MLB Player News

McCutchen is not in the starting lineup Monday night against the Rockies, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

It's McCutchen's first day off of the 2016 season. Starling Marte will slide over to play center field while Matt Joyce draws into the lineup and hits second against Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis.

Cespedes had fluid drained from his leg Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Collins reiterated that Cespedes would not be available in Monday's matchup with the Reds and will remain day-to-day for the time being. His status for the Mets' current series with Cincinnati is up in the air at this point.

Cespedes (leg) is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Reds.

With Cespedes on the bench to begin Monday's game, Alejandro de Aza is drawing another start in center field and batting seventh for the Mets on Monday. Cespedes remains day-to-day with the ailment.

Harper was not in the starting lineup Sunday, but pinch hit in the ninth and launched a solo shot to send the game into extra innings, his ninth home run of the season.

His 2016 season is looking more and more like a sequel to The Natural every day. Harper now sports an utterly ridiculous .323/.405/.855 slash line through 62 at-bats, and has more walks (10) and just as many homers (nine) as strikeouts.

McCutchen went 1-for-6 with four strikeouts Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

He's struggling right now, with opposing pitchers challenging him with 92-mph fastballs -- and winning. McCutchen has whiffed 19 times in his last 12 games and has just six extra-base hits in 89 at-bats in 2016. Manager Clint Hurdle has started him in each of the team's first 19 games, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him get a day off in the near future. That said, Monday begins a four-game set in hitter-friendly Colorado, which could be the perfect tonic for McCutchen's slump.

Stanton went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk Sunday at the Giants.

Stanton's fourth blast of the season gave the Marlins an early lead in a game they'd eventually win. After going hitless in his last 12 at-bats, hopefully the multi-hit effort will launch him onto a hot streak. April has been a bit of a struggle for the slugger, as his slash line sits at .230/.324/.443.

Cespedes stated Sunday that his right leg feels "way better," and "maybe" he'll be a part of the lineup Monday against the Reds, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

An aggravation of Cespedes' bruised right leg forced back-to-back absences to conclude the weekend series in Atlanta, but rest appears to have been what the doctor ordered. On the other hand, manager Terry Collins will have the final word on Cespedes' availability, so expect some clarification in advance of the 7:10 PM ET first pitch.

Manager Dave Roberts expects Turner (toe) to play Monday, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Turner was held out of Sunday's lineup for the second straight game as a precaution, but the Dodgers anticipate his bruised big toe having enough time to heal before Monday. It sounds like all signs are pointing to a return, but be sure to check back to confirm prior to Monday's lineup lock.

Blackmon (toe) was able to participate in outfield drills and take batting practice Saturday, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.

Blackmon wore turf shoes for the aforementioned drills, but is expected to give them a try with normal spikes Sunday. In a best-case scenario, progress on that front would be encouraging enough for him to begin a brief rehab stint early this week, which could open the door for him to return for the weekend series against the Diamondbacks. With a return date uncertain, however, the outfielder isn't necessarily a guarantee for weekly lineups that lock Monday.

Belt is not in the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Belt typically sits against lefties, and Sunday will be no different, as the Marlins will send southpaw Adam Conley to the hill. In his stead, Buster Posey will move from behind the plate to first base, allowing Trevor Brown to get the starting nod at catcher.