MLB Player News

Vogelbach went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks in Friday's victory over Pittsburgh.

Vogelbach hit a solo shot in the fourth inning that put the Mets up 2-1. It was his 17th homer of the season and his first since Aug. 22. The slugger now has hit safely in back-to-back games after going hitless in his prior two games. Vogelbach has struggled to find consistency at the plate this month, going 8-for-35 with seven strikeouts for a .229 average. He has also picked up eight walks, which has helped him achieve a .372 OBP this month. On the season, Vogelbach is slashing .232/.353/.431.

Ozuna isn't in the lineup Friday against the Phillies.

Ozuna started Wednesday against the Giants and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. However, he'll be out of the lineup for the fourth time in the last six games while William Contreras serves as the designated hitter and bats sixth.

Blackmon isn't in the lineup Friday against the Cubs.

Blackmon started the last three games and went 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Connor Joe serves as the designated hitter and bats seventh.

Canha isn't starting Thursday against the Pirates.

Canha has hit .269 with a home run, two doubles, five runs and four RBI over his last seven games but will be out of the lineup for the first time since Aug. 25. Tyler Naquin is starting in left field and batting eighth.

Soler (back) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Soler was not expected back in 2022, so this is primarily a procedural move that opens up a spot on the Marlins' 40-man roster. Injuries limited Soler to just 72 games this season, and he posted a .695 OPS when available, so it seems likely he will exercise the $15 million player option on his contract for next season.

Morel went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Mets. He also stole a base.

Morel was busy despite not having any hits, walking and scoring in the first inning, then walking and stealing second base in the ninth. The rookie now has 10 stolen bases this season to go along with 13 home runs across 96 games. Provided he plays a full season in the majors in 2023, Morel could push toward the 15-to-20 range in each category, which would give him some definite fantasy appeal.

Harper went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's victory over the Marlins.

With the Phillies down 1-0 in the top of the sixth, Harper took a 3-2 changeup from Edward Cabrera 404 feet to left center for his 17th long ball of the season. The homer was his second in the month of September, during which he is batting .194 with four RBI and six runs scored. The homer Wednesday coincides with a modest four-game hitting streak, as he looks to finish the season strong and record his ninth career 20-homer season.

Turner is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game at Arizona, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Turner started the past seven games and slashed .259/.355/.630 with three home runs and eight RBI during that stretch. but he'll head to the bench after the Dodgers secured the NL West crown with a win Tuesday. Max Muncy will move to the hot corner Wednesday while Will Smith rests his legs as the designated hitter.

Belt said Wednesday that his right knee is feeling great after he underwent surgery earlier this month, and he's optimistic about his ability to continue playing in 2023, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. "I know I have a lot left in me and that's what I want to show everybody," Belt said.

Due to the chronic problems Belt has had with the knee in recent years, there had been some thought that retirement could be in the cards for the 34-year-old, but his positive response to surgery has seemingly left him prepared to continue his career. Belt still has several hurdles to clear in his recovery from surgery, but the expectation is that he'll have a relatively normal offseason following a two-month rehab process. Belt, who hit .213 with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 78 games before being shut down for good in late August, will be a free agent this offseason and is unlikely to command more than a one-year deal on the open market, given his age and injury history.

Vogelbach isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

Vogelbach started the last two games and went 0-for-5 with two walks, but he'll be on the bench with left-hander Drew Smyly starting for the Cubs. Mark Vientos is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth.