MLB Player News

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.

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

He now has a six-game hitting streak going, during which Ozuna is a blistering 11-for-26 (.423). His 0:11 BB:K through eight games isn't ideal, but as long as the 27-year-old is hitting the ball with this much authority when he does make contact, the Cards should be very happy with their big offseason acquisition.

Harper hit his fifth home run of the season in Saturday's loss to the Mets.

Harper's homer was a sixth-inning solo shot off of Hansel Robles. It gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead, which they relinquished the following inning. Harper is on a tear to start the year, with five home runs and a .292/.486/.917 line through his first eight games.

Winker will return to the top of the Reds' order and play right field against Pittsburgh on Friday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Winker will hit out of the leadoff position for the fourth time this season, which is where he will typically be located when the club faces a right-hander. Expect to see Billy Hamilton hitting first versus southpaws. Through the first week of the year, Winker has gone 2-for-11 with five walks and five strikeouts.

Cespedes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk in Thursday's win over the Nationals.

Cespedes' hot start to the season continues. The slugger has now connected on three homers and driven in seven through the first six games of the campaign. He should continue to produce while hitting in the middle of the Mets' lineup so long as he stays healthy.