MLB Player News

Carpenter went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in the Cardinals' 12-5 win over the Reds on Friday.

Carpenter's ridiculous second half just keeps on rolling, as he mashed his 35th homer of the season with this second-inning blast off Homer Bailey. The 32-year-old is now boasting a phenomenal .274/.387/.579 slash line and this hot streak has persisted long enough now that he's giving little reason to think he won't keep mashing through the rest of the season.

Harper (illness) is starting in center field and batting third against the Brewers on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Harper was held out of Wednesday's lineup due to a minor illness, though he was able to enter the game as a pinch hitter. As expected, he will be back in the starting nine for the beginning of a three-game set versus Milwaukee. During 27 games in August, he's slashed .337/.409/.582 with five home runs and 20 RBI.

Ozuna (shoulder) took batting practice in the indoor cage Thursday and remains on track to be activated from the disabled list this weekend, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Shildt added that Ozuna felt "really really good" about the session, which represents his latest step toward a return. The veteran outfielder has been sidelined with right shoulder inflammation since Aug. 22, but it appears the cortisone shot he took several days ago has had its intended effect.

Reyes went 2-for-2 with a solo home run Thursday against the Rockies.

Reyes came off the bench in the 11th inning to play right field, though his biggest contribution was his walk-off blast in the 13th inning. He has gotten significant playing time -- Thursday ended his streak of nine consecutive starts -- and he has taken advantage by smacking six home runs in August. He now has 12 total home runs on the season and a .506 slugging percentage through 166 at-bats, leaving little doubt that he has plenty of power upside.

McCutchen is expected to be traded from the Giants to the Yankees in exchange for two minor-league prospects, although the deal has yet to be finalized, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The trade hasn't been made official, but both teams are nearing an agreement. The Giants owe McCutchen around $2.5 million yet this season, so the Yankees would have to be willing to absorb the remainder of his contract.

Reyes is not in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies.

Reyes will head to the bench for a breather after starting nine straight games, slashing an impressive .364/.500/.682 with two homers over that stretch. Travis Jankowski is starting in right field and leading off in this one.

Pederson is not in the lineup Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Pederson will take his usual seat on the bench with a left-hander in Robbie Ray starting for the opposition. Chris Taylor will man center field and hit sixth in his stead.

Carpenter (illness) is back in Thursday's lineup at third base for the series finale against Pittsburgh.

Carpenter won't miss any additional time after leaving Wednesday's contest due to nausea in the fourth inning. Dating back to the start of the second half, Carpenter has hit .299/.417/.681 with 15 home runs and 28 RBI. With Jedd Gyorko (groin) on the DL, look for Carpenter to receive a few starts at the hot corner in order to get Matt Adams in the lineup.

Carpenter exited Wednesday's game against the Pirates due to nausea.

Carpenter walked in both of his plate appearances before exiting in the fourth inning. Matt Adams took over at first base. Carpenter should be considered day-to-day.

Pederson is out of the lineup versus Texas on Wednesday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Pederson will hit the bench with lefty Mike Minor on the mound for the opposition. Matt Kemp, Enrique Hernandez and Yasiel Puig will serve as the Dodgers' starting outfielders.