MLB Player News

Pederson is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Despite manager Dave Roberts' recent proclamation that Pederson will see more playing time against left-handed starters in 2017, the 24-year-old will get the day off Sunday against Rockies southpaw Tyler Anderson. Enrique Hernandez will draw the start in his place.

Vargas (foot) started at DH and went 0-for-3 with two walks Saturday for Triple-A Rochester.

Vargas suffered a bruised foot late in spring training, but it's not an issue as the Triple-A season begins. He could be called up early in the season if he begins the year hot in the minors.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with his first homer of the year, a walk, two RBI and two runs against the Mets on Saturday.

He's opened the season with a five-game hitting streak that has him at .429 with six RBI. Ozuna is an interesting case for fantasy purposes, as he's had some extreme hot streaks that have made him look like a potential star, but also some major slumps that have taken the shine off his numbers. It's worth considering the possibility that he's essentially reached his ceiling as a hitter; after all, he's posted stunningly consistent numbers throughout his pro career. Ozuna's MLB slash line last year was .266/.321/.452; his career line in the minors is .276/.336/.492.

Canha has been added to Saturday's starting lineup, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

With Trevor Plouffe scratched due to illness, Ryon Healy will move from DH to third base and Canha will slot into the lineup as the designated hitter, batting eighth. Saturday's start will be Canha's second of the year. He's 0-for-5 with a strikeout in the early going this season.

Cabrera went 0-for-3 in Friday's win over the Red Sox and the veteran slugger is hitless through three games this season.

Cabrera is one of the better hitters in baseball, so there's little doubt he'll figure things out soon. He batted .316 with 38 home runs and 108 RBI in 2016. Expect similar numbers this season.

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a walk, a run and an RBI in a win over the Mets on Friday.

The 26-year-old is off to a good start to the campaign, going 7-for-17 with four RBI through four games. Ozuna is still looking for his first extra-base hit of 2017, but if he keeps making solid contact, the doubles and homers will come.

Buxton is batting in the seventh slot for Saturday's game against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Buxton has batted third in the first four games this season, but he's off to a horrendous 1-for-18 start with 11 strikeouts. Accordingly, with Jorge Polanco hitting .400, a shuffle was in order. Buxton's speed and defensive abilities will keep him in the starting lineup, but he'll need to improve at the plate if he wants to see more at-bats.

Martinez (foot) began swinging a bat Friday and manager Brad Ausmus said he is progressing well, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez is rehabbing in extended spring training, but continues to make strides towards a full recovery. The veteran slugger sprained a ligament while diving in a Grapefruit League game, delaying the start of his 2017 season and enabling a right-field platoon between Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins. Barring any setbacks, expect Martinez to ramp up his rehabilitation within the coming weeks.

Cespedes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Friday's loss to the Marlins.

The eighth-inning blast off Nick Wittgren was Cespedes' first of the season. The 31-year-old only has three hits through four games, but his 3:2 BB:K is a good sign that better days are right around the corner.

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with one walk and an RBI against Atlanta on Friday.

He hit the ball with authority Friday and crushed a foul ball down the left field line with plenty of home run distance. His effort was particularly encouraging after an 0-for-9 start to the season at Fenway Park. McCutchen also looked spry on the bases, as if he was looking to run when possible. It's only one game, but he played much better Friday in the home opener.