MLB Player News

Harper had a three-true-outcomes game Wednesday against the Dodgers, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, a walk, two runs and two strikeouts.

He left nothing up to the fielders -- it was just between Harper and the opposing pitchers. Harper hasn't had a multi-hit game in two weeks (although the All-Star break did take up some of that time), and that's actually been a season-long lack that's led to his not-good .249 average. His BABIP's lingering at .245 accordingly, and that just doesn't fit with Harper's career tendencies; it wouldn't be surprising to see him go on a heater and lift the ol' average to respectability by the time this season comes to a close.

Vogelbach was traded to the Mariners from the Cubs in exchange for Mike Montgomery and Jordan Pries on Wednesday, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.

Vogelbach is the top DH prospect in the minors, so it it was only a matter of time before he was traded to an American League club. The Mariners are said to also be shopping Adam Lind, and considering Vogelbach is essentially big league ready, he could join the Mariners in short order. Vogelbach's approach and hit tool are not questioned, and while he has never hit 20-plus homers in a minor league season (although he has 16 this year), many scouts put a 60 on the power, so he could end up being a prototypical middle-of-the-order run producer in time. He will likely settle in as a UTIL-only option in fantasy, but he should produce enough to be useful in most formats as soon as next season, and possibly in a couple weeks if the Mariners can find at-bats for him.

The Cubs and Mariners are nearing a deal that would send Vogelbach to Seattle in exchange for Mike Montgomery, Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan reports.

Vogelbach is the top DH prospect in the minors, so a trade to an AL club has been a long time coming. He has 16 homers and a .318/.425/.548 slash line in 365 plate appearances at Triple-A Iowa as a 23-year-old this season, and is essentially big league ready. The trade is not final, but owners who have a need at UTIL or first base should consider scooping up Vogelbach now, as he figures to spend the bulk of the rest of the season in the majors if this trade goes through.

Soler (hamstring) had the start of his rehab assignment pushed back a day as the Iowa Cubs were rained out on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

The 24-year-old is set to officially start his rehab assignment after missing more than six weeks with a hamstring strain, beginning Wednesday as part of Triple-A Iowa's doubleheader. He seems to have a chance to return before the end of the week barring any additional weather complications or setbacks with the injury. Soler struggled to a .223/.322/.377 line in 50 games before landing on the DL, and it's not entirely clear where he'll fit in upon his return. He figures to play primarily against left-handed pitching.

Cespedes is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

He, along with veterans Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera, will get a rest for Wednesday's day game after the night game. Michael Conforto will get the start in left field with Juan Lagares starting in center field Wednesday.

Brantley (shoulder) will undergo another MRI on Wednesday after feeling discomfort again in his shoulder while swinging a bat.

Brantley will be forced to postpone his ongoing rehab after being unable to play in consecutive games over the weekend during his time in the minors. He recently moved to Double-A Akron for the next phase of his rehab, but only played Friday and Sunday before realizing that he still wasn't making the progress he needed to. There will be more information after Brantley's MRI on Wednesday.

Reed is not in Tuesday's lineup against the A's, Angel Verdejo Jr. of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Reed went 0-for-4 during Monday's game against Oakland and will go back to the bench for Tuesday's contest. The Astros will start Marwin Gonzalez at first and Carlos Gomez in the DH spot, facing southpaw Dillon Overton. Reed has been on the bench when the club faces left-handers, and this trend will continue Tuesday.

Pederson was called up Tuesday, Andy McCullough of the LATimes reports.

Pederson was fantastic during his rehab assignment, collecting five hits and four walks over 12 plate appearances in three games for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 24-year-old outfielder, shelved since the end of June with a sprained AC joint, was slashing .286/.412/.536 with six walks over his last 10 games prior to landing on the DL. Pederson will start in center field and hit sixth for the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Reed went 0-for-4 during Monday's 7-4 loss to Oakland.

Reed was one of two Houston starters to be held without a hit in the game. He'll likely return to the bench for Tuesday's tilt with southpaw Dillon Overton on the hill for the A's.

Brantley (shoulder) was not able to play in consecutive games over the weekend as planned, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Brantley was able to get into games on Friday and Sunday but didn't play Monday. This likely pushes Brantley's eventual return back a couple of days as the team looks to re-evaluate the rehab program in the coming days.