MLB Player News

Harper will hit the bench for the first time this season Saturday against St. Louis.

Harper hasn't been bad to start the season, though his .825 OPS through his first 13 games is below his usual standards. There hasn't been any indication that his day off Saturday is anything other than a routine one. Matt Joyce will get the start in right field in his absence.

Solak went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles.

Solak's fifth-inning shot was his second in as many games. After a slow start with an uncharacteristically-high strikeouts rate, Solak has locked in the last four games, going 7-for-16 with two homers, six RBI, five runs and just two strikeouts.

Turner went 3-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored Friday in an extra-innings victory over San Diego.

Turner notched his second straight three-hit game -- and fourth overall in the young season -- in the 12-inning win. He came up with a big single in the top of the ninth inning to give Los Angeles a brief one-run lead, though the Padres tied the score in the bottom of the frame to send the game into extra innings. Turner has swung a scorching bat at the start of the season, slashing .440/.482/.800 across 56 plate appearances. His 15 RBI are tied for second in the National League while his four homers are tied for sixth.

Lewis (knee) could be ready to to make his 2021 debut as early as Monday against the Dodgers, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "He feels good. There's no issues there," manager Scott Servais said. "I think, timetable, is it going to be Monday? Tuesday? I'm not quite sure, but I know the goal is to get him in at some point here at home before we head out on the next road trip."

Servais delivered the encouraging prognosis on Lewis prior to Friday's series opener against the Astros, following multiple reports in recent days of the slugging outfielder ramping up his activity level without setbacks. Lewis has been able to keep a semblance of timing at the plate despite not having seen game action since March 22 by taking as many as four at-bats in simulated game scenarios at the alternate training site. Servais estimates Lewis, when healthy, will slot into the designated hitter role on certain days in order to keep him fresh.

McCutchen went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run in Friday's win over the Cardinals.

McCutchen took part in a six-run rally in the second frame by bringing two runners across with a single in the inning, and he plated another run with a single in the bottom of the eighth inning. McCutchen has been somewhat inconsistent to begin the season and has hit just .171 with two extra-base hits, five RBI and 11 strikeouts in 12 games.

Stanton went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and two strikeouts in Friday's loss to the Rays.

Stanton sat out Wednesday's series finale against Toronto prior to Thursday's scheduled off day, but he provided the Yankees' only run support during his return to the lineup Friday. The 31-year-old has two home runs and a team-leading 11 RBI this year despite hitting just .182 in his first 11 games.

Alvarez (COVID-19 protocols) is unlikely to return during the Astros' current five-game road trip, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez and four of his teammates were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. It's not clear whether Alvarez has tested positive for the virus, but manager Dusty Baker said Friday that all five of the players on the COVID-19 IL will likely be sidelined for at least the next five games. Aledmys Diaz and Ronnie Dawson should continue to fill in at designated hitter while Alvarez is sidelined.

Ohtani will throw a side session Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani threw a 23-pitch bullpen session Wednesday without a bandage covering his blistered middle right finger, and manager Joe Maddon said that Saturday's throwing session should determine when the right-hander will be able to make his next outing as a pitcher. Ohtani has still been able to hit while working through his finger injury and is serving as the designated hitter while batting second in Friday's game against Minnesota.

Buxton has been diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Buxton was initially believed to be dealing with hamstring tightness, but the team is now calling it a strain. He's on the bench for a fourth straight contest Friday but will go through a full workout to test his injury.

Buxton (hamstring) isn't starting Friday's game against the Angels.

Buxton will be on the bench for a fourth consecutive matchup as he continues to deal with a tight hamstring. Jake Cave will start in center field once again Friday, batting ninth.