MLB Player News

Belt went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and a pair of runs scored in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Marlins.

The veteran first baseman is carrying a modest six-game hitting streak heading into the All-Star break. Belt's .243 batting average leaves much to be desired, but he has maintained his excellent on-base skills while contributing 16 home runs, which puts him well on pace to break his career-high mark of 18 he set in 2015.

Turner hit two home runs Sunday, powering his team to a 5-2 win over Kansas City.

Turner played co-hero with Clayton Kershaw in this one, as Kershaw backed up Turner's pair of bombs with a 13-strikeout, complete-game victory. The third baseman had a whale of a first half, finishing with a ridiculous .377 average and 1.056 OPS over 228 at-bats. That said, despite Turner's amazing contact numbers, he's provided just 37 RBI and 10 homers, which has prevented him from joining the truly elite fantasy producers.

Stanton went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs and four runs scored during Sunday's win over the Giants.

The slugger enters the All-Star break with a .277/.360/.572 slash line, 26 bombs, 58 RBI and 60 runs. Most importantly, of course, is that Stanton is also healthy. Barring injury, he should cruise to career-best numbers across the board.

Pederson is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

With the left-handed Danny Duffy toeing the rubber for the Royals, Pederson will find himself stationed on the bench for the final game of the season's first half despite homering Saturday. Trayce Thompson will draw the start in his stead, batting eighth.

Buxton is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Buxton has notched nine hits and two stolen bases over the past five contests, but he'll head to the bench in favor of Zack Granite. The speedy outfielder will finish the first half of the season slashing an uninspiring .216/.288/.306 with five homers, 16 RBI and 16 stolen bases. His 30.7 percent strikeout rate remains his largest flaw at the plate.

Miller (groin) went 2-for-2 with an RBI single, a double and two walks in Friday's 8-3 loss to the Red Sox.

It was a highly encouraging return for Miller, who was slashing .194/.343/.302 before the groin injury that necessitated his latest DL stint. The 27-year-old was generally swinging the bat well in his rehab starts, so the Rays and fantasy owners certainly hope Friday's effort might be an indication that he'll be able to bounce back to his usual level of production in the second half.

Harper will bat second in the order for Saturday's contest against the Braves, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Harper moves up a spot in the batting order to bat second for the second time in the past month. With Michael Taylor (oblique) landing on the disabled list prior to Friday's game, there isn't a clear-cut answer for who manager Dusty Baker should stick into the two spot, so he will give Harper the opportunity while Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon each move up a spot to go 3-4-5 in the order.

Ford (hamstring) was placed on the 7-day DL at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

He suffered the injury in Thursday's game and will now be out until at least late next week. Ford, 25, is slashing .329/.442/.698 with four home runs and an impressive 5:8 K:BB in 43 at-bats at Triple-A and could be an option to plug the Yankees' hole at first base when he is healthy.

Choi is out of the lineup Saturday against the Brewers.

Choi has started the past two games since getting called up Tuesday, turning heads by launching two-run homers in both contests. He gives way to Austin Romine at first base Saturday, but expect to see the 26-year-old back receiving more opportunities while Tyler Austin (hamstring) and Matt Holliday (illness) remain sidelined.

Goins is not in Saturday's lineup against Houston, as Darwin Barney will instead get the start at second base.

Goins has struggled since taking on the bulk of work at second base for Devon Travis (knee). His lackluster .207 batting average through 193 at-bats has Goins at risk of losing playing time if Barney can put together a solid string of games.