MLB Player News

Belt went 2-for-4 with two homers and five RBI on Friday against the Padres.

Belt blasted a grand slam to give the Giants a brief lead in the sixth inning before homering again in the eighth to bring the team within a single run in a losing effort. He's connected for three homers and six hits over his last four games, and the power is especially welcomed by fantasy owners who haven't seen the veteran hit more than 18 bombs in any season to date.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a homer, a walk, two runs and two RBI on Friday against the Phillies.

Harper's second homer of the year gave the Nationals a first-inning lead they'd never relinquish. He's reached base nine times over four games and he's off to a great start as he tries to put his disappointing 2016 campaign behind him. It certainly wouldn't be a big surprise if he returned to his status as one of the elite hitters in the majors.

Dickerson (back) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Friday.

There haven't been many developments on how the 26-year-old has been recovering from a protruding disc in his back, but this move makes it seem like he's not close to a potential return to action. Jabari Blash will take his spot on the 40-man roster for the time being, but things should become clearer as Dickerson is able to resume physical activities.

Miller went 1-for-3 with a run and a walk in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

Miller's spring funk has carried into the first four games of the regular season, as he's hitting just .188 with at least one strikeout in each of those four outings. Thursday's effort provided a glimmer of hope, however, considering the 27-year-old had gone hitless over eight at-bats over the prior two games. Miller will try to make this April drastically different from last season's, a month in which he slashed .185/.254/.354 over 65 at-bats.

Pederson is hitting eighth in Friday's lineup against the Rockies, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

This revised order may be the Dodgers' standard fare against left-handed starters. Colorado's Kyle Freeland is on the hill Friday, and in turn, Pederson is knocked down to the No. 8 slot. He was hitting sixth and fifth over his first three contests and should continue hitting somewhere near there against most right-handers. At least the Dodgers have him in the lineup against left-handers, which may help his overall growth by facing them. The soon-to-be 25-year-old certainly needs to improve in that column: he holds a career .176/.272/.321 line against lefties.

Manager Paul Molitor said he won't consider moving Buxton out of the third spot in the lineup yet, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Buxton is 1-for-14 in the first three games with seven strikeouts. It's a jarringly negative recurrence of his whiff issues from last year, but a small enough sample size that more patience is required. Still, hitting third may not be the best use of his high-upside skills and athleticism, including his game-breaking speed that could make him an elite source of stolen bases. Expect this setup to continue for at least another week, but if his struggles continue, Buxton may find himself on the move within the lineup.

Turner is not in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The third baseman is getting a breather in the getaway day game, with Logan Forsythe sliding over to the hot corner and Chase Utley filling in at second base. Expect Turner to rejoin the lineup Friday.

Martinez (foot) is progressing well in his rehab and is scheduled to be examined Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. "They like the progress he's made. There are no negatives on J.D.," said manager Brad Ausmus on Thursday.

Martinez is working his way back from a mid-foot sprain he suffered making a catch during a spring training game on March 18. Thursday's doctor's appointment should shed further light on Martinez's progress, but provided that everything is going according to schedule, he should be on track to return by late April or early May. Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will platoon in right field until Martinez is ready to return.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals.

He's off to a quick start, collecting three hits and three RBI through the Marlins' first two games. Ozuna has yet to really put things together through three-plus seasons in the majors, but at 26 years old he could still have some untapped potential.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Marlins.

It's only been two games, but Harper seems poised to put together another outstanding April after hitting .286/.406/.714 with nine homers in the first month of 2016. If he can stay healthy this time, the 24-year-old will likely add five more dominant months to his ledger by the end of the season.