MLB Player News

Harper hasnt regained as much flexibility in his surgically repaired left thumb as anticipated and isn't yet ready to face pitchers, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The last couple updates on Harper's status were relatively positive, but over the past few days, he seemingly hasn't responded as well to his workouts as the Phillies had hopd. In addition to waiting to get back into the batter's box, Harper will also have his throwing program cut back due to "some stiffness" in his right elbow. Though the latest development isn't a great one for Harper, interim manager Rob Thomson remains optimistic, saying that he has "no doubt" the reigning NL MVP will return at some point this season. If and when Harper does return, it may come as a designated hitter now that he's had his throwing program tabled for the time being.

Vogelbach is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Reds.

Vogelbach will get a breather as the Mets face lefty Mike Minor on the mound Tuesday. Pete Alonso will slide over to designated hitter while Darin Ruf enters the lineup at first base and bats fifth.

The Cubs are expected to add Reyes to the 26-man active roster in advance of Tuesday's game against the Nationals, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Chicago already seemingly cleared a spot on the roster for Reyes by optioning Frank Schwindel to Triple-A Iowa following the Cubs' 6-3 win in the series opener Monday. Patrick Wisdom will likely take over as the regular first baseman in Schwindel's stead, while Reyes should fill the vacancy in the everyday lineup at designated hitter. Though Reyes slashed an uninspiring .213/.254/.350 over 280 plate appearances in the majors this season with the Guardians before being designated for assignment last weekend, he's still just 27 years old and posted OPS marks north of .770 in each of his first four big-league campaigns. The rebuilding Cubs should give Reyes every chance over the final two months of the season to prove he belongs in the team's long-term plans.

Morel went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Monday's 6-3 win over the Nationals.

Morel batted ninth but was still able to provide a useful fantasy line. The rookie is now up to 10 home runs through 68 games. He also has nine stolen bases, so he could get to double figures in both categories soon. Morel's combination of power and speed makes him an interesting fantasy asset, and he could be primed for even better numbers in 2023 assuming he gets regular playing time starting Opening Day.

Pederson is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres, according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Pederson rarely faces left-handers, so it should come as no surprise that he is being held out with southpaw Blake Snell on the bump for the opponent. Luis Gonzalez will start in left field in Pederson's place.

Belt is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres, according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Belt is hitting just .216 since the All-Star break and the Giants are facing lefty Blake Snell on Monday, so manager Gabe Kapler decided to give Belt the night off. Wilmer Flores will start at first base in Belt's place.

Morel (hamstring) is starting Monday against Washington.

Morel didn't play Sunday against the Marlins due to a hamstring injury but is starting at the hot corner and batting ninth a day later. He's gone 1-for-9 with a run and three strikeouts over his last three games.

Canha isn't starting Monday against the Reds.

Canha started in left field in the final two games of the Mets' series with Atlanta over the weekend and went 1-for-6 with a double, three RBI, a walk and a strikeout. Considering that he's on the bench against a right-hander (Justin Dunn) on Monday and has now been excluded from the starting nine four out of the past five times the Mets have faced a righty, the righty-hitting Canha looks like he'll have to settle for the short side of a platoon in the outfield with the lefty-hitting Tyler Naquin.

Reyes was claimed off waivers by the Cubs on Monday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

After being designated for assignment by the Guardians on Saturday, Reyes has found a new home in Chicago. The 27-year-old has struggled to a .213/.254/.350 slash line this year over 263 at-bats in 70 games this year, all of which are the lowest marks of his five-year career. It's unclear whether he will report to Triple-A Iowa with his new organization or join the big-league roster, as he still has two minor-league options remaining. With 101 career homers over 481 games, Reyes possesses superb power and could be a mainstay in the Cubs lineup if he can return to form down the stretch and into next season.

Turner (abdomen) is on track to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Twins, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Turner has been dealing with an abdominal strain for several weeks, but he'll take live batting practice Sunday and is slated to rejoin the Dodgers following a minimum-length IL stint. He should reclaim regular playing time as the designated hitter and at third base upon his return.