MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts noted Tuesday that Pederson will see more playing time against left-handed pitchers in 2017 than he did during the 2016 season, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This is very positive news for Pederson and his fantasy owners, as the center fielder's strict platoon really diminished his overall fantasy impact in 2016. Though he'll still likely sit a fair amount against lefties, the vote of confidence from his manager is an encouraging sign. Enrique Hernandez is starting over Pederson on Tuesday against left-hander Clayton Richard.

Pederson is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Padres.

With lefty Clayton Richard toeing the rubber for San Diego, Pederson will give way to Enrique Hernandez in center field. Pederson launched a grand slam on Opening Day, but he hit just .125/.250/.219 against left-handed pitching last season. It seems the 24-year-old will remain stuck in a rather strict platoon for the time being.

Martinez had the cast on his right foot removed Monday and has started physical therapy, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez was finally able to start physical therapy after having his right foot constrained to a cast for the past couple weeks, marking a milestone in his rehab. The 29-year-old is hoping to return to the Tigers in late April or early May, though there still isn't a firm timetable. "He said he'd let me know how he feels [Tuesday]," said manager Brad Ausmus. Until Martinez is able to return, Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will likely split time in right field.

Turner went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 14-3 win over the Padres.

Turner picked up right where he left off after posting career-high counting stats across the board last season. The 32-year-old batted third for manager Dave Roberts on Monday, sandwiched favorably between Corey Seager and Adrian Gonzalez. If that lineup configuration holds all season, the third baseman should be in a great position to meet last year's marks of 79 runs and 90 RBI while providing a solid batting average.

McCutchen went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the season opener Monday in Boston.

The outfielder, who batted third after trying out the two-hole last season, stranded four baserunners. In addition, he misplayed a pair of balls in his new position, right field. It's only one game, but the former NL MVP isn't off to a promising start.

Pederson finished 1-for-3 with a home run, five RBI and a walk during Monday's 14-3 win over the Padres.

Pederson got his team on the board with a sacrifice fly in the first and broke the game open with a grand slam down the right-field line an inning later. He homered 25 times in just 408 at-bats last season and will look to continue bringing the thunder in the middle of the Dodgers' lineup in 2017.

Harper went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Monday's Opening Day win over the Marlins.

Harper now has five homers in his first five Opening Day contests, which gives him the most Opening Day blasts in MLB history for a player by the age of 24. Following a 2015 campaign in which he tallied 42 home runs, fantasy owners couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed with Harper's 24 bombs last season. However, after dropping the hammer eight times over 58 at-bats this spring, then demonstrating his muscle in Monday's opener, Harper appears intent on returning to the game's elite tier of power hitters.

Buxton went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts while hitting third in the Opening Day lineup against the Royals on Monday.

Buxton's combination of power and speed is intriguing enough for manager Paul Molitor to run with him in the third spot, at least to begin the year. This was a rough start, but it's just one game, and Buxton's 10 homers last September (and big spring this year) offer some hope that the post-hype prospect could finally break out in 2017.

Buxton will bat third against the Royals on Monday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lefty Danny Duffy is starting for Kansas City. Things had been trending this way for Buxton, with manager Paul Molitor saying late in the spring that the 23-year-old was "too valuable" to bat leadoff. The skipper continued his praise of Buxton on Monday. "The fun has returned," Molitor said. "There's a looseness about it. He's letting it fly." Buxton went 13-for-46 with nine doubles, one homer, two stolen bases and a 5:11 BB:K during the exhibition slate.

Martinez (foot) will have his cast removed Monday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

A timeframe for his return is expected to be available following Monday's examination, so owners should monitor his status in the coming days. Until Martinez returns, Mikie Mahtook and Tyler Collins will likely share time in right field.