MLB Player News

Belt went 0-for-3 at the plate Wednesday, but he reached based twice via walks and scored once in a win over Arizona.

The veteran continues to bat second and provide fantasy owners with solid counting stats early on (seven runs, three home runs, seven RBI and a steal). Belt's batting average (.184) is the only unsavory part of his stat line, but the career-.271 hitter will get that up sooner rather than later.

Tigers general manager Al Avila said Martinez (foot) "should be playing in games in the next few days," MLB Network Radio reports.

The team previously said that Martinez likely won't require a full 20-day rehab assignment, so if he starts rehabbing soon, he could be back with the Tigers before the end of the month. His return will cut into the playing time of Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook, and it could possibly send JaCoby Jones to Triple-A for regular at-bats.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Cabrera will get his first rest day of the season soon, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Cabrera is in Thursday's lineup against Twins starter Phil Hughes, who he's hitting .432/.457/1.000 against in his career with six home runs. However, look for the slugger to likely get a day off during the upcoming weekend series in Cleveland.

Buxton is in the Twins' lineup Thursday, batting ninth and playing center field.

Flyball pitcher Phil Hughes takes the mound on Thursday, which probably prompted Minnesota to reinsert the struggling Buxton for defensive purposes after only a one-day breather. The experiment of hitting him third likely was ill-advised and looks to be over, as they hope he'll fix the struggles he displayed during his 2-for-29 start (with 17 strikeouts) with less pressure on him. There's still plenty to like about the 23-year-old's season-long -- and career -- potential, but he'll need to climb out of this hole to increase the optimism over his fantasy value.

Pederson is not in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

With Trayce Thompson returning to the major leagues, Pederson may see more bench time against left-handed starters, as is the case Thursday with the Cubs sending former Dodgers southpaw Brett Anderson to the hill.

Turner (quad) is back in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, batting third and playing third base, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Turner returns to action after a quadriceps issue knocked him out of Tuesday's game. He only missed Wednesday and will resume occupying his spot in the heart or middle of the Dodgers' order.

Winker is hitting .308/.424/.385 with two doubles and a 4:6 K:BB in 26 at-bats for Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds can call Winker up after Friday and gain an extra year of control, and while he is 0-for-2 on stolen-base attempts and has yet to leave the yard, he is getting on base at an elite clip through seven games in the International League. Meanwhile, Scott Schebler is hitting .179/.303/.464 with a pair of home runs and an impressive 5:4 K:BB in 33 plate appearances for the big-league club. Schebler has been the victim of a .143 BABIP, and has likely done enough to earn a longer look before the Reds promote their top outfield prospect.

Cespedes went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Phillies.

After slugging three homers Tuesday, Cespedes wasn't quite done abusing Phillies pitching before the Mets left town. The extra-base outburst has now pushed his slash line up to .265/.350/.706 with four homers, eight RBI and seven runs scored through nine games.

Turner (quadriceps) entered the game as a pinch hitter Wednesday against the Cubs and recorded a groundout to second.

Turner stepped in for Joc Pederson in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game, showing that he is both available off the bench and nearing a return to the lineup. Look for Turner's bat back in the lineup when the Dodgers wrap up their series against Brett Anderson and the Cubs on Thursday afternoon. The 32-year-old is already 6-for-17 with three doubles against left-handed pitching this season.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with a walk and a pair of two-run home runs in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Braves.

The long balls were his first of the season, but it was only a matter of time before Stanton began putting souvenirs in the seats. The right fielder is now slashing .290/.371/.517 through eight games, and given his track record, Wednesday's outburst could be the beginning of a homer barrage.