MLB Player News

McCutchen is not in the starting lineup Monday night against the Rockies, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

It's McCutchen's first day off of the 2016 season. Starling Marte will slide over to play center field while Matt Joyce draws into the lineup and hits second against Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis.

Brantley was activated from the DL on Monday, but he's not in the starting lineup against Twins lefty Tommy Milone.

Brantley is 2-for-10 in his career against Milone, but it's somewhat surprising that he is not in the lineup upon activation from the DL. The corresponding move for Brantley's return was to place Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day DL, so the Indians apparently simply added Brantley as an available bench bat Monday with the plan of starting him Tuesday against Ricky Nolasco.

Cespedes had fluid drained from his leg Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Collins reiterated that Cespedes would not be available in Monday's matchup with the Reds and will remain day-to-day for the time being. His status for the Mets' current series with Cincinnati is up in the air at this point.

Brantley (shoulder) was activated from the 15-day DL for Monday's game against Minnesota.

He'll take the roster spot of Carlos Carrasco, who was placed on the DL on Monday as he's expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a hamstring strain. Brantley will likely slot back into the heart of the Cleveland order beginning with Monday's game at Target Field, where he initially injured his shoulder in September.

The Twins have optioned Buxton to Triple-A, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

After 17 games, the Twins have decided to give Buxton time at Triple-A Rochester to try and straighten things out at the plate. With a .156/.208/.289 line, two RBI and two steals this season, the struggles he experienced upon arriving in Minnesota last season have carried over into 2016. It's reasonable to think that he'll spend a few weeks in the minors before he's on the radar for a return to the big club.

Cespedes (leg) is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Reds.

With Cespedes on the bench to begin Monday's game, Alejandro de Aza is drawing another start in center field and batting seventh for the Mets on Monday. Cespedes remains day-to-day with the ailment.

Harper was not in the starting lineup Sunday, but pinch hit in the ninth and launched a solo shot to send the game into extra innings, his ninth home run of the season.

His 2016 season is looking more and more like a sequel to The Natural every day. Harper now sports an utterly ridiculous .323/.405/.855 slash line through 62 at-bats, and has more walks (10) and just as many homers (nine) as strikeouts.

McCutchen went 1-for-6 with four strikeouts Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

He's struggling right now, with opposing pitchers challenging him with 92-mph fastballs -- and winning. McCutchen has whiffed 19 times in his last 12 games and has just six extra-base hits in 89 at-bats in 2016. Manager Clint Hurdle has started him in each of the team's first 19 games, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him get a day off in the near future. That said, Monday begins a four-game set in hitter-friendly Colorado, which could be the perfect tonic for McCutchen's slump.

Buxton went 1-for-5 with four strikeouts in Sunday's extra inning loss to the Nationals. He's hitting just .156 (7-for-45) with 24 strikeouts and two walks.

Buxton struggled to make contact in his short time in the majors last season with a 32 percent strikeout rate in 129 at-bats, but he's been worse this season with a 53 percent strikeout rate. It's possible the Twins could send him to the minors soon as he may need some time in Triple-A after spending little time at that level last season.

Stanton went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk Sunday at the Giants.

Stanton's fourth blast of the season gave the Marlins an early lead in a game they'd eventually win. After going hitless in his last 12 at-bats, hopefully the multi-hit effort will launch him onto a hot streak. April has been a bit of a struggle for the slugger, as his slash line sits at .230/.324/.443.