MLB Player News

Harper was removed Wednesday's game against the Cardinals after being hit by a pitch in the face, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old was bleeding from a cut near his nose after being struck in the face by a 97 mph fastball during the sixth inning, though he was able to leave the field under his own power. He went 0-for-2 before being forced to exit the contest. Harper figures to be evaluated for a concussion and should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status.

Pederson (wrist) took batting practice at the Cubs' alternate training site Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Pederson has made good progress since he was placed on the injured list April 21, and he faced live pitching Wednesday. Manager David Ross said Wednesday that he isn't yet sure how Pederson felt after his hitting session, but the left fielder appears to be trending in the right direction.

Belt went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three runs scored Tuesday against the Rockies.

Belt has had a shaky start to the season, but he did manage to put together his second multi-hit effort in his last four starts. The highlight was his fourth home run of the season, which was a solo blast in the fifth inning. Belt is now hitting .217/.333/.467 with 10 runs scored and nine RBI across 72 plate appearances for the campaign.

Winker went 3-for-5 with a double, a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers.

Winker led off the game with a solo blast, and he has now homered in three consecutive games. His productive streak extends well beyond that stretch as he also has a 12-game hitting streak, during which he's managed five home runs, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored. Among the hottest hitters in the game, Winker has done plenty to solidify his status as the club's leadoff hitter going forward.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Cardinals.

Harper doubled in the first and then singled and stole second in the ninth for his 100th career stolen base, accounting for two of the team's three total hits on the night. The 28-year-old has been an extremely difficult out at the plate over the last nine games, slashing .441/.525/.882 to go along with a 1.084 OPS. Harper does happen to be one of the best first-month hitters in MLB history with a lifetime 1.030 OPS in March/April. That number is more than 100 points better than his best mark in any other month. so it will be interesting to see if he can keep up his production as the season drags on into the summer and beyond.

McCutchen remains on the bench Tuesday against St. Louis, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

McCutchen doesn't appear to be dealing with any injury, so it's possible he's slipping into the short side of a platoon in left field with Brad Miller, who's starting there again Tuesday. It's hard to argue McCutchen deserves everyday at-bats at the moment, as he's hitting just .154/.300/.231 on the year. The breakdown of playing time going forward may not become clear for a few more games.

Ruf went 1-for-3 with an RBI single, two walks and a run scored in Monday's 12-0 blowout win over the Rockies.

Ruf contributed an RBI single as part of the Giants' first-inning rally. He got aboard with a walk in the second and scored on a three-run double by Mauricio Dubon. Through 36 plate appearances, Ruf has three home runs, nine RBI, seven runs scored and a stolen base. The outfielder is slashing .207/.333/.552 and will typically hit in the middle of the order versus southpaws.

Winker went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer and two runs scored in Monday's 5-3 win over the Dodgers.

Winker was quiet most of the game but came through when it mattered most. He led off the 10th inning by driving a sinker up and away in the zone to the opposite field, giving the Reds a 5-3 lead. It was his second long ball in as many days and his fourth in the last five games. The 27-year-old has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, slashing .382/.432/.691 with five home runs, 13 RBI and 14 runs scored over 17 games to begin the year. He should continue to see everyday reps despite the Reds' crowded outfield group.

Turner isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Reds, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Turner is just 4-for-24 in his last seven contests, so he'll get a night off to hit the reset button. Edwin Rios is starting at third base and will bat eighth.

McCutchen will sit Monday against the Cardinals.

The Phillies are calling this just a routine day off for McCutchen, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic, but it would hardly be a surprise if he finds himself on the bench more often going forward. His 17.5 percent walk rate remains excellent, but that's just about all that's going well for him at the moment, as he's hitting just .154 and slugging .231. The left-handed Brad Miller, who starts in his place Monday, would make for an obvious platoon partner, but the Phillies aren't expected to go in that direction quite yet.