MLB Player News

Ozuna cranked a solo home run Monday, his first of the season, while going 2-for-6 in a win over the Mets.

The Marlins' offense jumped all over Mets starter Steven Matz, but Ozuna waited until the sixth inning to pile on with a home run off of lefty Antonio Bastardo. After ripping his way through spring training, Ozuna's bat has cooled considerably over the opening week and he's got just four hits in 24 at-bats so far this season (.167/.200/.333). Despite the sluggish start to the season, Ozuna has stuck in the No. 2 spot in the order, a great sign for his potential to produce throughout the season.

Harper went 0-for-3 against the Braves on Monday, but drew two walks, stole two bases and scored a run.

He now has three steals through five games. The Nationals ran wild in spring training under the guidance of new first base coach Davey Lopes, and that aggressive style on the basepaths surfaced again Monday, as Harper and Michael Taylor each stole two bases. Harper's previous career high is 18, set as a rookie in 2012, but it looks like he's poised to top that, perhaps by a significant margin.

Miller received a vote of confidence from manager Kevin Cash despite an 0-for-16 start, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The offseason acquisition from the Mariners finally broke the ice Sunday by doubling in his last at-bat versus the Orioles, but Cash is relying on Miller's overall body of work since arriving in Tampa to support his belief that he'll turn things around. "I know he and (hitting coach Derek Shelton) have worked on a couple things to get his timing going," Cash said. "I really like the way he's handled the shortstop position. He hit the ball really well in spring training, a lot of hard contact. That's going to come. He just got off to a little bit of a slow start." Miller is slashing an anemic .059/.118/.158 line over 17 at-bats so far in 2016.

Belt went yard for the first time in 2016 Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers.

It had been a bit of a slow start for the recently re-signed first baseman, but Sunday's performance got his slash lines closer to where they should be (.292/.433/.542). Health has usually been the main reason for Belt falling short of expectations, so if he can stay healthy, he could finally put together the fantasy-friendly season we have all been waiting for.

Brantley (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Columbus.

The Indians have kept mum regarding Brantley's rehab assignment, but an official start date has now been announced. It's not clear how many rehab games he will need before joining the big club, but he can spend up to 20 days in the minors, and the Indians figure to give him ample time to get his stamina and swing back after Brantley was limited to just two official spring training games.

Colon started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a walk in Sunday's win over Minnesota.

It was Colon's first start and first game of the season. He'll get occasional starts at second base behind Omar Infante.

Harper went 2-for-3 Sunday with a walk, two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.

The doubles were the 99th and 100th of his short career, and Harper now boasts a ridiculous .385/.556/1.000 slash line through his first 13 at-bats. Assuming the weather in DC cooperates, he may not slow down when the Nats host the rebuilding Braves for a four-game series beginning Monday.

Carpenter went 1-for-4 Sunday with two runs scored and a three-run shot, his first home run of the season.

After a slow start to the season, Carpenter took advantage of the weak Braves pitching staff and collected four hits, four RBI and three runs scored in three games at Turner Field. He'll try to keep his momentum going when the Cards host the Brewers for a three-game series beginning Monday.

Cespedes went 2-for-4 in Sunday's loss to the Phillies with a two-run shot, his first homer of the season.

He'd been off to a slow start, striking out seven times in his first 16 at-bats, but it was only a matter of time before Cespedes began finding his swing. He'll look to build on this performance when the Mets host the Marlins for a three-game set beginning Monday.

Goins went 2-for-2 with a walk and a double in Sunday's win over the Red Sox.

He's never going to supply much power, but Goins has made effective contact through the early part of the season, putting up a .286/.318/.333 slash line in 21 at-bats. He should have a lock on the Jays' starting second base job until Devon Travis (shoulder) is healthy, but don't expect too much production from him.