MLB Player News

Blackmon went 2-for-5 with his first home run of the season, three RBI and two runs scored in a 10-6 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday.

Despite his slow start (.214), Blackmon remains one of the few players that can contribute across all categories. It doesn't hurt that he'll play half of his games at hitter-friendly Coors Field. This game could be the spark that gets him going.

Cabrera went 2-for-5 in Sunday's loss to the Red Sox, recording his first two hits of the season.

Cabrera had four straight 0-for-3 efforts before getting two knocks Sunday. The 33-year-old is one of the best hitters in baseball, and there's a good chance that a multi-game hitting streak is on the horizon.

Turner went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in the Dodgers' 10-6 win over the Rockies on Sunday.

The 32-year-old third baseman has done nothing but hit in the first week of the season, as he's batting .400 so far after another two-hit performance. Turner doesn't have a home run yet, but he's recorded at least two knocks in four of the club's first six games. He has become a useful middle-of-the-order hitter for fantasy owners.

Soler (oblique) took some swings Sunday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Soler is nearing the end of his 10-day DL stint as he rehabs his strained oblique, but it remains unclear if he'll be able to return to live action when eligible on April 12. Paulo Orlando will continue to fill the right field role in his absence.

Brantley is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Brantley isn't dealing with any sort of injury but will rest for the second time in less than a week with the Indians intent to keep him fresh for the long haul after he was sidelined for most of the 2016 campaign. It's an opportune time anyway for the Tribe to keep the lefty-hitting Brantley on the bench with southpaw Patrick Corbin on the mound, though Brantley doesn't seem to be at much risk of falling into a platoon this season. Brandon Guyer will take Brantley's post in left field and bat third in the order.

Pederson is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Despite manager Dave Roberts' recent proclamation that Pederson will see more playing time against left-handed starters in 2017, the 24-year-old will get the day off Sunday against Rockies southpaw Tyler Anderson. Enrique Hernandez will draw the start in his place.

Vargas (foot) started at DH and went 0-for-3 with two walks Saturday for Triple-A Rochester.

Vargas suffered a bruised foot late in spring training, but it's not an issue as the Triple-A season begins. He could be called up early in the season if he begins the year hot in the minors.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with his first homer of the year, a walk, two RBI and two runs against the Mets on Saturday.

He's opened the season with a five-game hitting streak that has him at .429 with six RBI. Ozuna is an interesting case for fantasy purposes, as he's had some extreme hot streaks that have made him look like a potential star, but also some major slumps that have taken the shine off his numbers. It's worth considering the possibility that he's essentially reached his ceiling as a hitter; after all, he's posted stunningly consistent numbers throughout his pro career. Ozuna's MLB slash line last year was .266/.321/.452; his career line in the minors is .276/.336/.492.

Canha has been added to Saturday's starting lineup, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

With Trevor Plouffe scratched due to illness, Ryon Healy will move from DH to third base and Canha will slot into the lineup as the designated hitter, batting eighth. Saturday's start will be Canha's second of the year. He's 0-for-5 with a strikeout in the early going this season.

Cabrera went 0-for-3 in Friday's win over the Red Sox and the veteran slugger is hitless through three games this season.

Cabrera is one of the better hitters in baseball, so there's little doubt he'll figure things out soon. He batted .316 with 38 home runs and 108 RBI in 2016. Expect similar numbers this season.