MLB Player News

Martinez is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Martinez will get Monday off after the Diamondbacks locked up home-field advantage for the NL wild-card game with Sunday's walkoff win. In his place, Jeremy Hazelbaker will start in right field.

Harper was not activated from the disabled list and isn't in Monday's lineup due to an illness, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

Although it had looked like Harper was poised to return to action Monday and play in his first game since Aug. 12, the Nationals will have to wait a bit longer before activating their star right fielder from the DL. More information regarding Harper's eventual activation should be available soon, as it's expected that he'll be removed from the DL once he's no longer feeling under the weather. Jayson Werth is starting in right field and hitting fifth Monday night.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

Carpenter extended his hitting streak to five games and went 4-for-9 with a double, Sunday's homer and three runs in the weekend series against the Pirates. The foul ball that glanced off the infielder's foot and caused his early exit last Thursday versus the Reds didn't seem to affect him during the three-game set, and he appears primed to finish the season strong despite a career-low .246 average.

The Nationals plan to activate Harper (knee, calf) from the 10-day disabled list prior to Monday's series opener against the Phillies, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Harper was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and a left calf strain after slipping on first base in an Aug. 12 game, which had made it uncertain whether he'd be able to return to action before the end of the regular season. Fortunately for the Nationals, the star outfielder proved to be a quick healer and is now expected to get a week's worth of games in before the postseason gets underway. It's unclear if the Nationals will be comfortable with deploying Harper in an everyday role right off the bat, but if his knee and calf check out fine in his initial appearances, manager Dusty Baker would likely feel comfortable using the former MVP regularly in the playoffs. Harper's return will also force Baker to make some tough decisions with his outfield, as Jayson Werth and Howie Kendrick will likely have to compete with one another for starts in left field.

An MRI on Cabrera's back revealed two herniated discs Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera exited Saturday's game with back tightness and has now been officially diagnosed with a pair of herniated discs. According to Beck's report, Cabrera could play again this season, but it would likely be as the team's designated hitter. With the Tigers clearly out of playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see them proceed cautiously with their 34-year-old first baseman.

Turner (thumb) took swings in the batting cage Sunday and will rejoin the starting lineup Monday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Turner was held out of the lineup Sunday with his right thumb contusion, but manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the third baseman would be ready to suit back up at his first opportunity afterward. He should be deployed in fantasy lineups with confidence upon his return.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Turner suffered a right thumb contusion during Thursday's game against the Phillies. The Dodgers will continue to be cautious with their third baseman and will withhold him from the lineup for the third consecutive day. He'll remain a day-to-day case, with Logan Forsythe drawing the start at third base Sunday.

Martinez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and walk in Saturday's 12-6 win over the Marlins.

The fifth-inning home run was Martinez's 43rd of the season and 14th of September, establishing a new franchise record for any month. In addition to the exceptional power production, Martinez is hitting .397 on the month, making him an exceptional four-category performer worth leaning on in daily contests while he remains locked in.

Cabrera (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

It had been previously reported that Cabrera wasn't expected to play Sunday following his early departure from Saturday's game with back tightness. Cabrera is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Sunday, so more should be known about his availability once the results are announced. Efren Navarro will start at first base and hit cleanup Sunday.

Cabrera, who will undergo an MRI on his back, is not expected to play Sunday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

If all goes well, the veteran will be back in action Tuesday, following the Tigers' day off Monday. Cabrera's lingering back problems may force him to endure a longer absence, though, and with the Tigers eliminated from the playoff race, perhaps they'll decide it's not worth pushing him back into action regardless of the results.