MLB Player News

McCutchen is batting .275/.370/.375 in 40 career at-bats against Saturday starter Jake Arrieta.

Arrieta has faced McCutchen more times than any other batter in the majors. The outfielder is seeing fewer fastballs (50.6 percent) than last season (53.8) and more changeups (13.6 versus 10.4). He holds a league-average .100 ISO and a modest five-game hitting streak.

Cespedes was held out of Friday's lineup due to the flu, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

He was able to play through the illness Thursday and homered twice in the extra-inning win, but Cespedes needed a break after that huge effort. Consider him day-to-day, but it seems likely that he'll be able to suit up Saturday.

Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer, his second of the season, and walked twice in Friday's triumph over Cleveland.

Cleveland's starter, Trevor Bauer, was evading damage through four innings before Cabrera opened the flood gates. His three-run blast in the fifth frame gave the slugger homers on back-to-back nights. The deep fly also earned Cabrera his 1,557 career RBI, pushing him past Willie McCovey and into 44th in MLB history.

Winker could be optioned back to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds are saying that Winker was just brought up to fill out the bench for a couple days -- Winker is out of the lineup Friday against the Brewers after being called up. A roster spot will be needed for Sal Romano, Sunday's starter against Milwaukee, and it's possible Winker loses his spot as manager Bryan Price has been adamant that his starting outfield is set with Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton and Scott Schebler. It seems inevitable that Winker will replace Schebler in the regular lineup eventually, but it may not happen right away.

Stanton is not in the Marlins' lineup Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

This looks to be a simple day off for the slugger, allowing for Ichiro Suzuki to get the start in right field. Stanton is off to a solid start on the season, slashing .270/.349/.459 with two home runs through nine games.

Cespedes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Marlins, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Despite being on an absolute tear, Cespedes will get his first rest day of the season Friday. He's homered five times this week and has added a pair of doubles as well. Michael Conforto, who is swinging a hot bat in his own right, will take over in left and bat fifth in place of Cespedes against Edinson Volquez. Look for Cespedes to draw back into the lineup Saturday.

Brantley is not in the lineup Friday against the Tigers.

Brantley has been a staple in the three-hole this season, but with left-hander Daniel Norris taking the mound for Detroit, manager Terry Francona decided it was a good time for the outfielder's second night off of the season. Brandon Guyer will take over in left field and bat third in his stead.

Turner (quad) returned to the starting lineup Thursday, going 1-for-2 with a pair of walks in a 4-0 loss to the Cubs.

The 32-year-old looked healthy in his return to the diamond, getting on base three times on a day where the Dodgers were shut out by Brett Anderson and the Cubs bullpen. Thanks to an off day Tuesday, the third baseman ended up missing just one contest with a minor quadriceps injury. With a .355/.429/.516 slash line through nine games, Turner should continue to be a driving force behind the Dodgers' offense this season.

Winker is not in Friday's lineup against the Brewers.

He is presumably available off the bench after being promoted from Triple-A earlier in the day. Winker has one of the best hit tools among prospects, and has the best approach among players who have yet to play in the majors, as he boasts a 63:65 K:BB in 486 plate appearances at Triple-A. He is the presumed everyday right fielder going forward, but will apparently be eased into action. Winker is not a "must-add" caliber of prospect in shallower leagues, but he should be scooped up in deeper leagues, as he has a high floor and could tap into some sneaky power playing half his games in Great American Ball Park.

Collins, 22, is 8-for-24 (.333) with one home run and two RBI through seven games for High-A Winston-Salem.

Collins has shown superb plate discipline to begin the 2017 campaign, racking up just as many walks as strikeouts (six). While scouts question his ability to stay at catcher, there is little question about his hitting prowess, most notably his power potential and advanced approach at the dish.