MLB Player News

Cespedes (leg) is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Some thought that Cespedes would make a return to the starting lineup Wednesday, especially after blasting a pinch-hit three-run home run in Tuesday's game, but he'll take another day off to rest his leg. The outfielder does expect to return to the lineup Friday, though. Juan Lagares will play center field in his place once again.

Soler is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers.

Soler has gotten two hits since April 17, so a day off could give him enough time to rest and get back on track. Kris Bryant will shift into left field to replace him, with Tommy La Stella filling in at third base for Bryant.

Stanton hit his sixth home run, a three-run shot in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers.

Stanton now has three home runs in three days, and this one may have been the sweetest, a three-run blast off Clayton Kershaw that proved to be a game-winner. Stanton's latest stretch shows that a slow start for power hitters is often nothing to worry about -- in the past three days he has increased his slugging percentage from .368 all the way to .536.

McCutchen slammed three home runs as part of a 3-for-5 game with five RBI in Tuesday's win over the Rockies.

Whether it was Monday's day off or a chance to hit at Coors Field, something woke up McCutchen's bat in a big way. McCutchen entered Tuesday with a brutal .213/.337/.347 line and exited hitting .238/.351/.475. With a player as talented as McCutchen, we knew it was just a matter of time until he figured it out. McCutchen has posted at least a .290 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .480 slugging percentage in each of the past four seasons.

Harper went 1-for-2 with three walks and an RBI against the Phillies on Tuesday.

Harper saw 27 pitches, and was still able to do damage with an RBI single in the fifth inning despite being pitched around for most of the night. Expect the league's most dangerous hitter to get similar treatment often moving forward, as the difference between his league-leading .844 slugging percentage and second-place Jeremy Hazelbaker's .714 mark is the same as that between Hazelbaker and 19th place.

Cespedes (leg), in his first at-bat in four games, hit a laser to left for a pinch-hit, three-run home run to tie the game for the Mets on Tuesday.

Cespedes is to return to the starting lineup Wednesday and got a jumpstart by getting an at-bat Tuesday, The ball's apex was just 47 feet, which is the second lowest in baseball this year for a home run. After a slow start, Cespedes is up to six home runs and 17 runs batted in.

Manager Terry Collins expects Cespedes (leg) to return to the lineup Wednesday, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Cespedes will sit out Tuesday for the fourth straight game, but it sounds like that could be the extent of his absence. The Mets' release of their lineup for Wednesday's game figures to ultimately reveal whether Cespedes will return to action or not.

Belt reached base three times via the walk and scored two runs in Monday's win over San Diego.

While an 0-for-1 day at the plate doesn't sound appealing from a fantasy perspective, Belt definitely delivered for those in OBP leagues. He continues to exhibit excellent patience as evidenced by an on-base percentage (.386) over 100 points higher than his batting average (.275). With three homers and 11 RBI to compliment his excellent on-base skills, Belt is on his way to a productive year as long as he can stay healthy.

Cespedes (leg) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds.

Tuesday marks the fourth consecutive game that Cespedes has been sidelined for due to a troublesome leg bruise that had to be drained Monday. Juan Lagares will remain as the starting center fielder while Michael Conforto will bat out of the cleanup spot. There is still no word on when Cespedes will be able to get back on the field, but he is listed as day-to-day for the time being.

Harper is back in the lineup Tuesday, batting third against the Phillies.

After receiving his first day off of the season Sunday, Harper will be back in his usual spot in the lineup for the Nationals' series opener against Philadelphia, batting third. The 23-year-old superstar is off to a tremendous start this season, slashing .323//405/.855 with nine home runs and 23 RBI. He'll be facing Philadelphia right-hander Vince Velasquez on Tuesday.