MLB Player News

Belt went 2-for-5 with a triple, a solo homer and two runs in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

it's nice to see Belt go yard early, but we'll need to see more before raising expectations; after all, this is a first baseman who's topped out at 18 homers to this point in his career. Belt's plate discipline is impressive, and it could ultimately result in some borderline-elite batting averages; that seems more likely than a sudden power spike in his late 20s, although such a thing can't be ruled out.

Jimenez (shoulder) isn't expected to come off the minor-league DL for another two-to-three weeks, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Jimenez, the Cubs' top prospect, was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right shoulder during spring training and is still recuperating. While he hasn't experienced any notable setbacks in his recovery since succumbing to the injury three weeks ago, it may take a little time before Jimenez is cleared to ramp up his activity and play in games. Once he's formally given the green light to return, Jimenez is expected to report to High-A Myrtle Beach after he tore up the Midwest League in 2016 as a 19-year-old.

Manager Dave Roberts noted Tuesday that Pederson will see more playing time against left-handed pitchers in 2017 than he did during the 2016 season, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This is very positive news for Pederson and his fantasy owners, as the center fielder's strict platoon really diminished his overall fantasy impact in 2016. Though he'll still likely sit a fair amount against lefties, the vote of confidence from his manager is an encouraging sign. Enrique Hernandez is starting over Pederson on Tuesday against left-hander Clayton Richard.

Pederson is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Padres.

With lefty Clayton Richard toeing the rubber for San Diego, Pederson will give way to Enrique Hernandez in center field. Pederson launched a grand slam on Opening Day, but he hit just .125/.250/.219 against left-handed pitching last season. It seems the 24-year-old will remain stuck in a rather strict platoon for the time being.

Turner went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 14-3 win over the Padres.

Turner picked up right where he left off after posting career-high counting stats across the board last season. The 32-year-old batted third for manager Dave Roberts on Monday, sandwiched favorably between Corey Seager and Adrian Gonzalez. If that lineup configuration holds all season, the third baseman should be in a great position to meet last year's marks of 79 runs and 90 RBI while providing a solid batting average.

McCutchen went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the season opener Monday in Boston.

The outfielder, who batted third after trying out the two-hole last season, stranded four baserunners. In addition, he misplayed a pair of balls in his new position, right field. It's only one game, but the former NL MVP isn't off to a promising start.

Pederson finished 1-for-3 with a home run, five RBI and a walk during Monday's 14-3 win over the Padres.

Pederson got his team on the board with a sacrifice fly in the first and broke the game open with a grand slam down the right-field line an inning later. He homered 25 times in just 408 at-bats last season and will look to continue bringing the thunder in the middle of the Dodgers' lineup in 2017.

Harper went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Monday's Opening Day win over the Marlins.

Harper now has five homers in his first five Opening Day contests, which gives him the most Opening Day blasts in MLB history for a player by the age of 24. Following a 2015 campaign in which he tallied 42 home runs, fantasy owners couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed with Harper's 24 bombs last season. However, after dropping the hammer eight times over 58 at-bats this spring, then demonstrating his muscle in Monday's opener, Harper appears intent on returning to the game's elite tier of power hitters.

Dickerson (back) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday.

The Padres made a number of roster moves to boil the roster down to 25 men Saturday and one of those transactions was officially placing Dickerson on the DL. The left fielder is recovering from a protruding disc in his back that was diagnosed in mid-March and carries a 3-4 week recovery time. Once Dickerson resumes baseball activities, there should be a clearer picture as to when he'll be able to return.

Torrens will be retained on the 25-man roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Torrens -- a Rule 5 draft pick -- likely made the cut just so that the club could retain his rights. The 21-year-old's current value resides in his defensive abilities, but he will find it hard to see very many at-bats as the third catcher on the depth chart. The club obviously believes in his long-term potential, but fantasy owners can ignore the young catcher this season.