MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna was not in the starting lineup Sunday against Oakland after leaving Saturday's game with what appeared to be a right hamstring injury. Christian Yelich, who was activated off the disabled list Sunday, started in center field in Ozuna's absence.

Though, Ozuna said his absence was merely precautionary and he expects to play Tuesday against the Phillies.

"They don’t want to lose me for two or three innings," Ozuna said Sunday, per The Miami Herald. "Tuesday I’ll be able to play."

Ozuna is batting .290 (9 for 31) with one double, one home run, four RBI, five runs, two walks and nine strikeouts in his last eight games.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was promoted to Triple-A Fresno Saturday, two days ahead of schedule as he recovers from a broken left thumb.

Belt was expected to go to Fresno Monday, but the team opted to move him up after he impressed at Class A. He will serve as the designated hitter Saturday before moving on to play first base Sunday.

"He feels great so we went ahead and bumped him up," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com.

The Giants are still not committing to a hard timetable for Belt, but MLB.com reports he could be up by this Friday. The team expected Belt to need more time initially, but he could return in time for next weekend's series against the Padres now.

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner is expected to be placed on the disabled list after leaving Saturday's game with a hamstring injury, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Turner pulled up after driving in a run with an RBI double in the second inning, and was replaced at third base. Turner has been a solid contributor for the Dodgers, hitting .297/.354/.424 in 158 at-bats, and it is not yet clear how long this injury will sideline him beyond the trip to the disabled list. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is expected to return from the disabled list Monday barring a setback, and he showed himself to be ready during Saturday's game at Double-A Harrisburg.  

Harper went 4 for 5 Saturday, with three home runs against Akron. He drove in five runs and scored three, in his third rehab game in a row. Harper has been out since late April with a thumb injury, but has been able to play in the outfield during his rehab assignment. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna was forced to leave Saturday's game during the seventh inning, due to what appeared to be an injury to his right leg.

Ozuna flew out to left field in the seventh inning, and then limped back to the dugout grabbing his right hamstring. The team did not provide an immediate update on the injury, so his current status moving forward is not yet known.

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner was forced to leave Saturday's game against the Cardinals, due to an apparent hamstring injury.

Turner drove in one run in the second inning with an RBI double, but pulled up lame, grabbing his left thigh as he reached second base. He was replaced by Juan Uribe at third base, though the extent of the injury is not yet known.

Nationals manager Matt Williams will not reveal how he'll employ his lineup once Bryce Harper returns, according to The Washington Post. 

Williams had previously outlined a situation where Ryan Zimmerman would shift back to third, pushing Danny Espinosa out of the lineup. Harper is expected to see time at all three outfield spots once he returns, which could give Williams more flexibility. It's unclear if Williams will stick with that plan moving forward, or if he has something else up his sleeve. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is in a good spot following Friday's rehab game.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said everything went "great" during the start. Harper could return as early as Monday, so it's promising to see him get through his rehab games without any issues. There's a chance Harper will serve as the designated hitter during a rehab start Saturday.

With how long Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been out, manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com Friday he does not think Belt's minor-league rehab assignment will be a short one.

"He needs at-bats right now. He's missed a lot of time," Bochy said. "Even though he feels good with the hand, it takes a while to find the timing that you're going to need to hit Major League pitching. We're looking for him to get quite a few games down there with the bat."

Belt is working at Class A San Jose through the weekend, and then will report to Triple-A Fresno Monday. Bochy does not think he will have Belt back from the disabled list in time for next weekend's series against the Padres. Belt has been out since May 9 due to a fractured thumb. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna hasn't had a day off since June 12. That is, until Friday night. He is out of the lineup for the game against Oakland.

Ozuna has hit safely in five of his last six games and has been a surprise this season with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in 282 at-bats.