MLB Player News

Harper went 3-for-4 with three home runs and six RBI in Tuesday's 9-4 win over the Reds.

Harper kicked off a monstrous evening with a solo blast his first time up and another to lead off the fourth. He then put the game out of reach with a grand slam in the seventh inning. Harper entered the day 0-for-11 at the plate through his first three games, and with Tuesday's historic performance, he erased any memory of his brief season-opening slump. It was the second three-homer game of his career and it led to a career-high six RBI for the 31-year-old.

Jimenez (adductor) remained out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Jimenez will sit out a second straight contest after having to leave Sunday's game with a left adductor injury. The injury was considered minor enough following an MRI that Jimenez is being called day-to-day. Gavin Sheets will receive another start at designated hitter in Jimenez's place Tuesday.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a walk Monday against the Nationals.

McCutchen struck out in five of his first nine plate appearances of the season and was out of the lineup both Saturday and Sunday. He returned to bat fourth Monday and struck out two additional times, though he also managed his first hits of the new campaign -- including a key RBI knock in the eighth inning. The Pirates' lineup is deeper than last season when McCutchen was a regular, but he'll likely get plenty of time to get his bat up to speed.

Morel went 2-for-3 with a run scored during Monday's 5-0 victory over the Rockies.

Despite the modest stat line, Morel's sixth-inning single with two-men on was the impetus for the Cubs' victory as a misplay by left-fielder Nolan Jones saw the ball roll all the way to the wall and allowed both runners to score. Jones then added a throwing error on the same play that allowed Morel to complete the little-league home run. Unfortunately, Morel did not get credited with an RBI on the play but it's been a solid start to the season for the Cubs' third-baseman. Through four games he's collected seven hits in 17 at-bats with a homer, three RBI and four runs scored.

Winker was removed from Monday's game against the Pirates due to illness, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

This is good news for the Nationals, as it likely means Winker will return within a day or two. The team should know more about Winker's availability for Wednesday after re-evaluating him Tuesday.

Jimenez is considered day-to-day after undergoing an MRI on his left adductor, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Jimenez was hurt while running out a groundball Sunday and did not play in Monday's contest. He has managed to avoid a long-term injury, though, and the White Sox will just play a man short for the time being rather than put Jimenez on the injured list. Gavin Sheets started at designated hitter in Jimenez's place Monday and should draw regular time there against righties.

Garver (back) is starting at designated hitter and batting fifth in Monday's game against the Guardians.

After starting in the season opener Thursday, Garver missed the next three games against the Red Sox due to back spasms. The 33-year old appears over the injury and will start at DH for Monday's game. With Garver returning, Mitch Haniger will move back to right field while Luke Raley returns to the bench.

Winker was removed from Monday's game against the Pirates with an apparent injury, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Winker didn't suffer an obvious injury but was replaced in left field by Eddie Rosario to begin the top of the second inning. He didn't take an at-bat or have a ball hit to him before being lifted. The Nationals should provide more clarity on Winker's situation soon.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Martinez remains at extended spring training and will be reevaluated in 2-to-3 days to determine if he'll be assigned to a minor-league affiliate at that time, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

He was officially optioned to Triple-A Syracuse a week ago but has not reported there. Martinez is still trying to fine-tune his swing after not signing with the Mets until late in spring training. He will likely join the Mets around mid-April, although a definitive date has not been set yet. Martinez will be the Mets' everyday designated hitter when he does join the big club.

Ramirez is out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Rangers.

Ramirez started all four games against the Blue Jays in the designated hitter spot, but he'll begin Monday's tilt on the bench. Yandy Diaz is receiving a day at DH while Austin Shenton handles first base.