MLB Player News

Harper (knee) took batting practice on the field for the first time Sunday and is hoping to return for Game 1 of the NLDS, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

The timetable for Harper remained unclear to this point, but it appears the star right fielder is just aiming to be ready by the time the postseason rolls around. It makes sense for him to take his recovery slow with the Nationals having already clinched a playoff berth, but an absence through the remainder of the regular season would have a monumental impact during the stretch run of the fantasy season.

Stanton is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Manager Don Mattingly will give Stanton the day off for the second time in the past four games as the Marlins close out their weekend series against the Brewers. Ichiro Suzuki will take over in right field and bat eighth in his stead.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a double, a three-run homer, four RBI and two runs scored during Saturday's win over San Diego.

After receiving a breather Friday, Blackmon returned to the lineup with a bang Saturday. He's now up to 35 homers, 93 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 131 runs with a .333/.398/.612 slash line for the season. It's definitely worth noting the impact Coors Field provides, though, as Blackmon sports a mediocre .792 OPS on the road.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Saturday against the Cubs.

Carpenter crushed his 20th bomb of the season to put the Cardinals on the board in the eighth inning of a road loss. He's not quite the fantasy star he was a few years ago, but his power makes him an interesting option in leagues that allow for daily lineup changes.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Reds.

McCutchen blasted his 26th homer of the season in the ninth inning to pull the Pirates within a single run in a losing effort. He's left the yard in three of his last five games, and could be starting a hot streak that could be extremely helpful to fantasy owners during the most important part of the season.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Pirates.

Winker broke open a scoreless tie in the seventh inning when he launched his sixth home run of the campaign off Ivan Nova to help lead the Reds to a home victory. Although he's hit two home runs over his last five games, he's collected just three hits during that span and his low batting average is difficult to trade off for his power potential.

Martinez (neck) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Giants.

A bout of neck stiffness resulted in Martinez's scratch from Friday's lineup, but apparently the discomfort has already subsided. He's batting fifth against lefty Madison Bumgarner and Martinez has absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching this season (.402/.485/.939). Martinez is tied for third overall in home runs this year with 39 despite missing nearly six weeks at the start of the season with a foot injury.

Turner went 1-for-5 with a solo homer Friday against the Nationals.

Turner blasted his 20th homer of the season to give the Dodgers a first-inning lead they'd never relinquish. He's hit safely in all but two games this month, and he's been an elite fantasy option over the course of the season, as evidenced by his .325/.416/.539 slash line.

Martinez was scratched from Friday's game against the Giants with left neck stiffness.

At this point, it doesn't sound like the injury is serious. Consider Martinez day-to-day until the club provides a further update to his status. Martinez was replaced in the outfield by Gregor Blanco.

Blackmon is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres, Jenny Cavnar of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

Blackmon tallied just one hit in 18 at-bats over his last five games, so manager Bud Black decided it was time to give him his first day off since June 17 -- a span of 76 games. Ian Desmond will man center field Friday in Blackmon's place.