MLB Player News

Nationals manager Matt Williams will not reveal how he'll employ his lineup once Bryce Harper returns, according to The Washington Post. 

Williams had previously outlined a situation where Ryan Zimmerman would shift back to third, pushing Danny Espinosa out of the lineup. Harper is expected to see time at all three outfield spots once he returns, which could give Williams more flexibility. It's unclear if Williams will stick with that plan moving forward, or if he has something else up his sleeve. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is in a good spot following Friday's rehab game.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said everything went "great" during the start. Harper could return as early as Monday, so it's promising to see him get through his rehab games without any issues. There's a chance Harper will serve as the designated hitter during a rehab start Saturday.

With how long Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has been out, manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com Friday he does not think Belt's minor-league rehab assignment will be a short one.

"He needs at-bats right now. He's missed a lot of time," Bochy said. "Even though he feels good with the hand, it takes a while to find the timing that you're going to need to hit Major League pitching. We're looking for him to get quite a few games down there with the bat."

Belt is working at Class A San Jose through the weekend, and then will report to Triple-A Fresno Monday. Bochy does not think he will have Belt back from the disabled list in time for next weekend's series against the Padres. Belt has been out since May 9 due to a fractured thumb. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna hasn't had a day off since June 12. That is, until Friday night. He is out of the lineup for the game against Oakland.

Ozuna has hit safely in five of his last six games and has been a surprise this season with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in 282 at-bats.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt began his minor-league rehab assignment with Class A San Jose Thursday, as he works his way back from thumb surgery.

Belt began his assignment as a designated hitter, going 1 for3 with strikeout before he was lifted in the ninth inning. He is expected to stay on assignment for about a week before being activated, assuming he avoids any setbacks. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper played seven innings in his rehab debut for Double-A Harrisburg Thursday, his first extended game action since suffering a thumb injury in late April.

Harper went 1 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout before he was lifted in the seventh inning. His early exit was to be expected, as the team's plan all along has called for Harper to play seven innings Thursday. He will then play a full nine innings Friday, before taking Saturday off and playing Sunday.

Manager Matt Williams told MLB.com he thinks Harper could return to the Nationals lineup as early as Monday in Colorado. 

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez is going to continue seeing playing time, according to mlive.com.

Manager Brad Ausmus met with outfielder Torii Hunter Wednesday to inform Hunter that Martinez might start more often. Hunter was receptive to the change, saying he doesn't mind as long as the team is winning. Martinez will also get some starts over left fielder Rajai Davis. 

Ausmus had good things to say about Martinez's recent surge. He described Martinez as the "prototypical" five hitter. In 122 at-bats, Martinez is hitting .320, with nine home runs.

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller went 1 for 3 with a solo home run in his team's 5-4 loss to the Red Sox Wednesday.

Miller's eighth-inning home run closed his team's gap to one run, but the offense was unable to come up with an equalizing run before running out of chances. The shortstop has knocked four of his seven home runs in the month of June. He has hit .208/.280/.336 with 21 RBI and three stolen bases in 226 at-bats.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley went 2 for 4 with a walk, a home run and two RBI in his team's 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks Wednesday.

Bradley drove in his first run on a third-inning groundout before slugging a solo home run in the fifth inning. He has enjoyed an excellent season statistically, hitting .325/.394/.524 with 12 home runs, 51 RBI and nine stolen bases in 286 at-bats.

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez went 2 for 4 with a walk, a double, a home run and two RBI in his team's 8-6 win over the Rangers Wednesday.

Martinez has been lights out at the plate over the last 10 days, hitting six home runs in his last nine games. He extended his hitting streak to 14 games Wednesday. Martinez has hit .320/.356/.648 with nine home runs and 31 RBI in just 122 at-bats.