MLB Player News

The Nationals plan to activate Harper (knee, calf) from the 10-day disabled list prior to Monday's series opener against the Phillies, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and a left calf strain after slipping on first base in an Aug. 12 game, which had made it uncertain whether he'd be able to return to action before the end of the regular season. Fortunately for the Nationals, the star outfielder proved to be a quick healer and is now expected to get a week's worth of games in before the postseason gets underway. It's unclear if the Nationals will be comfortable with deploying Harper in an everyday role right off the bat, but if his knee and calf check out fine in his initial appearances, manager Dusty Baker would likely feel comfortable using the former MVP regularly in the playoffs. Harper's return will also force Baker to make some tough decisions with his outfield, as Jayson Werth and Howie Kendrick will likely have to compete with one another for starts in left field.

An MRI on Cabrera's back revealed two herniated discs Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera exited Saturday's game with back tightness and has now been officially diagnosed with a pair of herniated discs. According to Beck's report, Cabrera could play again this season, but it would likely be as the team's designated hitter. With the Tigers clearly out of playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see them proceed cautiously with their 34-year-old first baseman.

Turner (thumb) took swings in the batting cage Sunday and will rejoin the starting lineup Monday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Turner was held out of the lineup Sunday with his right thumb contusion, but manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the third baseman would be ready to suit back up at his first opportunity afterward. He should be deployed in fantasy lineups with confidence upon his return.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Turner suffered a right thumb contusion during Thursday's game against the Phillies. The Dodgers will continue to be cautious with their third baseman and will withhold him from the lineup for the third consecutive day. He'll remain a day-to-day case, with Logan Forsythe drawing the start at third base Sunday.

Martinez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and walk in Saturday's 12-6 win over the Marlins.

The fifth-inning home run was Martinez's 43rd of the season and 14th of September, establishing a new franchise record for any month. In addition to the exceptional power production, Martinez is hitting .397 on the month, making him an exceptional four-category performer worth leaning on in daily contests while he remains locked in.

Cabrera (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

It had been previously reported that Cabrera wasn't expected to play Sunday following his early departure from Saturday's game with back tightness. Cabrera is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Sunday, so more should be known about his availability once the results are announced. Efren Navarro will start at first base and hit cleanup Sunday.

Cabrera, who will undergo an MRI on his back, is not expected to play Sunday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

If all goes well, the veteran will be back in action Tuesday, following the Tigers' day off Monday. Cabrera's lingering back problems may force him to endure a longer absence, though, and with the Tigers eliminated from the playoff race, perhaps they'll decide it's not worth pushing him back into action regardless of the results.

Cabrera, who left Saturday's game with lower-back tightness, will undergo an MRI, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Considering the issue has bugged him over the last week or so, this dampens the chances of Cabrera returning Sunday, but if the test results are encouraging, he may only need a brief absence. Still, considering the physical issues that have piled up during this down season for the future Hall of Famer, it's best to expect him to sit for a little while. Fantasy players in daily transaction setups competing for a title should gather contingency plans.

Cabrera was removed from Saturday's game against the Twins in the second inning with lower back tightness.

Cabrera singled in the bottom of the first inning and was able to run the bases, but he was replaced at first base by Efren Navarro to begin the next frame. It's not clear if the soreness will cost Cabrera any further action, but he missed several games over the last few weeks with the same issue, so it would not be surprising if he is not in Sunday's lineup.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup Saturday for the second straight day, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Turner was held out Friday after suffering a bruised thumb the day before, and with the Dodgers needing only a couple wins to lock up home-field advantage in the postseason, it's likely he will not play Saturday either. Logan Forsythe will make another start at third base in Turner's place.