MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper supplied almost all of the Nationals offense Saturday in a 12-inning, 2-1 win over the Phillies, going 3-for-5 with a walk, two doubles, a run scored and an RBI--which came on a walk-off single to secure the victory.

He's now three doubles shy of a 40 2B/40 HR season and four RBI shy of a century, so Harper will have a couple of milestones to chase over the season's final week even though the Nats were officially eliminated from playoff contention Saturday.

Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter left Saturday's game with left hip tightness, Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

It's not clear when Carpenter suffered the injury, but the Cardinals were pretty quick to remove him from the game. He was 0 for 3 before being lifted for a defensive replacement in the top of the sixth inning. More information should be announced once the game comes to a conclusion.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) remains out of the lineup for the game Saturday in Kansas City.

Brantley was a late scratch Friday due to a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the previous two contests. Mike Aviles will start in left field in his place, batting ninth for Cleveland.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt remains out of the lineup Saturday against Oakland. He has not played since Sept. 18.

Belt continues to deal with concussion symptoms and with no definite return in sight. He had been on an eight-game hitting streak before losing it in the last game he played.

Cardinals third Matt Carpenter went 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base in a 4-3 loss to Milwaukee on Friday.

It's been quite a season for the Cardinals third baseman, as he has a career-high 26 home runs and 81 RBI. He's been especially hot over his last 10 games, hitting .400 with five home runs and six doubles in that span. He is far more valuable at second base and that eligibility alone will alter his draft status greatly going into next season.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched from Friday's lineup.

Brantley was initially penciled in to return to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury, but has since been scratched. The Indians announced that Brantley did not suffer any setbacks, but opted to give him an extra day of rest before returning to the lineup, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (neck) is back in the lineup Friday against the Dodgers, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

Blackmon missed a pair of games with neck stiffness, but he was able to get through batting practice Friday without any setbacks. He'll be back in his usual spot in center field and leading off.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is back in the lineup Friday against the Royals.

After missing the previous two games with a right shoulder injury, Brantley apparently improved enough for manager Terry Francona to slot him back into the lineup. The 28-year-old will man his usual left field duties and bat third.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is improving but still might be held out of the lineup Friday in Kansas City, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

"He's doing better," Terry Francona said. "He hit in the cage (Thursday). I don't know if he'll play Friday, but I guess the fact that we're even thinking about it means that he's getting closer."

Brantley's missed the last two games but looks to be a factor at some point over the weekend as Cleveland tries desperately to stay in the playoff hunt.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins.

Brantley will sit out for the second straight day due to the shoulder injury he suffered in Tuesday's game. Mike Aviles will get another start in left field in Brantley's place.