MLB Player News

Indians top hitter Michael Brantley, who has been slumping on the current road trip, is out of the lineup for the game Wednesday against the Angels. He is apparently just getting a rest day, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Mike Aviles is set to take his spot in left field.

A hitless weekend in San Francisco cooled off torrid Indians left fielder Michael Brantley and he has remained rather chilly.

Brantley finally ended a hitless streak that had reached 17 at-bats with an opposite-field double Tuesday night against the Angels. His batting average has dropped from .296 to .255 over the last five games. But he remains tied for seventh in the American League with 20 RBI.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Tuesday outfielder Darin Ruf (oblique) has been taking batting practice and is expected to begin playing in extended spring games by the end of the week.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 1 for 4 Tuesday but made his only hit count, smacking a two-run home run in his team's 9-0 win over the Braves.

Stanton hasn't had a multihit performance in nine games and only five hits over that stretch but four have been for extra bases, with his last two clearing the fench for home runs. He has hit .269/.345/.567 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 104 at-bats.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said that outfielder Bryce Harper underwent successful thumb surgery Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.

Harper's return should come in six to eight weeks, with Williams adding, "We're optimistic."

Harper suffered a UCL tear in his thumb during a head-first slide into third base while legging out a triple Saturday. He has hit .289/.352/.422 with one home run and nine RBI in 83 at-bats.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes rejoined the starting lineup Tuesday at Texas after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. Cespedes, however, did not return to the field and was the team's DH.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin told reporters that outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is "50-50" to return to the lineup Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Cespedes went through running drills on Monday, as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury. He is hitting .238 in 84 at-bats.

Blue Jays second baseman Ryan Goins was optioned down to Triple-A Buffalo Monday night, MLB.com reports. The team has not yet announced a corresponding move to replace him on the current roster.

Goins batted .150 with one home run and one RBI in 60 at-bats.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will likely return to the starting lineup Tuesday if all goes well with his running drills Monday, MLB.com reports.

If Cespedes runs without issue, he could also be used off the bench in Monday's game against the Rangers. He has been out since Thursday while dealing with a hamstring issue.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

Harper's recovery from the injury is expected to keep him out of action until at least early July. He suffered the injury on a head-first slide into third base Friday. It'sa  big blow to the Nationals, who are four games back in the NL East as of Monday.