MLB Player News

Cespedes has been quicker to the ball the last two games due to a shortened back swing, the New York Post reports.

After struggling to start the season, Cespedes is 4-for-8 with a home run and three runs batted in over his last two games. The shortened take-back to the ball enables him to get into and through the hitting zone quicker. In addition, after striking out seven times his first 16 at-bats, he has zero these last two contests.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

Trayce Thompson will take Pederson's spot in center field Tuesday with left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound for Arizona. The sheer volume of injuries to Dodger outfielders should ensure that Pederson sees regular playing time, but he's still more likely than not to be left out of the lineup when LA faces a left-handed starter.

Stanton popped a two-run homer against starter Steven Matz as part of Monday's 10-3 victory.

Stanton's long homer to center field sent Matz to the showers before he could even get out of the second inning, capping a seven-run frame for the Marlins. It was the slugger's second home run of the season, and he also added a walk. Slashing .286/.333/.571 through the season first five games, Stanton is primed for another monster year batting out of the cleanup spot in Miami.

Ozuna cranked a solo home run Monday, his first of the season, while going 2-for-6 in a win over the Mets.

The Marlins' offense jumped all over Mets starter Steven Matz, but Ozuna waited until the sixth inning to pile on with a home run off of lefty Antonio Bastardo. After ripping his way through spring training, Ozuna's bat has cooled considerably over the opening week and he's got just four hits in 24 at-bats so far this season (.167/.200/.333). Despite the sluggish start to the season, Ozuna has stuck in the No. 2 spot in the order, a great sign for his potential to produce throughout the season.

Harper went 0-for-3 against the Braves on Monday, but drew two walks, stole two bases and scored a run.

He now has three steals through five games. The Nationals ran wild in spring training under the guidance of new first base coach Davey Lopes, and that aggressive style on the basepaths surfaced again Monday, as Harper and Michael Taylor each stole two bases. Harper's previous career high is 18, set as a rookie in 2012, but it looks like he's poised to top that, perhaps by a significant margin.

Belt went yard for the first time in 2016 Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers.

It had been a bit of a slow start for the recently re-signed first baseman, but Sunday's performance got his slash lines closer to where they should be (.292/.433/.542). Health has usually been the main reason for Belt falling short of expectations, so if he can stay healthy, he could finally put together the fantasy-friendly season we have all been waiting for.

Harper went 2-for-3 Sunday with a walk, two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.

The doubles were the 99th and 100th of his short career, and Harper now boasts a ridiculous .385/.556/1.000 slash line through his first 13 at-bats. Assuming the weather in DC cooperates, he may not slow down when the Nats host the rebuilding Braves for a four-game series beginning Monday.

Carpenter went 1-for-4 Sunday with two runs scored and a three-run shot, his first home run of the season.

After a slow start to the season, Carpenter took advantage of the weak Braves pitching staff and collected four hits, four RBI and three runs scored in three games at Turner Field. He'll try to keep his momentum going when the Cards host the Brewers for a three-game series beginning Monday.

Cespedes went 2-for-4 in Sunday's loss to the Phillies with a two-run shot, his first homer of the season.

He'd been off to a slow start, striking out seven times in his first 16 at-bats, but it was only a matter of time before Cespedes began finding his swing. He'll look to build on this performance when the Mets host the Marlins for a three-game set beginning Monday.

Cespedes went 0-fo-4 with three strikeouts Saturday and started to hear boo-birds at Citi Field.

Following a hot spring, Cespedes has struggled to open the season. He is just 2-for-16 with seven strikeouts and has not yet driven in a run this year. Cespedes hot spring is but a memory, as he continues to swing at fastballs out of the zone. In addition, he showed his disdain for playing in cold weather, saying after the game, "This is not a time to be playing baseball. This is a time to be home asleep."