MLB Player News

The Indians are aiming to get Brantley (ankle) into a game this weekend, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This is a bit surprising, as Brantley just resumed light jogging Wednesday following a prolonged shutdown period. Regardless, the team seems to think Brantley can progress enough in the coming days to get back onto the field and make his case for a spot on the ALDS roster. Brantley has battled ankle issues throughout the season after missing nearly all of last year due to shoulder troubles.

Cabrera (back) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Royals.

Having been eliminated from playoff contention, the Tigers have no need to take any chances with Cabrera, who's dealing with two herniated discs in his back. They've yet to indicate whether or not they plan on having Cabrera return before the season comes to an end, so consider him day-to-day until further notice. Efren Navarro will start at first base and hit sixth Wednesday.

Brantley (ankle) participated in jogging exercises Wednesday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

A week ago, Brantley was shut down from running. The expectation was that he'd be able to resume activity in 7-to-10 days, so his participation in jogging exercises Wednesday is in line with what his level of activity should be given his status. With a return during the regular season out of the question, Brantley's focus is on being able to return at some point during the postseason, so long as the Indians manage to advance far enough.

McCutchen went 4-for-4 with two home runs, eight RBI and four runs in Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Orioles.

The RBI total was a career high for McCutchen, who plated half his runs on his first career grand slam, which came in the second inning. He homered again in the sixth inning and added a double and single for good measure, which translated to the most memorable performance of what's been a nice bounce-back season for the former MVP. A popular name in trade discussions last offseason, McCutchen will likely appear in the rumor mill again this winter if the Pirates decide to pursue a rebuild. Given the stellar .278/.362/.487 batting line he's submitted this season, the 30-year-old would surely fetch a more significant haul in any trade than he would have at this point a year ago.

Martinez went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and six RBI in Tuesday's 11-4 win over the Giants.

He did all his damage in the first two innings off lefty Matt Moore, ripping a two-run double in the first before launching a grand slam in the second for his 44th homer of the season, and 28th in 58 games since coming over from the Tigers. Should the D-backs make any noise in the postseason, particularly against the Dodgers' southpaw-heavy rotation, their trade deadline acquisition of Martinez will end up being the smartest transaction of the year.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, two walks and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-7 win over the Cubs.

Carpenter came in 1-for-32 against Chicago starter Jake Arrieta, but reversed that trend with a home run to lead off the home side of the first inning. His walk rate rose to a robust 17.6 percent with this effort and the leadoff man crossed the 90-run threshold for the fourth time in five seasons by jumping from 89 to 91.

Turner (finger) is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres.

Turner sat out the last four games after taking a pitch to the thumb last Thursday, but he is ready to get back on the field Tuesday night. He will man third and hit third against Padres starter Dinelson Lamet.

Cabrera will get a second opinion on his injured back, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

An MRI on Sunday revealed Cabrera has two herniated discs in his back, but the 34-year-old wants to be certain before determining his next step. The Tigers haven't ruled out a return over the weekend, but with the team already out of playoff contention, they figure to be cautious with the veteran. He has been bothered by back issues all season.

Cabrera (back) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals.

This should come as little surprise after it was announced Sunday that Cabrera is dealing with two herniated discs in his back. The Tigers haven't said he is done for the season, but with the team not in the hunt for the playoffs, they figure to be cautious with him and could ultimately decide to shut him down.

Harper will play right field and hit second in the Nationals' batting order Tuesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Tuesday's game will be just the sixth this season Harper has spent in the two hole. It remains to be seen if he will stay there moving forward, as manager Dusty Baker may just be looking to maximize his at-bats.