MLB Player News

Right fielder Jorge Soler is in the lineup for Game 2 of the Cubs' NLDS matchup with the Cardinals.

Solar did not start Friday's series opener, but he will join the lineup Saturday with the Cubs facing left-hander Jaime Garcia. He will hit second in the Cubs' batting order.

Martinez is considering by the Tigers a candidate for an extension, Chris Lott of MLive.com reports.

Tigers general manager Al Avila expressed some interest in an possible contract extension for Martinez, who still has two years of arbitration remaining. While the 28-year-old outfielder stumbled a bit in terms of batting average (his .315 batting average in 2014 fell to .282 in 2015) he improved dramatically in the slugging department, crushing nearly as many home runs in 2015 (38) as he had in his entire career previously (47). It's safe to say his play these last two seasons has certainly dictated a raise, however it remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to spend with a rebuild seemingly on the horizon.

Nationals slugger Bryce Harper (shin) is back in the lineup for the Sunday season finale against the Mets.

Harper had a scare after missing the second leg of the Saturday doubleheader thanks to a hit-by-pitch in Game 1, but he'll tough it out and finish the season in the starting lineup. At stake for the phenom is a chance to hit the 100-RBI mark and lock up the NL batting title, where he's in a virtual tie with Dee Gordon.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera wrapped up his fourth batting title in five years with a 3 for 4 outing Saturday against the White Sox. He hit a home run and drove in two.

He sits at .338 while Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts is hitting .320 with one game remaining. The homer was significant -- it ended a career-long streak of 29 games without one. It was his 18th home run of the season, but his first since Aug. 26 and just his third since the middle of June. His home run total was down last season, too, so at 32, he could be changing his game as he ages. It bears watching, although he'll still go off the table early in 2016 drafts

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner went 2 for 3 with a solo home run in a 2-1 win over San Diego on Saturday.

Turner just continues his breakout season, as this marks his 16th dinger of the year. Since joining the Dodgers last season, Turner has developed into a completely different player, as he has doubled most of his career numbers in that two-year span. It remains to be seen what they'll do with him next year considering all the young depth the Dodgers have, but he's definitely played well enough to earn an everyday role yet again.

Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup due to a rain delay.

The Cardinals opted to remove the majority of their regular starters prior to the start of the game, one that has been delayed for nearly an hour due to rain. Mark Reynolds will get the start at third base instead and hit fourth in the lineup.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen went 3 for 5 with his 23rd homer Friday against the Reds.

The dinger was his first since Sept. 10 and the RBI was his first in 12 games. Cutch finished September with an unusual .237/.405/.340 slash line as opponents pitched around the center fielder. It's possible Pittsburgh rests him Sunday if the team clinches home field advantage for the Wild Card on Saturday.

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller went 3 for 3 with a solo home run in a 4-2 loss to the A's on Friday. With 11 homers, 22 doubles and 13 steals this season, Miller is finding his way in the lineup nearly every day.

The lefty is a breakout candidate next year, as a 20-20 season seems very possible with the profile he provides. The next big step will be to move up higher in the order and that'll only increase his value.

Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (finger) is in the starting lineup Friday.

Manager Terry Collins gave Cespedes the night off Thursday in order to give his injured finger a bit of rest, however it looks like he will be reinserted into center field for Friday's contest against the Nationals' lefty Gio Gonzalez.

Phillies first baseman Darin Ruf went 1 for 3 with a two-run home run in a 3-0 win over the Mets on Thursday.

Ruf is finally getting regular at-bats down the stretch run and responding well. The righty has four home runs, two doubles and 10 RBI over his last nine games. Ruf has always shown potential, but has struggled against right-handed pitching this season.

In fact, Ruf is hitting .164 against righties and .374 off lefties this season. The 1.091 OPS against southpaws is an absurd number and if he could just carry some of that power over to right-handed pitching, Ruf would become a fantasy asset.