MLB Player News

Brantley (ankle) isn't included in the lineup Monday against the Rangers.

It doesn't appear that Brantley suffered an unexpected setback with his sprained right ankle after being activated from the disabled list earlier Monday. Instead, the Twins are likely just keeping Brantley available off the bench in order to get an extra right-handed bat in the lineup against a tough lefty in the Rangers' Cole Hamels. Brandon Guyer (wrist), who was also activated from the DL on Monday, will fill Brantley's normal spot in left field.

Brantley was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list Monday.

Brantley hasn't played since June 14 while recovering from a sprained right ankle, but he seems good to go after completing some batting and running drills. The veteran outfielder will likely return to the Indians' outfield when they open up a four-game set with the Rangers on Monday, looking to build on his .296/.360/.432 slash line. Daniel Robertson and Shawn Armstrong were optioned to Triple-A in corresponding moves.

Pederson went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Rockies.

The young slugger has been on a tear since returning from the disabled list, batting .341 with four home runs and seven RBI in 13 games. Pederson has made quick work of turning around a slow and injury-plagued start to the season, raising his batting average 40 points and his on-base percentage 55 points (to .240 and .364, respectively) over his current hot stretch.

Carpenter is not in the lineup Monday against the Reds.

Carpenter has just two hits over his last five games, so he'll head to the bench for a breather. Luke Voit will make his first MLB start at first base in his place.

Harper went 3-for-3 with a double and a walk in Sunday's loss to the Reds.

A stagnant offense around him left Harper without any RBI or runs despite his strong performance. After seeing his 13-game hitting streak snapped Wednesday, he's come right back with three hits in his last three games, keeping his OPS in four digits at 1.011.

Stanton went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Sunday's win over the Cubs.

Fantasy owners will want to keep those fingers crossed because Stanton has now started 70 of 74 games. When healthy, he's established himself as an elite fantasy asset, and this year's 20 homers, 49 RBI, 47 runs and .274/.357/.551 slash line affirm it.

Cespedes is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Cespedes has been scorching-hot at the plate since returning from the disabled list roughly two weeks ago, but he'll get the day off as the Mets square off against Matt Moore and the Giants. Michael Conforto will take over in left field with Curtis Granderson drawing the start in center.

Carpenter went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh.

Carpenter snapped a three-game hit drought with the bomb and now has five home runs, 13 RBI, 15 runs and a .953 OPS through 22 June games. The veteran is struggling to improve on his underwhelming .236 batting average, but his 14 homers, 40 RBI and 29 runs are solid fantasy marks.

Belt went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's loss to the Mets.

Belt has put together a modest seven-game hit streak -- with three homers -- after struggling through his first 14 June contests (8-for-51). Despite maintaining consistent patience at the plate, the 29-year-old has proven to be a streaky hitter over his seven-year career, and he appears to be trending upward at the moment.

Pederson went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk Saturday against the Rockies.

In a contest without a ton of offense, Pederson's 421-foot blast to center field in the third inning served as the evening's fireworks. While he is hitting just .225 on the season, he's hitting .297 over 37 June at-bats.