MLB Player News

Jimenez went 2-for-4 with a double and four RBI in Wednesday's 10-7 loss to the Cubs.

Despite the overall result, it was a strong individual effort from Jimenez. He hit a two-run single in the first inning and a two-run double in the fourth for his fifth multi-hit effort in the last six games. It was the first time he's logged multiple RBI in a game since July 6. The outfielder is at a strong .286/.330/.485 slash line with 13 home runs, 46 RBI, 33 runs scored and 14 doubles through 68 contests overall.

Alvarez went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 13-5 loss to the Rangers.

Alvarez did fairly well in his return from a right oblique injury that sidelined him for over six weeks. He batted fifth as the designated hitter, which will likely be his primary position initially, though he could also challenge slumping rookie Corey Julks -- who is 0-for-24 over his last eight games -- for time in left field. Alvarez is slashing .279/.394/.593 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 41 runs scored and 13 doubles through 58 contests, so he should provide a power boost from the heart of the Astros' lineup.

The Angels took Ohtani off the trade market Wednesday, Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated reports.

After weeks of speculation ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, it appears Ohtani will stay put in Los Angeles as the Angels look to contend for a playoff spot. Although Ohtani is currently having his worst statistical season on the mound (3.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP), he's been a nightmare for opposing pitchers while slashing .299/.398/.668 with 36 homers and 77 RBI.

Rooker (illness) is starting at designated hitter and batting third in Wednesday's game in San Francisco.

It's Rooker's first start in a week. He was scratched from one start during that time due to illness, although it's not clear whether that's the full reason for his lack of playing time recently. Between promotions and the Athletics getting guys back from injury, Rooker isn't assured of regular at-bats in the second half.

Ohtani will start the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani had been lined up to work Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays, but the Angels will move him up a day following Wednesday's rainout in Detroit. It's a far more favorable matchup for the two-way superstar. Patrick Sandoval will work the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill at Comerica Park.

Houston optioned Madris to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Madris had been up with the Astros since June 22, but he played in only 12 games and slashed .154/.267/.192 across 30 plate appearances. Yordan Alvarez (oblique) and Jose Altuve (oblique) are both back from the injured list ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Rangers.

The Astros reinstated Alvarez (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Now that he's been activated, Alvarez will presumably return to the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers for what will be his first game with the Astros since June 8. Alvarez has taken longer than expected to heal up from the right oblique injury, but the Astros are hopeful he'll be able to shake off any rust quickly to provide a much-needed boost to the lineup. Prior to being activated, Alvarez made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land last week, going 3-for-9 with a double and two walks.

Turner is starting at second base and hitting second in Wednesday's contest versus Atlanta, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

It will be his third start this season and eighth appearance at second base, which is actually one more appearance than he's made this year at his more familiar third base. Turner reached base three times and scored a pair of runs in the first game of the series Tuesday.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday there's a chance Alvarez (oblique) returns to the lineup Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez will be re-evaluated Wednesday and could start against the Rangers if everything goes well. The star slugger has been on the injured list since June 9 and began a rehab assignment Wednesday. He's played three games with Triple-A Sugar Land, going 3-for-9 with two RBI and two walks.

Alvarez (oblique) will not be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Tuesday's game versus the Rangers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday that it's possible Alvarez would return to action Tuesday or Wednesday, but we can now cross the first day off that list. The slugger has been on the shelf early June due to a right oblique strain. Houston is idle Thursday, leaving Alvarez with potentially four games to play in this week if he returns Wednesday.