MLB Player News

Harper went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double, a walk and two total runs scored in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Rockies.

Harper's strung together a trio of multi-hit efforts, and this was his second game in a row with multiple RBI. The 30-year-old is batting .361 with a 1.050 OPS, two homers, five RBI, 11 runs scored, a stolen base and three doubles across 41 plate appearances.

Martinez went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Padres.

Martinez's first-inning blast was ultimately all the offense the Dodgers needed in the win. He's gone 2-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts over two games since he returned from a back injury that cost him nearly three weeks. The designated hitter is slashing a decent .253/.311/.547 with five homers, 18 RBI, 14 runs scored, nine doubles and two triples through 25 contests.

Ruf cleared waivers and elected free agency Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Ruf declined his assignment to Triple-A Sacramento and is now free to sign with another club. The 36-year-old hit .261 with two doubles, a run scored and three RBI with the Giants before being designated for assignment after coming off the injured list May 9. A team looking for a bench bat that can handle left-handed pitching could show interest in Ruf's services.

Pederson is day-to-day with a right hand injury after being struck by a pitch during Friday's game against Arizona, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. X-rays returned negative.

Pederson is out of the lineup after he took a pitch off his right hand while squaring to bunt Friday. The positive news is there's no fracture, but the outfielder will miss at least one game while he recovers. Wilmer Flores is acting as DH with Pederson out of the lineup.

Stanton (hamstring) did defensive work Friday and will be part of the outfield mix once he returns from the injured list, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Injuries are a perennial part of the picture with Stanton, and he made it until only mid-April before suffering his first of the year. He's nearly a month into what was expected to be a six-week absence due to a hamstring strain and appears to be making steady progress, though his exact return date has yet to become clear.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Pederson takes a seat after homering and drawing a pair of walks while also being hit by a pitch against Arizona on Friday. The left-handed hitter was hit in the hand, so it's possible his absence is related to that occurrence. Wilmer Flores will be the designated hitter and hit second against Zac Gallen and the Diamondbacks.

McCutchen will sit Saturday against the Orioles, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

McCutchen has been managed carefully by the Pirates this season, spending most of his time as the designated hitter while getting frequent off days. The plan seems to be working, as he's hitting .248/.362/.478. His .840 OPS is his best mark since 2017, the final year of his previous stint in Pittsburgh. Miguel Andujar will be the designated hitter in his absence.

Carpenter is not in Saturday's lineup against the Dodgers.

With lefty Julio Urias starting for the Dodgers, Nelson Cruz is starting at designated hitter and batting fifth. Carpenter hasn't started against a lefty since April 25.

Blackmon is not in Saturday's lineup against the Phillies.

Blackmon sometimes sits against southpaws, and that will be the case in this one with Ranger Suarez on the hill for the Phillies. Kris Bryant is at designated hitter while Brenton Doyle gets the start in the outfield.

Canha will sit Saturday against the Nationals.

Canha hasn't been particularly productive at the plate this season, hitting .218/.294/.361 in 35 games. Jeff McNeil will move out to left field Saturday, with Luis Guillorme starting at second base.