MLB Player News

Harper went 2-for-5 with a solo homer Thursday at the Mets.

Harper launched his 19th bomb of the year in the fourth inning to give the Nationals a 2-1 lead in a game they'd eventually lose. He's now homered in three of his last six games to bring his slugging percentage to .504 on the season.

Miller went 2-for-3 with a walk and solo shot Thursday against the Angels.

The Rays offense didn't do much Thursday, but Miller did connect on his 13th home run of the season, a shot to dead center in the eighth inning. His 13th home run before the All-Star break is the most by a Rays shortstop in team history. He's now gone deep in three of the seven games this month.

Brantley (shoulder) is scheduled to take another round of batting practice Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Brantley continues to take positive steps as he returns from a shoulder injury as he will now take batting practice for a second consecutive day. Brantley remarked that his Monday batting practice session was "pain-free" and after taking another one Thursday, he appears to be nearing full strength. The Indians are still without a time-table for a rehab assignment but given the 29-year-old's marked progress, it should be just around the corner.

Reed is not in Thursday's lineup against the A's, Angel Verdejo Jr. of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Reed will get a day off Thursday after starting the past two games of the series against Seattle. In his place, Marwin Gonzalez will get the nod at first base while batting second in the order. Reed has been struggling during his brief time with the big league team, hitting just 4-for-28, but he has smacked two home runs in his last four contests.

Carpenter (oblique) was placed on the 15-day DL on Thursday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter sustained a high oblique strain while taking a swing during Wednesday night's game. While the Cardinals are yet to offer a timetable, Carpenter is expected to miss several weeks, likely beyond the requisite 15 days. Kolten Wong, who is in Thursday's lineup, figures to be the primary beneficiary while Carpenter is out.

Winker (wrist) has started a rehab assignment in the Arizona Rookie League, RedsMinorLeagues.com reports.

Winker might need a decent amount of time before proving he's ready to advance beyond Triple-A Louisville, as he has just two homers and a .367 slugging percentage so far. But the Reds will still likely give him a look at some point this year, especially if Jay Bruce gets dealt as expected by the trade deadline.

Carpenter suffered an oblique strain Wednesday and manager Mike Matheny said there is a "high level of concern," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports.

He suffered the injury while taking a swing in Wednesday's game, and this threatens to significantly interrupt what had been another stellar season from the best position player on the Cardinals. A timetable has not been provided, but it's safe to expect Carpenter to miss the rest of the first half and at least several weeks of the second half. Kolten Wong, who replaced Carpenter on Wednesday, figures to be a significant beneficiary while Carpenter is out.

Carpenter (oblique) left Wednesday's game in the third inning, gripping his side after taking a swing, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Carpenter was replaced by Kolten Wong after being examined by a trainer. The 30-year-old has been injury-free up to this point in the season, but he suffered an injury to his right oblique and could be shut down until after the All-Star break even if it's just a minor tweak. The Cardinals will likely issue a report on Carpenter by the end of the day Wednesday or Thursday morning after he undergoes testing Wednesday night.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Wednesday against the Brewers.

Harper's 18th blast of the year gave the Nationals a 3-0 lead in the first inning of a game they'd eventually go on to win. He's now hit safely in six of his seven July games, and he's slashing .258/.400/.495 on the year.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with two solo homers in a loss to the Mets on Wednesday.

The Marlins' slugger accounted for both of Miami's runs in the 4-2 loss. In the last two days, he's been absolutely on fire, going 5-for-7 with four homers, seven RBI and four runs. Stanton has 19 bombs this season, including seven since missing time at the end of May.