MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has been cleared for game action, according to FoxSports.com.

Harper is set to begin a rehab assignment at Class A Potomac. It's unclear how much time he'll need before he's ready to return to the majors. Harper has been able to take batting practice at the park the past few days, and did not report any significant issues with his surgically repaired thumb. He's been sidelined since late April with the injury.

Indians top hitter and left fielder Michael Brantley was targeting a Saturday return from a mild concussion and has apparently nailed it. He is in the lineup for Game 2 of the series against visiting Detroit.

Brantley owns a nine-game hitting streak that has improved his stat line to .326/.393/.521. His 11 home runs are already a career-best.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was able to take batting practice on the field Friday, according to CSN.

Belt said he felt no vibrations on his injured thumb while hitting. Belt has also been playing catch and throwing lightly. Once Belt is capable of throwing with more force, he should begin a rehab assignment. He's expected to receive a fair amount of at-bats before he's activated. 

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley returned to action Friday against the Tigers.

Brantley made a pinch hit appearance later in the game. With his team trailing in the ninth, Brantley worked a five-pitch at-bat before hitting a single to center. He advanced to second on defensive indifference, and was left stranded. Brantley has been dealing with a concussion, but is expected to return Saturday. The fact that he was used as a pinch hitter Friday bodes well for his chances of starting Saturday's game.

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez belted his seventh home run Friday against the Indians.

Martinez stepped to the plate in the eighth inning with two men on base. He homered on the first pitch he saw from John Axford, taking a 95 mph fastball out to right. Martinez also singled and doubled earlier in the game. He finished 3 for 4, with one run scored and three RBI. 

Martinez is hitting .317 over 104 at-bats.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley took part in a normal pregame routine Friday, as he continues to work his way back from a mild concussion.

Brantley will go through a normal pregame routine Saturday before being checked out by doctors one last time according to MLB.com. If he is cleared, he will be in the lineup against the Tigers, after missing four games as a result of the issue.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was feeling some pain in his surgically repaired left thumb Friday, but that is not a reason to be concern, as manager Matt Williams told ESPN.com.

"[That pain] is to be expected, because he's doing a lot of strength stuff," Williams said. "But he was able to swing today with no issues and drive the ball. So he's right on schedule."

Harper took part in batting and fielding practice for the second straight day Friday, and could go on a minor-league rehab assignment once the team's current home stand ends.

"Once we get on the road, he could head out and get started with that process," Williams said.

Harper could be back in the lineup for the Nationals by the first of July, assuming he avoids any setbacks. 

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Padres for the first time since June 12, as he has recovered from a calf injury. Turner has been limited to pinch-hitting over the last week. 

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley will hit on the field Friday, according to MLB.com.

Brantley is be re-evaluated following his on-field performance. If cleared, he would return to the lineup Saturday. Brantley is hitting .323/.391/.519 over 266 at-bats.

Matt Williams said that both outfielder Bryce Harper and catcher Wilson Ramos could be on the verge of heading out on rehab assignments.

Williams told the Nationals website that Ramos (hamstring) could embark on his rehab as early as this weekend with Harper (thumb) going out next week.