MLB Player News

Belt (knee) took grounders for the second straight day Monday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt was reportedly working a little more aggressively during Monday's fielding session. He's hoping to resume running later in the week, after which a more concrete return date will hopefully come into focus. The first baseman has been on the disabled list since July 26 with a bone bruise in his knee. Belt said he expects to wear a knee brace once activated. In the meantime, Austin Slater will continue to fill in for Belt at first base.

Ohtani (elbow) has extended his throwing distance to 120 feet, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Ohtani is rehabbing a Grade 2 UCL sprain of his right elbow. He's been used effectively as a designated hitter, as he launched two homers on the road Friday against Cleveland, and there's still hope he could pitch again this season. The next step in Ohtani's rehab figures to be throwing off a mound.

Blackmon is not in the lineup Monday against the Pirates, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon will sit for the first time in over a month. David Dahl will start in center field for the Rockies.

Stanton has been limited to designated-hitter duties for the Yankees' last three games due to a tight left hamstring, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic New York reports.

Stanton was spotted with ice wrapped around the hamstring after contests Friday, Saturday and Sunday, suggesting that the leg issue might still limit his mobility heading into Monday's series opener against the White Sox. Fortunately for the Yankees, having the DH spot available has allowed the team to keep Stanton's powerful bat in the lineup while he works through the discomfort. The injury hasn't seemed to provide any complications at the plate, with Stanton going 4-for-12 with a pair of doubles over the past three games.

Canha went 0-for-3 with a run in a win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Canha had sat Saturday due to an illness, but it was apparently minor in nature. The outfielder wrapped up July by going 5-for-10 with a pair of doubles, a home run, two RBI and three runs over the last three games of the month, but he's generated a 1-for-11 tally thus far over the first three games of August. However, Canha maintains a serviceable .258/.333/.460 line that includes the second-best homer (14) and RBI (42) totals of his career.

Carpenter went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in a win over the Pirates on Sunday.

Carpenter temporarily had the National League homer lead all to himself after blasting his 29th round tripper in the fifth inning. Although the Rockies' Nolan Arenado eventually drew even with him later in the day, Carpenter's offensive exploits over the last two months-plus are nothing short of astounding at this point. The veteran infielder has hit 26 of his homers over the last 67 games, a stretch during which he sports an MLB-best .722 slugging percentage, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports. Carpenter has now left the yard in three straight games and reached safely in 24 consecutive games overall, pushing his season line to a steadily ascending .282/.394/.593.

Reyes started in right field and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Cubs.

The rookie got a rare start with Travis Jankowski sitting against a southpaw. Hunter Renfroe has benefited most from Wil Myers' (foot) placement on the disabled list, so Reyes figures to serve a fourth-outfielder role for the time being. The 22-year-old has flashed plus power in a limited role (seven homers over 114 plate appearances), so he could gain fantasy value down the stretch if a spot in the outfield opens up.

Jimenez (illness) is "really close" to joining the White Sox, Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reports.

White Sox player development director Chris Getz said the organization's top prospect is nearing a promotion to Chicago. "He has done nothing but perform," Getz said. "This guy's been able to drive the ball to all fields. He's been able to set up pitchers. ... He's got a pretty good arm. We just want to make sure he's as ready as possible. We're getting really close." Jimenez, 21, continues to dominate at Triple-A Charlotte, batting .376 with eight home runs, nine doubles and 18 RBI in 29 games.

Choi went 1-for-4 with three RBI on Sunday in the 8-7 loss to the White Sox.

Choi drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the third inning, and he hit a two-run single in the seventh to tie the game 6-6. The 27-year-old first baseman recorded his first base knock of the month in August and stands 1-for-10 with a walk, three RBI and five strikeouts over three games. Choi is batting .230 with a .707 OPS through 25 contests in the big leagues this season.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Reds.

Harper delivered an RBI double in the third inning to extend Washington's lead to two. He managed to make a significant impact after it was unclear whether he'd take the field in the series finale. Harper was struck by a pitch on the knee Saturday, but he recorded his 68th RBI of the season the following day, and he should be good to go moving forward, especially with a scheduled off-day Monday.