MLB Player News

Harper went 1-for-4 with two walks, a solo home run and a second run scored in Monday's loss to the Braves.

It was his first homer since May 26 and 16th of the season. Harper cooled down somewhat in the second half of May and hasn't yet fully rebounded, but his .273/.390/.455 slash line so far in June would still be impressive for almost any other player. Expect the 24-year-old to go on another home run binge at any time.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run during Monday's win over Colorado.

McCutchen has gone 24-for-61 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 15 runs and a 1.119 OPS in 17 games since being bumped down the lineup. He's now hit sixth in each of the past 16 outings, and the demotion has been beneficial for the veteran. He's proven capable of posting huge numbers over prolonged hot stretches in the past, and he's already increased his batting average 51 points during this 17-game stretch.

Cespedes (heel) said after Monday's game that he thinks he can play Tuesday against the Cubs, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The good news continues to roll in after Cespedes was forced to leave Monday's game after the fifth inning with heel soreness. Not only did Cespedes not aggravate his old hamstring injury, but the heel problem doesn't look severe enough to force him to miss any time.

Cespedes left Monday's game with left heel soreness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Given the fear that Cespedes had left the game over aggravation of the hamstring injury that cost him more than a month earlier this season, this should be considered good news. The cause and severity of the injury are still unclear, but Cespedes should still be considered day-to-day for now.

Cespedes left Monday's game against the Cubs in the sixth inning for undisclosed reasons, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The obvious question is whether Cespedes aggravated the hamstring injury that has already cost him so much time this season: Cespedes missed 38 games from April 28 to June 9 with that ailment. It appeared that he was struggling to run at full speed when on the bases before the fifth inning, and he was replaced in the outfield by the sixth. Consider him day-to-day until the Mets' doctors are able to examine him and answer that question for sure.

Belt is out of the lineup Sunday against the Twins, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt was in need of a break after starting 22 consecutive games, so manager Bruce Bochy decided that giving the first baseman the day off Sunday was most optimal with the Giants off the schedule Monday. Buster Posey will get a day off behind the plate and instead assume Belt's usual spot in the field.

Stanton (wrist) is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Athletics and may be available to pinch hit Sunday against the Pirates, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

This is great news for the Marlins and Stanton owners alike, as it sounds like the slugger's wrist injury will not cause him to miss extended time. The star left fielder will bring his 16 homers and 42 RBI back to the heart of the Marlins' lineup Tuesday.

Cespedes is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Braves.

Cespedes blasted a grand slam during the first game of Saturday's doubleheader but was relegated to the bench for the second game. The Mets will continue to be cautious with their prized left fielder as he will get the day off Sunday as well. Matt Ehalt of The Record reports that Cespedes is available off the bench Sunday and is expected to start on Monday and Tuesday. Michael Conforto draws the start in left field with Juan Lagares taking over in center field.

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

Stanton was lifted early from Saturday's contest after being struck on the wrist by a fastball in the first inning. X-rays came back negative, but the team has opted to give the slugger a day of rest Sunday. The Marlins are off on Monday, so Stanton could be able to rejoin the lineup Tuesday against the Athletics. Ichiro Suzuki will cover right field in his stead.

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI doubles against Miami on Saturday. McCutchen is batting .392/.484/.647 in 62 plate appearances, starting with his move from the third spot to sixth in the lineup May 26.

McCutchen compiled a 17:35 BB:K in his first 44 games but has improved to 9:14 since moving down in the order. He's raised his batting average 44 points (.203 to .247) with his recent hot stretch -- 47 if you include his 1-for-2 performance off the bench May 24.