MLB Player News

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.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Saturday against the Cubs.

Carpenter crushed his 20th bomb of the season to put the Cardinals on the board in the eighth inning of a road loss. He's not quite the fantasy star he was a few years ago, but his power makes him an interesting option in leagues that allow for daily lineup changes.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Reds.

McCutchen blasted his 26th homer of the season in the ninth inning to pull the Pirates within a single run in a losing effort. He's left the yard in three of his last five games, and could be starting a hot streak that could be extremely helpful to fantasy owners during the most important part of the season.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Pirates.

Winker broke open a scoreless tie in the seventh inning when he launched his sixth home run of the campaign off Ivan Nova to help lead the Reds to a home victory. Although he's hit two home runs over his last five games, he's collected just three hits during that span and his low batting average is difficult to trade off for his power potential.

Martinez (neck) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Giants.

A bout of neck stiffness resulted in Martinez's scratch from Friday's lineup, but apparently the discomfort has already subsided. He's batting fifth against lefty Madison Bumgarner and Martinez has absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching this season (.402/.485/.939). Martinez is tied for third overall in home runs this year with 39 despite missing nearly six weeks at the start of the season with a foot injury.