MLB Player News

Alvarez went 1-for-3 with a home run, an additional RBI and a walk in Monday's win over the Rangers.

After sitting out Sunday's contest due to back spasms, Alvarez returned to the lineup and got back to mashing, tallying a sacrifice fly in the first inning before blasting a 110.6 mph rocket over the right-center field wall for a solo homer in the fourth frame. The star designated hitter entered Monday's game in a mini-slump, going 4-for-25 (.160) across the previous three series. On the year, the 28-year-old has been one of the top hitters in MLB, slashing .301/.415/.606 with 16 homers, 11 doubles, 33 RBI, 32 runs and a stolen base across 54 games.

Alvarez (back) will start at designated hitter and bat third in Monday's game versus the Rangers.

Alvarez was pulled from Saturday's contest against the Cubs due to back spasms and then didn't play in Sunday's series finale, though the slugger contended it was unrelated to the back issue and it was merely a scheduled day off. Either way, he's back in there for Monday's tilt.

Stanton (calf) is slated to undergo imaging in the next week, per MLB.com.

Stanton has been hitting and doing plyometric exercises, but he's yet to clear the big obstacle of being able to run. Should the imaging look good, the slugger could be ready for the next step in his rehab. Stanton hasn't played in a game since April 24, so he'll probably need a rehab assignment before returning to the Yankees' lineup.

Kjerstad (hamstring) went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk.

Kjerstad appears to be close to wrapping up his minor-league rehab assignment, having gone 10-for-41 (.244) with two extra-base hits, six RBI, two walks and four runs scored across 10 games with Norfolk. The 27-year-old outfielder has been recovering from a strained right hamstring since spring training, but he could soon help fortify an Orioles outfield that remains without Dylan Beavers (oblique).

Yoshida went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Twins.

Yoshida got the Red Sox on the board with a solo shot in the second inning, his first homer of the campaign. It also marked the 34-year-old's first multi-hit effort dating back to May 6, as he entered Sunday just 5-for-33 over his previous 13 games since that date. For the year, he's slashing .263/.355/.379 with one home run, seven RBI, 10 runs scored and one steal across 110 plate appearances while starting against most right-handed pitchers.

Rooker is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

The Athletics will hand Rooker just his second day off since he was reinstated from the injured list April 26. With Rooker resting, the Athletics will go with Shea Langeliers in the designated-hitter spot, clearing the way for Jonah Heim to pick up a start behind the plate.

Benintendi is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

After a string of 11 consecutive starts, the left-handed-hitting Benintendi will get a break for Sunday's day game while the Giants send lefty Robbie Ray to the mound. Randal Grichuk will replace Benintendi in the starting nine, occupying left field and batting cleanup.

Alvarez (back) won't be in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Cubs, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was pulled from Saturday's contest in the sixth inning due to back spasms, but he said after the game that his absence Sunday had already been planned and has nothing to do with his injury. Scheduled or not, a day off for Alvarez will give his back more time to recover and help his chances of returning to the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Rangers.

Alvarez was removed from Saturday's game against the Cubs with back spasms, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was visited by a trainer in the on-deck circle before his at-bat in the sixth inning, and he was pulled moments later after showing discomfort following a swing. It's unclear whether the 28-year-old's back will cause him to miss additional time, but the Astros could provide an update on his status in the near future.

Yoshida isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Yoshida notched a base hit in each of Boston's games during its last series against Kansas City, but he'll move to the bench for a second straight game Saturday. Mickey Gasper starts as the DH, batting second.