MLB Player News

Cespedes went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Monday's 4-2 win over the Marlins, and manager Mickey Callaway acknowledged after the game that the outfielder has been playing through flu-like symptoms, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. "He feels good enough to play," Callaway said. "He wasn't hesitating ... so he's going to go out there and play."

Cespedes has still been contributing despite being less than 100 percent -- he drove in the winning run in the 12th inning Sunday with a single, and threw out Braxton Lee at second base Monday when the speedy Marlin tried to stretch a single into a double. However, he's now 1-for-15 over the last three games with eight strikeouts, and in fact he's struck out multiple times in five straight contests. DFS players will want to consider shying away from Cespedes until he shows he's shaken off this bug.

Blackmon (back) will return to the lineup Monday against the Padres, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon was removed from Saturday's contest due to a sore back, but he'll ultimately miss just one game as a result of the injury. He's tabbed to bat leadoff and play center field as usual in his return to action.

Winker is absent from the lineup Monday due to an illness, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic Cincinnati reports.

It seemed strange that Winker would sit out given that a right-hander is throwing for Philadelphia and that Scott Schebler (elbow) is on the disabled list, but it appears that the sickness is to blame. The outfield prospect will likely need just a day or two to rest up before returning to the lineup, so consider him day-to-day for now. Phillip Ervin will move into the starting nine to replace him.

Winker is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

Winker projects to play nearly every day for the next week now that Scott Schebler (elbow) is on the disabled list, but the outfield prospect will take a seat for his first off-day since April 1. Phillip Ervin will take over in right field to replace him.

Harper went 3-for-4 with two walks, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Mets.

The slugger already has six homers and 12 RBI through nine games to begin the season, and other teams have noticed -- Harper's also been walked 13 times against only five strikeouts. Staying healthy is always a concern, but if Harper can suit up for 150 or more games this year, something he's only done once in his career so far, a truly historic performance at the plate could be the result.

Belt is not in the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt will open the game on the bench for the third time in the past five games as the Giants draw a matchup with lefty Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. Pablo Sandoval picks up the start at first base in his absence.

Blackmon (back) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Braves, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon will be withheld from the starting lineup after exiting early Saturday with apparent back tightness. It doesn't appear that he's dealing with a serious injury, and the Rockies likely are simply exercising caution with their prized outfielder. Blackmon will remain day-to-day heading into the Monday series opener with the Padres. Mike Tauchman draws the start in center field in his absence.

McCutchen went 6-for-7 with a stolen base, one home run, four RBI, and two runs scored Saturday against the Dodgers.

McCutchen had just two hits entering Saturday's game, but he produced across the board against the Dodgers, including a walkoff three-run homer. He was also successful on his first stolen-base attempt of the season. McCutchen has started slowly in seasons past, and though he's no longer a first-round producer, he should improve from his sluggish start as the season wears on.

Blackmon was removed from Saturday's extra-inning win due to back tightness, Jenny Cavnar of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

It seemed strange that the star center fielder was removed from the game prior to its conclusion, but nothing suggested that he was dealing with an injury. No word has come forth as to how severe the issue is, so consider Blackmon day-to-day for the time being. If Blackmon misses any time due to the injury, Mike Tauchman or Ian Desmond could see some extra starts in the outfield, with the latter option potentially allowing Ryan McMahon to log some time in the starting lineup.

Winker went 1-for-2 with two walks, one run scored and one RBI against the Pirates on Saturday.

With Scott Schebler out, Winker has enjoyed regular playing time leading off and playing right field. He has been impressive, posting a .538 on-base percentage. He still doesn't have any extra-base hits in 18 at-bats, but he has the potential to score plenty of runs with consistent playing time as long as Schebler remains out of the lineup.