MLB Player News

Miller (abdomen) is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

With the Rays heading into a scheduled off day Thursday, Miller's absence from the lineup in the series finale isn't too surprising while he continues to nurse a lower-abdominal injury. The Rays haven't expressed any immediate concern that Miller will require a trip to the disabled list, but that could become a more realistic possibility if he's still hurting by the weekend. Daniel Robertson replaces Miller in the lineup Wednesday and would likely be the main beneficiary if Miller misses further action.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Pirates.

PNC Park was the last remaining National League park Harper had never homered in coming into this series, but the 24-year-old scratched it off his list with a no-doubt blast off Wade LeBlanc in the ninth inning, his 13th long ball of the season and fourth in the last seven games.

Martinez went 2-for-3 with two home runs, five RBI and four walks in Tuesday's 13-inning loss to the Orioles.

This was Martinez's second two-homer game in the four games that he's been active this season. He's showing no issues from the foot injury that kept him out, and Martinez should be a very strong fantasy asset the rest of the way.

Canha went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer, a stolen base and two runs in Tuesday's win over Seattle.

An early-season demotion seems to have kicked Canha into high gear. Since returning from Triple-A, he's 7-for-15 with three extra-base hits. Entering 2017, the plan was for Canha to receive semi-regular playing time as the primary reserve for all three outfielders. If the 28-year-old can keep his good play rolling, he'll be back in line for a fair number of at-bats that could help fantasy teams in deep AL-only formats.

Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's 7-3 win over the Twins.

His two-run blast, Blackmon's ninth homer of the season, capped a four-run sixth inning that blew open the game. The 30-year-old is putting up the best power numbers of his career so far to fuel a career-high .979 OPS, but fantasy GMs hoping for another five-category performance from him might be disappointed by his 2-for-4 showing on stolen base attempts through 39 games.

Belt continued his recent power surge Tuesday, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

The veteran first baseman broke out of his power drought in a big way this week, smacking four dingers over his last six contests. Even with his patient approach at the plate, Belt has a tendency to be a streaky hitter in the power department, so owners should enjoy the ride while it lasts. It is worth noting that he is scheduled to receive a day off Wednesday against Clayton Kershaw, so those in daily leagues should deploy a backup plan at first base.

Assistant general manager John Ricco reported Tuesday that Cespedes (hamstring) could possibly return from the disabled list next Tuesday, May 23, Matt Ehalt of the Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes's condition has been steadily improving since being placed on the disabled list in late-April. He began a five-day running program Tuesday and has been taking at-bats during extended spring training over the past few days. If he's able to advance through the week with no setbacks, the star left fielder could return to action as soon as early next week.

Manager Bruce Bochy announced Tuesday that Belt will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Belt is hitting just .059 (3-for-51) during his career against Wednesday's starter Clayton Kershaw, so Bochy has opted to give the veteran first baseman the day off. Belt should be well-rested and ready to return to the lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

Miller was scratched from Tuesday's lineup after tweaking his abdomen in Monday night's contest, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller reportedly tested his injury earlier in the day Tuesday and decided he couldn't play through it. The team hopes that he can return to the lineup Wednesday, but this seems to be a true day-to-day situation.

Miller was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's unclear whether this omission was a result of an injury or not, but more details should come forth relatively soon. Daniel Robertson will fill in at the keystone for the time being while Kevin Kiermaier slides up to the two-hole in the batting order.