MLB Player News

Turner (wrist) won't begin a rehab assignment over the coming weekend, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Turner's condition has steadily improved, as he recently reached the point that he was hitting off a tee. The Dodgers will be cautious with Turner and hold off on sending him on a rehab assignment until they're certain that he's ready. While it's not out of the question for Turner to return around the middle of May, he'll need to play in a few minor-league games before joining the big club.

Winker is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Winker's absence from the lineup is baffling, as the Reds are facing a right-hander in Chase Anderson and Winker is batting .305 with a team-best .414 on-base percentage this season (yes, even better than Joey Votto's mark). Unfortunately, it seems interim manager Jim Riggleman will continue with this outfield rotation for the time being instead of seeing what Winker can do with everyday playing time.

Cespedes is in the lineup Tuesday against the Braves, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Cespedes won't end up missing a single start with the thumb injury he suffered Sunday against the Padres. He'll bat third and play left field. The veteran slugger has seen his strikeout rate double this year, jumping from 19 percent last season to 38.1 percent. The strikeouts have killed his batting average, which sits at just .233 after being .280 or above in each of the last three seasons.

Harper has been bumped up to the leadoff spot Tuesday against the Pirates.

It's the first time Harper has hit anywhere other than third this season and the first time he's led off since 2013. Harper is certainly an unconventional leadoff hitter given his immense power, but his .458 on-base percentage is excellent for a table-setter. If Harper starts leading off on a regular basis, he'd trade RBI for runs, a largely neutral move for fantasy purposes, though his total number of plate appearances would increase, giving him more chances to hit home runs.

Cespedes (thumb) is on track to play Tuesday against the Braves, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes' thumb injury wasn't considered particularly serious, but he was expected to miss at least a few games. He may not end up missing a single one, though, as the issue appears to be even less serious than the Mets originally thought. His thumb became sore Saturday after he slid into third base and was removed from the game, but the Mets' off day Monday may end up being the only rest he needed.

Turner (wrist) hit off a tee Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Turner has continued making progress recovering from the broken wrist that he suffered during spring training. The team indicated that if he continues improving as he has been, it's not out of question for him to return by mid-May, although a more definitive timeframe should come into focus when Turner begins a rehab assignment.

Pederson came off the bench and went 1-for-1 with an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

Pederson entered the contest once the left-handed Ty Blach was removed from the game. Yasiel Puig (ankle) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, so Pederson could see an increase in playing time against right-handed starters. Alex Verdugo was called up this weekend, which could provide a roadblock to regular starts for the slugging outfielder. Monday's starting lineup should shed light on which of the two left-handed bats will receive the short boost in value, with the Diamondbacks slated to start three righties in the first three games of their upcoming four-game set with the Dodgers.

Belt went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Dodgers.

Belt has been swinging a hot bat all year, and he's now reached base safely in 12 straight. The lefty sports a terrific 1.011 OPS to go along with a .313 average, and his six homers already have him well on his way to topping last year's career-best 18.

Cespedes believes he'll miss three days due to his left thumb injury, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Cespedes didn't seem too concerned about his injury after X-rays on his thumb came back negative Sunday, but he did estimate that he'd have to sit out a few days. It's unclear if he was referring to missing three games or simply missing three days, but the Mets are off Monday, so he could return Thursday if his initial estimates are correct. Consider him a true day-to-day case, though the results of his Monday MRI should shed more light on his situation.

Cespedes was diagnosed with a sore left thumb after leaving Sunday's game against the Padres, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets didn't give any indication that Cespedes suffered a serious injury, so consider him day-to-day for now. However, due to his history with injuries, Cespedes could be withheld from the lineup for a day or two as a precautionary measure. X-rays on his thumb came back negative, but he'll undergo further testing in New York on Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. If he has to miss time, expect Juan Lagares or Brandon Nimmo to start in left field.