MLB Player News

It was only six weeks ago that Phillies prospect Darin Ruf lost in his bid for a spot on the opening day roster because of his unpredictability in left field. But the 26-year-old slugger, who was drafted as a first baseman, has become more polished at the position for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to beckon praise from within the organization.

"He's been great, and he's getting better," Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's good enough right now to play left field. He hasn't been out there that long, and for the strides he has made and the adjustments he has made, he looks so much more comfortable."

In 22 games in left field this season, Ruf has made just one error in 42 chances while also playing eight games at first without a miscue. He has also discovered his groove at the plate, recording four homers and 13 RBI over his past 12 games.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has had some problems putting his bat on the ball. Cespedes had struck out in six of his previous eight at-bats entering Saturday's contest against the Mariners and he has whiffed 30 times over his 89 at-bats, meaning he is striking out 33.7 percent of the time.

He struck out at a 20.9 percent rate last year, fanning 102 times over 487 at-bats.

"It's probably him trying to do a little too much, and then there are times during the season where you don't see the ball as well as you normally would, and those sometimes end up in some strikeouts," manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com. "Look, he's not the only one that's not swinging the bat well right now. You're just more aware of when he's not swinging the bat well than the group around him."

The Rockies have recalled outfielder Charlie Blackmon from Triple-A Colorado Springs after placing Michael Cuddyer on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck.

Blackmon, who had a three-hit game on Friday against Iowa, hit .336 with three homers and 21 RBI through his first 110 at-bats in the minors.

With the Pirates up big and a wet outfield creating risk, Pittsburgh opted to pull outfielder Andrew McCutchen from center field in the fifth inning of their game against the Mets Saturday.

McCutchen went 1 for 2 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored in the game. He exited with the Pirates leading 9-0, and it does not appear as if there is any sort of injury to be concerned about.

McCutchen is batting .410 over the last 10 games, with two home runs, seven RBI and seven runs.  

After undergoing a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was out for the second game in a row Saturday against the Cubs.

He remains day to day due to the issue, but is not expected to miss much more time. 

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, who normally bats eighth, has moved up two spots in the batting order for Friday's contest against the Braves.

Belt will bat sixth against Braves starter Tim Hudson. He has gone 1 for 7 with two strikeouts lifetime against Hudson. Belt has a .222/.289/.352 line with three homers and 14 RBI in 108 at-bats.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will miss Friday's game due to a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail, the Washington Post reports.

Harper is expected to miss one game aftor the minor procedure. He had a similar procedure done last season and missed one game.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is out of Friday's lineup, the club announced.

Harper is likely just getting a day off, as he hasn't had one since April 16. Roger Bernadina gets the start in right field for the Nationals.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley collected his ninth multi-hit game since April 20 Thursday against the Athletics. Brantley finished 2 for 5 with one run.

Since April 20, Brantley is batting .342 (25 for 73) with one triple, one home run, four doubles, nine RBI and 10 runs in his last 17 games.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes hit third for just the second time this season Thursday against the Indians, and it had everything to do with left-handed hurler Scott Kazmir being on the mound.

Cespedes entered play Thursday batting .316 (6 for 19) with three home runs and a .789 slugging percentage in 13 games against lefties this season.

"Just more of a lefty thing -- get him up there, make sure he gets up in the first inning, too. Scoot everybody up a little bit," manager Bob Melvin said, per MLB.com. "So you want to get those guys up sooner rather than later -- the guys you expect to do a little more damage off the left-handed pitcher."