MLB Player News

Harper went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base Wednesday against New York.

Harper plated a run in the first inning on a single, and the Nationals wouldn't look back as they took the series finale versus the Mets. He finished July hitting .235 with five homers and 15 RBI through 24 games, so he'll look to improve his batting average over the last two months of the season. Harper owns a career .278 average.

Turner (groin) is expected to return from the 10-day disabled list Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Turner landed on the disabled list July 23 with a right groin strain, but he'll come off the shelf after missing the minimum. He figures to resume his role as the everyday third baseman, even with the additions of Manny Machado and Brian Dozier.

Buxton was put on the 7-day disabled list at Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday due to a left wrist strain, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

On Monday, Buxton suffered a recurrence of the wrist injury that initially put him on the shelf in the middle of July. It doesn't appear as though he sustained any sort of structural damage, but don't expect the Twins to rush him back into action at Rochester until he's fully healthy.

Cespedes will undergo a procedure to removed bone calcification in his right heel Thursday.

This marks the first of two surgeries for Cespedes, with the other coming 2-to-3 months from now on the opposite heel. Thursday's procedure will be handled by Dr. Robert Anderson.

Ohtani is not starting Wednesday against the Rays.

Ohtani will sit for the second time in three games. Mike Trout will get a break from fielding and serve as the Angels' designated hitter, with Eric Young taking Trout's typical center field spot.

Brantley is not in the lineup against Minnesota on Wednesday.

Brantley will take a seat for Wednesday's matinee with southpaw Adalberto Mejia on the mound for the Twins. Manager Terry Francona will trot out an outfield of Melky Cabrera, Rajai Davis and Brandon Guyer. Look for Brantley to return to the lineup for Friday's series opener versus the Angels.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Turner (groin) could return from the disabled list as soon as he is eligible Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Roberts added that Turner's activation could come Friday or Saturday, but the projected return window is a positive sign for his fantasy owners. The veteran third baseman's production has been hampered by multiple injuries and corresponding trips to the DL, but he was showing signs of life at the plate (.304/.418/.482) over 15 starts before injuring his groin July 12. The Dodgers' recent acquisitions of Manny Machado and Brian Dozier will allow the club to give Turner some extra rest down the stretch, but he figures to see the lion's share of starts at the hot corner once he returns to full health.

Harper went 2-for-4 with three runs, two RBI and a walk in Tuesday's 25-4 win over the Nationals.

After staying put in Washington following Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline, Harper delivered his fourth multi-hit performance of July. He needed only five innings to achieve the feat, as he was lifted in the top of the sixth inning with the Nationals already leading 19-0. Harper has a .223/.371/.479 slash line with 25 home runs, eight steals and 85 walks this season.

Canha went 2-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays.

Canha literally stole a run in the third inning, going home on a double-steal for his first stolen base of the season. The 29-year-old enjoyed a strong month, slashing .291/.360/.494 in July to raise his line on the year to .264/.338/.475 -- all of which would mark career bests.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Rockies.

Carpenter hit a leadoff homer -- his 26th of the year -- and later drove in a run via a sacrifice fly. Carpenter had an excellent July, hitting .333 with 11 homers, 21 RBI and 22 runs scored. The 32-year-old also has 31 doubles on the season and his .575 slugging percentage is tied for eighth in the majors.