MLB Player News

Vogelbach will sit against lefty Patrick Corbin and the Pirates on Tuesday.

Vogelbach has had stretches as more than a platoon player this season, but he's now been on the bench against four of the last five southpaws the Pirates have faced. His .111/.231/.133 line in 52 plate appearances against lefties this year suggests he probably shouldn't be facing same-sided pitching very often. Josh VanMeter will be the designated hitter Tuesday.

Harper will require surgery for his broken thumb but could return in six weeks, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Harper suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch Saturday against San Diego. Previous reports indicated that he was tracking toward a return in late August, but Salisbury's report indicates he could return sometime in the first half of that month. A more precise idea of his return date should emerge once he's through surgery and begins ramping back up.

Harper is expected to undergo surgery to repair his fractured left thumb, but he plans to return during the 2022 season, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper had his thumb broken on a pitch by Blake Snell on Saturday and has already been placed on the 10-day injured list. Though surgery will set back his timetable, Lauber reports that Harper hopes to return by the end of August. In Harper's absence, Nick Castellanos is expected to serve as the team's primary designated hitter, with Odubel Herrera, Matt Vierling and Mickey Moniak combining to cover center and right field.

Blackmon isn't starting Monday's game against the Dodgers.

Blackmon went 1-for-12 with a homer, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts over the last three games, and he'll get a breather Monday. Connor Joe is serving as the designated hitter and leading off.

Blackmon went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Twins.

Blackmon launched his 12th home run of the season in Sunday's contest. After going on a seven game hit streak, the veteran outfielder went hitless in his last three. After struggling to a .228 batting average in May, Blackmon has done much better in June, slashing .286/.317/.510, bringing his season batting average to .258.

Ruf will serve as the Giants' designated hitter and No. 7 batter in Sunday's game against the Reds, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

With Brandon Crawford (knee) joining LaMonte Wade (knee) and Luis Gonzalez (back) on the injured list Sunday, Ruf appears to be one of the beneficiaries of added playing time. He'll pick up his fifth consecutive start Sunday after going 4-for-16 with a home run, three runs and two RBI across his previous four contests.

Mercedes was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old was claimed off waivers from the White Sox last weekend and has been called up by the Giants with Brandon Crawford (knee) headed to the injured list. Mercedes is unlikely to see significant playing time but should have some opportunities between first base, left field and designated hitter.

The Phillies placed Harper (thumb) on the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Harper suffered a fractured left thumb Saturday when he was struck by a 97 mile-per-hour fastball, so his move to the IL was a foregone conclusion. The Phillies have yet to provide a timeline for his return, but for the time being the reigning NL MVP should be considered out indefinitely while surgery remains a possibility, according to Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Mickey Moniak was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move. With Harper out, Nick Castellanos is likely to operate as Philadelphia's primary designated hitter, leaving Odubel Herrera, Matt Vierling and Moniak to split time between center and right field.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Vogelbach has a .364 OPS in 52 plate appearances against left-handed pitching this season, and he'll head to the bench Sunday with southpaw Shane McClanahan on the mound for the Rays. Bryan Reynolds will rest his legs as the designated hitter while Jack Suwinski starts in center field.

Soler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Soler started the past six games and had a hit in all but one of those contests, but he failed to make much of an impact with a .617 OPS. Avisail Garcia is also sitting Sunday while Jon Berti and Bryan De La Cruz start in the corner outfield spots.