MLB Player News

Brantley (shoulder) is scheduled to take batting practice later this week, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

The Indians moved Brantley to the 60-day DL earlier Sunday, but that was merely a formality, since the outfielder's recovery timetable was always expected to extend beyond that span. There does seem to be growing optimism that Brantley may be able to return shortly after he's first eligible, though, as he's shown evidence of incremental progress over the last few days. He was able to hit off a tee last week and complete a soft-toss program, and batting practice would represent another step in the right direction. He could be ready to head out on a rehab assignment during or soon after the All-Star break.

Updating a previous report, Belt will get the starting nod in left field Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Belt was originally scheduled to get the day off with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound for Arizona, but the late scratch of Gregor Blanco (knee) resulted in a lineup reshuffle. Jarrett Parker will move from left field to center, while Belt is inserted in left to cover for him (Buster Posey is currently listed as the starting first baseman).

Belt is out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks, freelance writer Andrew Baggarly reports.

Belt has made three consecutive starts against left-handed pitching, but will sit on Sunday afternoon with southpaw Robbie Ray on the hill for Arizona. In his stead, Buster Posey will move from behind the plate to instead cover first base.

Updating a previous report, McCutchen is out of the lineup due to a heel injury, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

Although the injury isn't expected to be serious, it's logical to consider the fact that some discomfort may have played a role in McCutchen's recent struggles. He'll get the day off Sunday to rest the ailment, and should be considered day-to-day heading into Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals. In his stead Sunday, manager Clint Hurdle will start an outfield composed of Adam Frazier (left), Starling Marte (center) and Matt Joyce (right), while Gregory Polanco serves as the DH.

McCutchen is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics.

Even with the DH option possible while playing in an AL ballpark, McCutchen will get the day off while Starling Marte gets the nod in center field. The veteran received just two days off in the month of June, and with back-to-back day games on tap, the timing was right for a maintenance day Sunday. McCutchen batted just .202 in the month of June, but has so far hit safely in two July games.

Buxton is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

Buxton's streak of five consecutive starts will come to an end, as the newly-recalled Eddie Rosario will receive an opportunity to play. The 22-year-old Buxton has recorded at least one hit in seven of his last nine starts, but he's yet to truly get hot, with only one of those games being multi-hit efforts.

Brantley (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Sunday, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

The transaction isn't of much consequence for Brantley, as his move to the 60-day DL means he can return no earlier than July 9. The Indians weren't planning to have the center field back until after the All-Star break anyway, so how quickly Brantley progresses through rehab activities with his shoulder will ultimately have more bearing on when he's activated. For the time being, it looks like the Tribe will go with a combination of Tyler Naquin, Rajai Davis and Abraham Almonte in center field.

Martinez (elbow) is limited to cardio work and lower-body strength in his rehabilitation, and it seems likely his return will be pushed to the long end of the original 4-6 weeks, reports MLB.com.

It's been two weeks since he broke his elbow crashing into the wall in Kansas City. Martinez has tried to shag balls during batting practice, but running aggravates the pain because of the arm swinging. He will need to throw and hit before he can go to a rehab assignment, and that looks increasingly unlikely in the next two weeks. Don't count on Martinez until the end of July.

Stanton is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.

Ichiro Suzuki will take over in right field Saturday while Stanton gets the day off against a right-hander. Stanton went 1-for-6 with a strikeout in Friday's contest, dropping his average down to .219 on the season.

Cabrera is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera will get a day off for the first time in almost two months for Saturday's contest. In his place, the Tigers will start Jarrod Saltalamacchia at first base. This appears to be just an average day off for Cabrera, who will likely be back in the lineup Sunday.