MLB Player News

Turner went 1-for-4 with his 21st home run of the season in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Phillies.

Turner followed up Chris Taylor's inside-the-park homer with a more traditional variation of the long ball in the first inning. The veteran third baseman is unlikely to match last year's high-water mark of 27 homers, but his .539 slugging percentage is actually 46 points higher than his previous career best.

Stanton went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, four RBI and three runs scored during Monday's win over the Mets.

Stanton entered the game with a .542 OPS and a single round tripper through 40 September at-bats, so it was encouraging to see the slugger belt a line-drive homer and stuff the stat line Monday. With 55 bombs, 117 RBI, 115 runs and a .279/.374/.632 slash line, Stanton has showcased what his fantasy ceiling looks like when he's healthy for a full season.

Cabrera (back) is in the lineup Monday against the A's.

After missing Sunday's outing due to a tight back, Cabrera is in the lineup Monday. He'll slot in at the DH spot and hit third against Jharel Cotton and the A's. Over his last seven games, Cabrera has gone just 5-for-24 (.208) and struck out seven times.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Giants.

Martinez produced the D-backs' only runs of the night with a two-run blast in the sixth inning, which was his career-best 40th of the season. The 30-year-old ranks third in baseball behind Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in that category, and perhaps more impressively, all that power production has come since May 12, as Martinez missed the first month and change of the season while recovering from a mid-foot sprain he suffered in spring training. Had health prevailed all season, Martinez may have joined Stanton in making a run at becoming a member of the 60-homer club.

Harper (knee) took batting practice on the field for the first time Sunday and is hoping to return for Game 1 of the NLDS, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

The timetable for Harper remained unclear to this point, but it appears the star right fielder is just aiming to be ready by the time the postseason rolls around. It makes sense for him to take his recovery slow with the Nationals having already clinched a playoff berth, but an absence through the remainder of the regular season would have a monumental impact during the stretch run of the fantasy season.

Team president Chris Antonetti said there is still no clarity on whether Michael Brantley (ankle) will return this season, The Associated Press reports.

Brantley was sidelined on Aug. 9 with a sprained ankle, and recovery has moved slower than expected. Though the injury was initially thought to be minor, it's become apparent the outfielder's ailment is a more serious than what was originally diagnosed. Until Brantley is ready to return, Austin Jackson and Brandon Guyer will continue splitting the extra at-bats.

Stanton is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Manager Don Mattingly will give Stanton the day off for the second time in the past four games as the Marlins close out their weekend series against the Brewers. Ichiro Suzuki will take over in right field and bat eighth in his stead.

Cabrera (back) is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Cabrera left Saturday's game in the fifth inning with back tightness and will be held out of the lineup Sunday due to the issue. At this point in time, there's yet to be any word regarding the severity of the ailment, but more information should be available soon. Efren Navarro will start a first base and hit fifth with Cabrera out.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a double, a three-run homer, four RBI and two runs scored during Saturday's win over San Diego.

After receiving a breather Friday, Blackmon returned to the lineup with a bang Saturday. He's now up to 35 homers, 93 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 131 runs with a .333/.398/.612 slash line for the season. It's definitely worth noting the impact Coors Field provides, though, as Blackmon sports a mediocre .792 OPS on the road.

Cabrera was prematurely lifted from Saturday's game against the White Sox with lower-back tightness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Cabrera has dealt with back discomfort all season, and it cropped up again Saturday. He was 0-for-2 and looked uncomfortable before John Hicks replaced him at first base at the start of the fifth inning. He's listed as day-to-day.