MLB Player News

Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI in Monday's win over the Dodgers.

Blackmon is having a fantastic August, with 18 of his 38 hits this month having gone for extra bases. Colorado's leadoff man is especially dangerous at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, which means he should be able to pad his stats further during the rest of this nine-game homestand after playing six straight on the road.

Cespedes went 3-for-5 with a walk-off home run in Monday's win against the Marlins.

Since being activated from the disabled list August 19, Cespedes has five home runs and nine RBI in nine games. Cespedes now has 27 home runs and 68 RBI for the season. After a miraculous stretch run a season ago, Cespedes could be primed for a repeat performance as the Mets try to secure a Wild Card spot.

Turner is out of the lineup Monday against the Rockies, Andy McCullough of the LA Times reports.

Turner will have the night off as Rob Segedin gets the nod to start at the hot corner. Turner has had a tough time at the plate lately and has gone just 1-for-17 (.059) over his last four games.

Cespedes (quad) is back in the lineup Monday against the Marlins, Steve Gelbs of SNY TV reports.

Tightness in his quad kept Cespedes out of Sunday's lineup, but the issue is not considered serious, and the slugger will return to action Monday. Since returning from the DL on August 19, Cespedes is 11-for-31 (.355) at the plate with two doubles, four home runs and eight RBI.

Belt (neck) returned to the lineup Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a walk, a triple, an RBI and a pair of runs scored in a win over Atlanta.

Belt was scratched from Saturday's lineup with a stiff neck. His presence in Sunday's lineup and production at the plate indicates that the injury wasn't anything to worry about. Belt isn't your traditional slugging first baseman, but his 66 RBI and .390 OBP have provided good value as a first baseman in deeper leagues and a corner infielder in standard formats.

Carpenter went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a solo homer and three runs Sunday against the Athletics.

Carpenter has struggled to produce runs for the Cardinals lately, as he's only posted three RBI since August 9. Despite the recent struggles, his 17th homer of the year raised his slugging percentage to .540, which is easily the best number of his six-year career.

Stanton (groin) could return to the Marlins for the last week of the season if his rehab goes "absolutely perfect," Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

The news gives the Marlins a sliver of optimism that Stanton might be back to full health by the time the Marlins begin a potential playoff series, but for fantasy purposes, it's probably best for those in most single-season leagues to cut bait with the slugger in exchange for a healthier player. Since Stanton has yet to resume baseball activities, we're still likely a week or more away from learning if the 26-year-old will even have a shot at meeting a best-case scenario for his return timetable.

Pederson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs.

With a southpaw taking the mound for Chicago, Pederson will head to the bench while Enrique Hernandez starts in center field. Pederson will likely return to action Monday, as Jon Gray is slated to pitch for the Rockies.

Belt (neck) is in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta, Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News Group reports.

Fortunately, Belt's neck stiffness wasn't anything too serious, as he's back in action Sunday. He'll hit fifth as the Giants take on the struggling Aaron Blair and the Braves.

Dickerson was a late addition to the lineup Sunday against the Marlins. He'll start in left field and bat in the cleanup spot.

Dickerson was initially set to receive the day off in the series finale, but after Wil Myers came down with a stomach virus prior to game time, another player was needed to reenter the lineup. With Myers sitting, Yangervis Solarte will cover first base while Adam Rosales starts at the hot corner, thereby opening up left field for Dickerson.