MLB Player News

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley went 2 for 4 in a victory Sunday against Detroit.

Brantley had a run, RBI and a walk. His two hits were singles. He has lacked power this year, with a .388 slugging percentage, but his .306 average and .365 on-base percentage have set the table for the rest off the Indians' lineup.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper went 0 for 2 with two walks during his return to the lineup, a 2-1 loss to the Cubs Sunday. He failed to get a hit for the third time in his past four outings, and his batting average dropped below .300 for the first time this season.

Harper was able to end a six-game stretch with at least a strikeout as he drew two walks for the first time since April 11 against the White Sox.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Cubs following a two-game absence because of a toe issue. Harper, who had an ingrown right toenail removed Friday, has whiffed at least once in the past six games as his average has dipped to a season-low .302.

It was only six weeks ago that Phillies prospect Darin Ruf lost in his bid for a spot on the opening day roster because of his unpredictability in left field. But the 26-year-old slugger, who was drafted as a first baseman, has become more polished at the position for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to beckon praise from within the organization.

"He's been great, and he's getting better," Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's good enough right now to play left field. He hasn't been out there that long, and for the strides he has made and the adjustments he has made, he looks so much more comfortable."

In 22 games in left field this season, Ruf has made just one error in 42 chances while also playing eight games at first without a miscue. He has also discovered his groove at the plate, recording four homers and 13 RBI over his past 12 games.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has had some problems putting his bat on the ball. Cespedes had struck out in six of his previous eight at-bats entering Saturday's contest against the Mariners and he has whiffed 30 times over his 89 at-bats, meaning he is striking out 33.7 percent of the time.

He struck out at a 20.9 percent rate last year, fanning 102 times over 487 at-bats.

"It's probably him trying to do a little too much, and then there are times during the season where you don't see the ball as well as you normally would, and those sometimes end up in some strikeouts," manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com. "Look, he's not the only one that's not swinging the bat well right now. You're just more aware of when he's not swinging the bat well than the group around him."

The Rockies have recalled outfielder Charlie Blackmon from Triple-A Colorado Springs after placing Michael Cuddyer on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck.

Blackmon, who had a three-hit game on Friday against Iowa, hit .336 with three homers and 21 RBI through his first 110 at-bats in the minors.

With the Pirates up big and a wet outfield creating risk, Pittsburgh opted to pull outfielder Andrew McCutchen from center field in the fifth inning of their game against the Mets Saturday.

McCutchen went 1 for 2 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored in the game. He exited with the Pirates leading 9-0, and it does not appear as if there is any sort of injury to be concerned about.

McCutchen is batting .410 over the last 10 games, with two home runs, seven RBI and seven runs.  

After undergoing a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was out for the second game in a row Saturday against the Cubs.

He remains day to day due to the issue, but is not expected to miss much more time. 

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, who normally bats eighth, has moved up two spots in the batting order for Friday's contest against the Braves.

Belt will bat sixth against Braves starter Tim Hudson. He has gone 1 for 7 with two strikeouts lifetime against Hudson. Belt has a .222/.289/.352 line with three homers and 14 RBI in 108 at-bats.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will miss Friday's game due to a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail, the Washington Post reports.

Harper is expected to miss one game aftor the minor procedure. He had a similar procedure done last season and missed one game.