MLB Player News

Harper went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk Sunday at Philadelphia.

Harper's blast in the 10th inning could've been a game-winner had Jonathan Papelbon not blown the save in the bottom of the frame. In any case, Harper has been absolutely on fire, as he's homered in four straight games along with multi-hit efforts in his last three contests.

Buxton (hand) isn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

It's the third game in a row Buxton has missed after getting hit in the hand Thursday. Fortunately for the young outfielder, it doesn't look like the hand injury will result in a DL stint, as he's come off the bench as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner in each of the last three games. Buxton was able to resume taking batting practice Saturday, so he could be cleared to start again as soon as Monday's series opener with the Brewers.

Cespedes, who has been the designated hitter the last three games, including Sunday, due to some bruising on his legs suffered when he jumped into the stands after a flyball Wednesday, should be able to play the outfield Monday against the Phillies, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Cespedes and the Mets have benefited from some favorable scheduling, with the team in Cleveland this weekend. The sore legs haven't impacted his swing, as he blasted home runs Friday and Saturday.

Soler was 2-for-4 with a solo homer in Saturday's 6-2 victory over the Rockies.

The Cuban-born slugger went back-to-back with Anthony Rizzo in leaving the yard in the fourth against starter Christan Bergman. Soler is seemingly awakening from a slow start to the season, reaching base safely in four straight and posting multi-hit outings in two of his last three starts.

Harper went 2-for-3, hitting his third home run in as many games Saturday against the Phillies.

The 23-year-old appears to be starting one of his signature tears, as he is 6-for-11 (.545) with three homers and nine RBI in the last three games. He also has five bombs in 10 games to start the year. It's obviously still early, but Harper is already well on his way to proving he was worth a top three pick in fantasy drafts.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Saturday against the Brewers.

McCutchen finally connected for his first homer of the season in the fifth inning to give the Pirates an insurance run in a winning effort. After a slow start, he's now posted extra-base hits in three of his last four contests while also hitting safely in four straight games.

Miller broke out of his slump, going 2-for-4 with a double, home run, three RBI and a run in the 7-2 victory over the White Sox on Saturday.

Prior to Saturday, Miller was 2-for-28 (.071) with one extra-base hit on the season. Although he did still receive two at-bats Friday, Miller didn't start that night, so maybe that allowed him a little breather to clear his head. The Rays could certainly use more offense, as they rank 14th in the American League in runs scored.

Ruf is in the lineup Saturday, batting fifth and making his first start in left field.

Ruf had been slowed by a shoulder injury coming into the weekend, but he was able to come on as a pinch-hitter Friday and will be back in the lineup Saturday. He'll have the tough task of facing Washington's ace, Max Scherzer, on Saturday, but he's had moderate success in a limited sample against him, going 2-for-6 with a double and two strikeouts.

Buxton (hand) took batting practice prior to Saturday's game, but he is not yet ready to get back into the Twins' lineup, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.

Manager Paul Molitor said Buxton's hand is a little better after getting hit by a pitch in Thursday's game, but the Twins are taking a cautious approach with the return of their top prospect. Adding insult to injury, the Twins signed David Murphy to a minor league contract this week, and the expectation is that if Buxton doesn't improve his approach, he could be ticketed for Triple-A Rochester in the near future to try to get in rhythm at the plate, with Murphy taking his spot on the 25-man roster.

Buxton is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Buxton was hit on the hand by a pitch Thursday and will remain out of the lineup for the second straight game. He was hoping to be available as a pinch hitter and/or runner Friday, but did not enter the game. Buxton could be available in the same capacity Saturday.