MLB Player News

Stanton went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs during Sunday's win over the Angels.

Stanton has hit second in each of the past five games and gone 10-for-24 during that stretch with two homers, four RBI and three runs. Other sluggers -- Kris Bryant and Jose Bautista -- have succeeded in the two-hole, and Stanton's fantasy value won't be significantly impacted if he remains there long term. For the season, he's up to a .280/.341/.545 slash line with 13 round trippers, 34 RBI and 26 runs.

Brantley went 3-for-5 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run during Sunday's win over Kansas City.

Brantley has started 40 of 48 games this season and sports a .304/.375/.456 slash line with five homers, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and 21 runs. After being limited to just 11 games in 2016, the outfielder's five-category production has Brantley back on the radar as a set-and-forget asset in the majority of settings. Hitting in the heart of the dangerous Cleveland lineup is a cushy fantasy setup, too.

Vargas went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Rays in 15 innings.

The ugly performance lowered Vargas' slash line to .258/.280/.483 in 93 plate appearances. Soon after, he was demoted to Triple-A Rochester. The switch-hitting power bat has managed five home runs on the year but has fanned 22 times (23.7 percent strikeout rate) and is unlikely to carry a respectable average for his fantasy owners whenever he gets back to the bigs. He's also been much more effective against righties (.362 with all five dingers) than lefties (.087).

Martinez is still dealing with some soreness in his foot and was removed from Sunday's game against the White Sox as a precaution, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Martinez sprained his foot in mid-March during spring training and didn't make his debut with the big club until May 12 as a result. It doesn't sound like he's in danger of missing much -- if any -- time, but owners should nonetheless monitor his status closely as the team's series in Kansas City kicks off Monday. Consider Martinez day-to-day for now.

Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

He went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in Sunday's extra-inning game. Still, this is a surprising move as Vargas had become a regular in the lineup. The Twins likely made it since Vargas has minor league options and the team needed extra relievers after a long game. If so, he may not be in Triple-A for too long. Robbie Grossman could get more at-bats at designated hitter as a result.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that he doesn't expect Pederson (concussion) to come off the disabled list during the Dodgers' seven-game road trip that begins Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

It was revealed earlier Sunday that Pederson was still experiencing some mild concussion symptoms stemming from his collision in the outfield with Yasiel Puig on Tuesday. The Dodgers seem content to let Pederson remain in Los Angeles to recuperate while the club heads to St. Louis and Milwaukee this week. The hot-hitting Chris Taylor is expected to serve as the Dodgers' primary option in center field for the duration of Pederson's absence.

Pederson continues to exhibit mild concussion symptoms, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson's lingering symptoms suggest he won't be able to return from the concussion disabled list as soon as he's eligible, but according to David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, he could be available for the series in Milwaukee that begins June 2. Until then, Chris Taylor should continue to see regular work in center field.

Carpenter is back at first base and hitting third Sunday against the Rockies.

Stuck in a tough May, Carpenter was given the day off Saturday but will be back in his regular role for the series finale. He's 1-for-3 against opposing starter German Marquez in his career.

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's loss to the Angels.

The homer, a ninth-inning shot off Los Angeles closer Bud Norris, was Ozuna's 12th of the season but his first in 16 games. The 26-year-old now has a .311/.385/.559 slash line and is on pace to establish new career highs in all three categories.

Soler is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Soler will hit the bench for a fifth consecutive game, signaling that he's no longer being viewed as the Royals' primary right fielder. Jorge Bonifacio has since assumed those duties and has gone on a power binge with four homers and nine RBI over his past eight contests. Unless Bonifacio rapidly cools, Soler, who is batting just .157 on the season, may need an injury to hit the outfield before he starts seeing regular at-bats again.