MLB Player News

The Dodgers are using the second game of a doubleheader and a game in an American League city Thursday to get little-used players some action.

Scott Van Slyke is set to play in left with Justin Turner starting at short. Hanley Ramirez will be used as the designated hitter. Outfielders Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford are set to sit after playing in the opener.

Marlins Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna extended his hitting streak to six games in a big way Wednesday, as he drove in three runs in a 9-3 win over the Braves.

Ozuna did much of his damage in his first at-bat, as he clubbed a three-run home run to right field to put the Marlins up early. He finished the game 2 for 4 with two strikeouts overall.

Ozuna is off to a strong start in his second season, hitting .310/.364/.480 through his first 100 at-bats. 

Indians top hitter Michael Brantley, who has been slumping on the current road trip, is out of the lineup for the game Wednesday against the Angels. He is apparently just getting a rest day, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Mike Aviles is set to take his spot in left field.

A hitless weekend in San Francisco cooled off torrid Indians left fielder Michael Brantley and he has remained rather chilly.

Brantley finally ended a hitless streak that had reached 17 at-bats with an opposite-field double Tuesday night against the Angels. His batting average has dropped from .296 to .255 over the last five games. But he remains tied for seventh in the American League with 20 RBI.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Tuesday outfielder Darin Ruf (oblique) has been taking batting practice and is expected to begin playing in extended spring games by the end of the week.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 1 for 4 Tuesday but made his only hit count, smacking a two-run home run in his team's 9-0 win over the Braves.

Stanton hasn't had a multihit performance in nine games and only five hits over that stretch but four have been for extra bases, with his last two clearing the fench for home runs. He has hit .269/.345/.567 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 104 at-bats.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said that outfielder Bryce Harper underwent successful thumb surgery Tuesday, the Washington Post reports.

Harper's return should come in six to eight weeks, with Williams adding, "We're optimistic."

Harper suffered a UCL tear in his thumb during a head-first slide into third base while legging out a triple Saturday. He has hit .289/.352/.422 with one home run and nine RBI in 83 at-bats.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes rejoined the starting lineup Tuesday at Texas after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. Cespedes, however, did not return to the field and was the team's DH.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin told reporters that outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is "50-50" to return to the lineup Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Cespedes went through running drills on Monday, as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury. He is hitting .238 in 84 at-bats.

Blue Jays second baseman Ryan Goins was optioned down to Triple-A Buffalo Monday night, MLB.com reports. The team has not yet announced a corresponding move to replace him on the current roster.

Goins batted .150 with one home run and one RBI in 60 at-bats.