MLB Player News

Belt exited Saturday's game against the Cardinals due to neck stiffness, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt exited the game in the eighth inning after a swing. It's unclear how serious the injury is at this time, so he should be considered day-to-day. Belt was activated from the COVID-19 injured list prior to Saturday's game, and he went 0-for-1 with three walks and two runs scored prior to his exit.

Buxton was removed from Saturday's win over the Athletics due to right hip tightness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts to begin Saturday's matchup, but he was replaced defensively to begin the eighth inning. While the Twins didn't initially provide a reason for Buxton's departure, manager Rocco Baldelli revealed after the game that the 28-year-old is dealing with a hip injury. The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but Gilberto Celestino and Nick Gordon should see increased at-bats if Buxton is forced to miss any additional time.

McCutchen was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

While it's not yet clear whether McCutchen has tested positive for COVID-19, he'll need to isolate from the team until he clears the league's protocols. Mike Brosseau was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to provide additional depth, while Tyrone Taylor should see an uptick in playing time with McCutchen sidelined.

Torrens remains on the bench Saturday against the Rays.

Torrens theoretically has a clearer path to playing time behind the plate with Tom Murphy out with a dislocated shoulder. However, Torrens will sit for the second straight game with Cal Raleigh set to catch for Marco Gonzales.

McCutchen isn't starting Saturday against Atlanta.

McCutchen will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games after he went 1-for-5 with a run and two strikeouts Friday. Christian Yelich will serve as the designated hitter while Tyrone Taylor starts in left field.

Winker went 2-for-5 with two doubles and a run in a loss to the Rays on Friday.

Winker pulled his average up back to the Mendoza Line for the first time since April 10 with his third multi-hit effort in the last seven games. The 28-year-old seems to be coming out of his extended funk, as he's produced a .321 average with a trio of two-baggers, a home run and three RBI over that span.

Pederson isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Pederson has gone 0-for-13 with three strikeouts over the last three games, and he'll retreat to the bench against left-hander Steven Matz on Saturday. Darin Ruf will serve as the designated hitter and bat fourth.

Belt (illness) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Belt tested positive for COVID-19 last week, but he'll be eligible to return to action Saturday against the Cardinals after spending just over a week away from the team. The 34-year-old is slashing .242/.367/.470 with four homers, 10 runs and nine RBI this season.

Beer isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rockies.

Beer started in the last two games and went 0-for-7 with an RBI and two strikeouts, but he'll get a breather against southpaw Kyle Freeland on Saturday. Cooper Hummel will serve as the designated hitter and lead off.

Buxton went 1-for-2 with two walks and a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 win over the A's.

His fifth-inning blast to center field proved to be the winning run on the night. Buxton has homered in back-to-back games and hit safely in five straight, continuing a stellar start to the season that has seen him slash .290/.355/.754 with nine home runs, one steal, 17 runs and 17 RBI.