

Though he's stuck on the short side of a platoon in the outfield with Travis Jankowski, Reyes has been seeing the larger share of playing time lately. He'll draw his seventh start in a row Sunday, with five coming against left-handed pitchers. Over the previous six contests, Reyes has gone 5-for-15 with a home run, two runs and an RBI.

Ohtani is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

With the Astros bringing lefty Framber Valdez to the hill, the lefty-hitting Ohtani will exit the lineup a day after tallying a pair of extra-base hits, including his 14th home run of the season. Though the Angels are scheduled to face a right-hander (Jon Gray) in their next game Monday, Ohtani isn't certain to be included in the lineup at designated hitter, as he's slated to throw a 45-to-50-pitch simulated game earlier that day. Manager Mike Scioscia may not want to ask Ohtani to serve as the DH the same day he does a strenuous mound workout.

Pederson (knee) remains out Sunday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson likely would've been riding the pine anyway since southpaw Robbie Erlin is taking the hill for San Diego, but his knee bruise possibly played a part in the decision as well. The Dodgers are off Monday, so look for Pederson to attempt to return Tuesday when the team takes on Texas. Chris Taylor will patrol center field in his place Sunday.

Soler (toe) completed some baserunning drills prior to Sunday's game against the Indians, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The running activity represents another step forward in the rehab process for Soler, who has been sidelined since mid-June with the fractured left toe. Manager Ned Yost said Soler is without a set date to begin a rehab assignment, though it's expected the 26-year-old will be ready for game action in the minors at some point during the upcoming week. Yost also noted that Soler likely wouldn't play the outfield upon returning from the 60-day disabled list and may only be limited to duties as the Royals' designated hitter in an effort to avoid an aggravation heading into next spring, per Flanagan.

Canha is out of the lineup Sunday against the Twins.

Canha is on the bench for the fifth time in nine games and seems to have ceded primary center-field duties to rookie Ramon Laureano. The 29-year-old should at least remain a fixture in the lineup versus left-handed pitching, making him worthy of holding in most AL-only leagues.

Blackmon is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Jenny Cavnar of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

Blackmon will head to the bench for only the third time since the start of July. He's slashing .288/.337/.511 with nine home runs in that stretch. Matt Holliday will start in left field for the series finale, shifting David Dahl to center field.

Harper is being held out of Sunday's lineup due to illness, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

Harper said he's been sick most of the week but the issue has worsened over the last few days. It appears to be a minor issue as the 25-year-old expects to return to the lineup in Philadelphia on Monday, but it's still a situation worth monitoring.

Harper is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Harper may have a .331/.410/.595 slash line with seven home runs since the All-Star break, but will get a breather Sunday as he is 0-for-11 over the last three games. Michael Taylor will start in center field while the former NL MVP should return to the lineup at Philadelphia on Monday.

Martinez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

The hot-hitting Martinez has started each of the Red Sox's past 28 games, delivering an incredible 1.173 OPS over that span. He'll be given a breather in the series finale and benefit from two full days of rest with the Red Sox off the schedule Monday before kicking off a two-game set with the Marlins on Tuesday. Steve Pearce will serve as Boston's designated hitter in Martinez's stead.