MLB Player News

Winker was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies due to lower back tightness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker was replaced by Shogo Akiyama in the lineup shortly before the start of Friday's contest. It's not yet clear when the 27-year-old will be able to return to action.

Belt isn't starting Friday's game against the Rockies, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt has gone hitless with a walk and three strikeouts in his last seven at-bats, and he'll get a breather with left-hander Austin Gomber on the mound Friday. Darin Ruf will start at first base and bat fourth.

Dickerson isn't starting Friday's game against the Rockies, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Dickerson has gone 3-for-7 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs across his last three appearances, but he'll take a seat with left-hander Austin Gomber starting Friday. Kris Bryant will shift to left field while Wilmer Flores starts at third base.

Winker was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against the Phillies, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear why he was scratched. Shogo Akiyama was added to the lineup in center field with Tyler Naquin sliding over to left.

Turner (groin) is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Manager Dave Roberts previously said the veteran third baseman wouldn't be available for Friday's contest, so this is an expected absence. It's the fourth consecutive game on the bench for Turner since he exited Sunday's contest with groin discomfort. The 36-year-old is expected to be evaluated Saturday, when it will likely be determined whether a trip to the injured list is necessary.

Vientos has not played since Aug. 3 for Double-A Binghamton after being removed from that game due to "health and safety protocols," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets have not released any updates about Vientos since, so the logical conclusion given the length of his absence is a positive test for COVID-19. The 21-year-old is having a strong campaign at Double-A, slashing .279/.350/.601 through 62 games with 20 homers and a 24:73 BB:K, and he's seen time at both first base and left field in addition to his usual spot at the hot corner with fellow third base prospect Brett Baty also on the roster for Binghamton.

Harper went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two runs scored and two walks Thursday against the Dodgers.

Harper took Mitch White deep in the opening frame to record his 21st home run of the season. Although that was his lone hit in the team's three-game set against the Dodgers, Harper reached base in every contest and drew four total walks. Thursday's effort also continued Harper's August power surge, as he has now delivered five homers in his last 11 games. Overall, he has maintained a .298/.413/.568 line with 67 runs scored, 46 RBI and 12 stolen bases across 395 plate appearances.

Winker went 3-for-4 with a grand slam and a pair of runs scored in Thursday's blowout win over Atlanta.

Winker slugged his grand slam off Atlanta starter Kyle Muller in the second inning, giving the Reds a 4-1 lead. It was the 24th round tripper of the season for Winker, who snapped a mini three-game hitless skid and later added a double and a single. The 27-year-old has been one of the biggest breakout stars of 2021, slashing .309/.397/.562 with 71 runs driven in.

Turner (groin) won't be available for Friday's game against the Mets, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Turner was held out of the lineup for a third consecutive game Thursday as he continues to deal with left groin discomfort, and he hasn't appeared off the bench in any of those contests. While the 36-year-old is still considered day-to-day, he'll be evaluated again Saturday to determine whether he's ready to return after he sits out again Friday.

Dickerson hit a solo home run in his only at-bat in Wednesday's 7-2 win over Arizona.

Dickerson pinch hit for reliever Tony Watson in the eighth inning and the former delivered an insurance run with his solo shot. The outfielder has homered three times in his last eight games, giving him 13 for the year. He's added a mediocre .224/.291/.435 slash line with 37 RBI, 29 runs scored and a stolen base in 254 plate appearances. Dickerson is usually in the lineup versus right-handed pitchers, although Wednesday was a notable exception -- if it becomes a trend, Darin Ruf figures to pick up most of the extra playing time.