MLB Player News

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Mets.

Blackmon is now on a seven-game hit streak, and also has hits in 14 of his last 15 contests. The longtime Rockie has been scorching hot in the month of May, even without the power-hitting numbers he put up in his prime years.

McCutchen went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 11-6 win over the Mariners.

McCutchen has hit safely in nine of his last 12 games, going 17-for-49 (.347) over that span. He led off Friday's contest with a solo shot, his second homer in that 12-game span. The veteran has done well in a near-everyday role with a .269/.364/.462 slash line, eight long balls, 20 RBI, 25 runs scored and five stolen bases through 44 contests. He's started seven straight games as the leadoff hitter.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Friday that Brantley (shoulder) has been swinging a bat but hasn't resumed hitting yet, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Brantley has been shut down since May 12 after it was revealed he was dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Because of the length of his absence, it seems plausible the veteran will need another rehab assignment. At this point it would be a surprise if Brantley is back in the lineup for Houston before the start of June.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters prior to Friday's game against Atlanta that Harper (elbow) is unlikely to play first base until after the All-Star break, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Harper has increased his throwing distance to 120 feet, but the Phillies remain cautious with the left-handed slugger after his early return from Tommy John surgery. Since coming off the injured list Harper has slashed an impressive .347/.437/.547 with three homers and two stolen bases, but he won't gain new position eligibility until the end of July at the earliest.

Vientos isn't starting Friday against the Rockies.

Vientos has gone 2-for-14 (.143) since his promotion. Daniel Vogelbach will serve as the Mets' designated hitter Friday and bat seventh.

Canha isn't starting Friday against the Rockies.

Canha is 3-for-10 across his last three games and will take a seat to begin Friday's contest. Tommy Pham will take Canha's place in left field and bat eighth.

Winker isn't in Milwaukee's lineup Friday against the Giants.

Winker will begin Friday's game in the dugout as the Giants prepare to start a left-handed pitcher for the second consecutive game. Darin Ruf will assume the designated hitter role for Milwaukee and bat leadoff.

Stanton (hamstring) took on-field batting practice against a pitching machine Friday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton is on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment early next week and could return to the Yankees' active roster during their three-game weekend series at Dodger Stadium that runs from June 2-4. The 33-year-old slugger had four home runs and 11 RBI through 13 games with New York when he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in mid-April.

Ramirez isn't in Tampa Bay's lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Ramirez has been great at the plate all season but is currently in the middle of an 0-for-12 stretch across his last three games. He'll get the day off to regroup while Josh Lowe fills in as the Rays' DH, allowing Luke Raley to start in right field and bat eighth.

Harper went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run in Thursday's loss to Atlanta.

Harper smashed a big 445-foot solo blast in the fifth inning to tie the score 4-4. It snapped a 10-game skid without a long ball for the slugger and marked just his second RBI over his past 11 contests. Despite the recent lack of production, Harper has put up an excellent .347/.437/.547 slash line on the campaign.