MLB Player News

McCutchen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

With Keston Hiura getting a look as the Brewers' designated hitter Sunday, McCutchen will retreat to the bench for the afternoon game. Since blasting three home runs over a two-game stretch Aug. 18 and 19, McCutchen has gone 4-for-29 with no extra-base hits over his subsequent seven starts.

Morel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

Morel has moved between third base and center field of late and should be locked in as an everyday player for the Cubs, but he'll retreat to the bench after going 0-for-13 with six strikeouts across his past four starts. Zach McKinstry is covering the hot corner Sunday, while Nelson Velazquez gets the starting nod in center field.

Canha went 2-for-3 with a double and a run in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Rockies.

Canha looked to be in danger of falling into a short-side platoon role at the beginning of the month shortly after the Mets acquired Tyler Naquin, but Canha has instead solidified himself as a regular against both right- and left-handed pitching by emerging as one of the team's hottest hitters. After going 4-for-6 with three doubles to begin the weekend series with Colorado, Canha is now slashing .323/.434/.613 with 16 RBI and 13 runs over 23 games in August. He'll start in left field and bat sixth in Sunday's series finale.

Blackmon isn't starting Saturday against the Mets, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Blackmon is out of the lineup for the second time in the last four games after he went 2-for-8 with three strikeouts over the last two matchups. Randal Grichuk will start in right field and lead off Saturday.

Pederson will be on the bench Saturday against the Twins, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's surprising to see Pederson on the bench despite the fact that righty Sonny Gray will be on the mound for Minnesota. All five of Pederson's previous absences against righties this season occurred due to injury, so it's possible he's dealing with at least a minor issue. Luis Gonzalez will get the start in left field.

Vogelbach will be on the bench Saturday against the Rockies.

Vogelbach's off day Friday against righty Chad Kuhl was unusual, though his off day here against lefty Kyle Freeland was to be expected. Darin Ruf will be the designated hitter in his place.

Canha went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI in Friday's 7-6 win over Colorado.

Canha ripped an RBI double in the sixth inning followed by a two-run double in the eighth. He was also hit by a pitch for the 16th time this season. Over his last 11 games, Canha has gone 14-for-34 (.412) with 10 extra-base hits and 12 RBI. He's slashing .277/.377/.417 with 50 RBI and 54 runs scored on the year.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in Friday's 7-4 win over the Pirates.

Harper ripped a two-run single as part of the Phillies' four-run first inning. It was his first game in two months since a lengthy stint on the injured list with a thumb injury. He's now slashing .317/.384/.593 with 50 RBI and 37 extra-base hits through 65 games on the year.

Belt (knee) underwent an MRI on Friday that didn't reveal any additional damage, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt has dealt with chronic knee issues this year and was ultimately placed on the injured list with right knee inflammation Wednesday. While he isn't dealing with any structural damage, the Giants plan to give the 34-year-old as much time as he needs to recover in order to prevent a more significant injury.

Madris isn't starting Friday against the Phillies.

Madris has lost out on some playing time recently and will be on the bench for a third consecutive game. Michael Chavis is starting at first base and batting cleanup.