MLB Player News

Cabrera, who left Saturday's game with lower-back tightness, will undergo an MRI, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Considering the issue has bugged him over the last week or so, this dampens the chances of Cabrera returning Sunday, but if the test results are encouraging, he may only need a brief absence. Still, considering the physical issues that have piled up during this down season for the future Hall of Famer, it's best to expect him to sit for a little while. Fantasy players in daily transaction setups competing for a title should gather contingency plans.

Cabrera was removed from Saturday's game against the Twins in the second inning with lower back tightness.

Cabrera singled in the bottom of the first inning and was able to run the bases, but he was replaced at first base by Efren Navarro to begin the next frame. It's not clear if the soreness will cost Cabrera any further action, but he missed several games over the last few weeks with the same issue, so it would not be surprising if he is not in Sunday's lineup.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup Saturday for the second straight day, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Turner was held out Friday after suffering a bruised thumb the day before, and with the Dodgers needing only a couple wins to lock up home-field advantage in the postseason, it's likely he will not play Saturday either. Logan Forsythe will make another start at third base in Turner's place.

Harper (knee) played in another simulated game Saturday and is ready to advance to the next step in his recovery, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The Nationals are waiting to determine exactly what the next step for Harper will be, but he made it through simulated games the last two days without issue, so he is at least ready to face live pitching again and could rejoin the big-league club soon. The team figures to provide more details on Harper's status over the next day or two.

Cabrera went 0-for-4 and grounded into two double plays in Friday's loss to the Twins.

Cabrera had a rough day at the plate and looked visibly frustrated after his second double-play grounder, which killed a sixth-inning rally with the team down 6-3. It's been a frustrating season overall for Cabrera, who's hitting a career-low .248. The 34-year-old could rebound in 2018 if he has better health, but he also might just be on the downswing of his career.

Martinez went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, a home run, three runs scored and two RBI in Friday's 13-11 win over the Marlins.

He's been almost unstoppable in September, slashing .400/.439/1.000 in 18 games with 13 homers and 27 RBI. Despite missing a significant amount of time with the Tigers earlier in the year due to a foot injury suffered late in spring training, Martinez has still set a new career high with 42 home runs and is only five RBI shy of hitting the century mark for the second time.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, three runs scored and three RBI in Friday's 13-11 loss to the Diamondbacks.

The 26-year-old has already established new career highs in just about every major hitting category, but he isn't resting on his laurels in September, slashing .308/.333/.538 through 19 games with five homers and 15 RBI. With 36 home runs on the year and eight games left on the Marlins' schedule, Ozuna still has an outside shot at his first 40-HR campaign.

Goins went 1-for-3 with a grand slam Friday against the Yankees.

Goins blasted his eighth homer of the season to break open the game in the sixth inning of a home victory. Despite his heroics in this contest, his .228/.280/.343 slash line has made him a very weak fantasy option this season.

Turner (thumb) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

A Mark Leiter pitch hit Turner on the thumb during his first at-bat Thursday, and Turner was eventually forced to leave the game. Fortunately, X-rays were negative, so it seems Turner should be able to return relatively quickly, although his status for the rest of the weekend is up in the air. Logan Forsythe will take over at third base in the meantime.

Harper (knee) spent time taking fly balls in the outfield, running the bases and hitting during batting practice prior to Washington's game against the Mets, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Manager Dusty Baker said that the club will determine the next step for Harper following his simulated game Saturday, which will mark his second "live hitting" session since landing on the disabled list in mid-August. In the meantime, the club hasn't released much information regarding a timetable for his return, besides saying that he could be back as early as next week, as long as all goes well this weekend.