MLB Player News

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 4-3 loss to Boston.

McCutchen is off to a mediocre start with just three runs, the home run, three RBI and a .250/.308/.361 slash line, and it's mildly concerning after he posted the worst campaign of his career in 2016. Still, McCutchen is locked into the heart of the order and deserves the benefit of the doubt considering his elite fantasy track record. It just might be unrealistic to expect him to fully rebound to his MVP level of production, especially since the 30-year-old outfielder is probably nearing the end of his offensive prime.

Belt went 0-for-3 at the plate Wednesday, but he reached based twice via walks and scored once in a win over Arizona.

The veteran continues to bat second and provide fantasy owners with solid counting stats early on (seven runs, three home runs, seven RBI and a steal). Belt's batting average (.184) is the only unsavory part of his stat line, but the career-.271 hitter will get that up sooner rather than later.

Pederson is not in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

With Trayce Thompson returning to the major leagues, Pederson may see more bench time against left-handed starters, as is the case Thursday with the Cubs sending former Dodgers southpaw Brett Anderson to the hill.

Turner (quad) is back in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, batting third and playing third base, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Turner returns to action after a quadriceps issue knocked him out of Tuesday's game. He only missed Wednesday and will resume occupying his spot in the heart or middle of the Dodgers' order.

Winker is hitting .308/.424/.385 with two doubles and a 4:6 K:BB in 26 at-bats for Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds can call Winker up after Friday and gain an extra year of control, and while he is 0-for-2 on stolen-base attempts and has yet to leave the yard, he is getting on base at an elite clip through seven games in the International League. Meanwhile, Scott Schebler is hitting .179/.303/.464 with a pair of home runs and an impressive 5:4 K:BB in 33 plate appearances for the big-league club. Schebler has been the victim of a .143 BABIP, and has likely done enough to earn a longer look before the Reds promote their top outfield prospect.

Cespedes went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Phillies.

After slugging three homers Tuesday, Cespedes wasn't quite done abusing Phillies pitching before the Mets left town. The extra-base outburst has now pushed his slash line up to .265/.350/.706 with four homers, eight RBI and seven runs scored through nine games.

Turner (quadriceps) entered the game as a pinch hitter Wednesday against the Cubs and recorded a groundout to second.

Turner stepped in for Joc Pederson in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game, showing that he is both available off the bench and nearing a return to the lineup. Look for Turner's bat back in the lineup when the Dodgers wrap up their series against Brett Anderson and the Cubs on Thursday afternoon. The 32-year-old is already 6-for-17 with three doubles against left-handed pitching this season.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with a walk and a pair of two-run home runs in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Braves.

The long balls were his first of the season, but it was only a matter of time before Stanton began putting souvenirs in the seats. The right fielder is now slashing .290/.371/.517 through eight games, and given his track record, Wednesday's outburst could be the beginning of a homer barrage.

Manager Dave Roberts said he expects to have Turner (quadriceps) back in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports reports.

Turner is reportedly feeling much better, and should even be available off the bench Wednesday should the Dodgers need a pinch hitter. The 32-year-old is 10-for-28 with five doubles and a stolen base through seven games this year. He'll reclaim his spot at the hot corner once he's able to return.

Turner (quad) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Despite benefiting from the Dodgers being off the schedule Tuesday, Turner wasn't able to get over the quad injury in time to enter the lineup for the second game of the team's series with the Cubs. The Dodgers haven't indicated that a stint on the disabled list is imminent for Turner, but his absence Wednesday will nonetheless open up a start at second base for Chase Utley, while Logan Forsythe moves over to cover third base for Turner.