MLB Player News

Cabrera went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and two runs scored during Thursday's win over Tampa Bay.

The first baseman has exactly two hits in each of his past four games to improve his season-long numbers to a .280/.378/.446 slash line with six homers, 31 RBI and 21 runs. He's also collected five extra-base hits through his past four games, so it isn't out of the question to count on an upcoming hot stretch from the veteran. Cabrera's current power numbers are down, but considering his track record, remaining patient should pay off over the long run.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Thursday's win over the Mets.

Harper now sports an eight-game hitting streak, but he has just a single multi-hit game during the stretch. Still, the star is up to a .314/.422/.614 slash line with 17 homers, 50 RBI and 53 runs. He's a set-and-forget fantasy option, and after a disappointing 2016 campaign, it's encouraging to see Harper back among the league's elite contributors.

Manager Terry Collins said Cespedes will sit out Sunday before he starts getting deployed regularly, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The Mets have been cautious with the star slugger since he returned from the disabled list, but that will hopefully change after Sunday. The Mets plan to play Cespedes in three straight games starting Thursday (marking the first time he'll do so since returning from the DL), and if he responds well, he'll get the day off Sunday before being sent out without any restrictions.

Carpenter went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Brewers.

The veteran infielder has his OPS up to .944 in June following Wednesday's production, as he now has four multi-hit outings over his last seven games, as well as an eight-game hitting streak during which he's compiled nine RBI. The impressive start to the month has brought his season average up 18 points to .239 and he's now leading the team in home runs (12), RBI (36) and OBP (.360).

Brantley is away from the Indians because his wife is delivering their child in the near future, Zach Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

This explains why he's not in Thursday's lineup. If Brantley has to be placed on the paternity list, Daniel Robertson could see more reps in the outfield over the weekend. Brantley owners should stay tuned to his status before locking him into weekend lineups.

Brantley is not in the Indians' lineup Thursday, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

It appears to be a mere day of rest. Brantley has restored the reliable floor he established before his injury-plagued 2016 season, hitting .296/.360/.432 with five home runs and seven stolen bases in 228 plate appearances. He'll give way to Daniel Robertson in left field.

Buxton went 3-for-3 with a double, a solo homer, a walk and two steals in Wednesday's loss to Seattle.

You certainly can't pin this loss on the young center fielder, who did everything he could to carry his offense from the eighth spot in the batting order. Unfortunately, such nights have been rare for Buxton -- over a 17-game stretch prior to Wednesday, he hit just .226/.255/.321 with a single homer, five RBI and four runs. Those are fantasy-team-killing numbers; with that in mind, it's best to stash him on the bench in most fantasy formats until he shows signs of hitting consistently.

Soler hit a two-out, walk-off grand slam one inning after his two-run homer tied the game in the ninth inning Sunday for Triple-A Omaha.

Since rejoining the Storm Chasers on June 5, Soler has just seven hits in 34 at-bats (.206). However, five of those connections have been home runs, and he's notched 12 RBI over the nine-game stretch. His MLB career is on hold for now, but that may change if Kansas City becomes active in the trade market before the July 31 deadline.

Ozuna went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's win over Oakland.

Ozuna hit a 411-foot shot to center off rookie starter Daniel Gossett in the second inning to get the Marlins on the board. He added an RBI groundout in the third and RBI double in the sixth to finish off an excellent day at the plate. His 17 long balls are good enough for ninth in the majors, while his .983 OPS ranks 10th. He's having a breakout season.

Cespedes is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

Although the stud outfielder was removed from Tuesday's game early, he doesn't appear to be nursing an injury anymore. Wednesday's absence appears to just be an effort to ease him back into action, allowing Curtis Granderson to pick up a start in left field to replace him.