MLB Player News

Belt is not in the Blue Jays' lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Yankees, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.

George Springer is getting a start at designated hitter and Cavan Biggio is in right field. Belt is heating up this month but will take a seat Tuesday after starting each of the last eight contests.

Ohtani (neck) is in the Angels' lineup for Tuesday's game in Baltimore.

Ohtani dealt with some neck stiffness Monday as he pulled double duty on the mound and in the batter's box in the Angels' victory. It won't keep him from serving as the designated hitter Tuesday, though, as he bats third against Dean Kremer.

Ohtani (5-1) earned the win after allowing five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over seven innings during Monday's 9-5 victory over the Orioles. He also went 4-for-5 with a three-run home run, a triple, a walk and three runs scored as a hitter. After the game, Ohtani stated that he experienced some stiffness in his neck, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani appeared uncomfortable at times while on the mound Monday, but he noted after the contest that he doesn't believe it's anything serious. The Angels are sure to monitor their star two-way player closely moving forward and would likely hold him out Tuesday if there are any concerns. The 28-year-old Ohtani is once again making a compelling case for American League MVP honors while excelling on the mound and at the dish. Through nine starts, Ohtani has posted a 3.23 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 71:22 K:BB in 53 innings. In 40 games as a hitter, Ohtani has posted a .303 average to go with nine home runs, six stolen bases, 29 RBI and 25 runs.

Ohtani went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base Sunday in a loss to Cleveland.

Ohtani knocked an RBI single in the ninth inning to bring the Angels to within two runs, and he then moved into scoring position by stealing second base. The theft was the sixth of the campaign for the two-way star, though it was his first in over two weeks. Ohtani has also slugged eight homers, so he's currently on pace for the second 20-20 campaign of his career.

Ramirez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Yankees, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Ramirez started four of the past five games and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale in New York. Luke Raley will bat seventh as the designated hitter.

Stanton (hamstring) did defensive work Friday and will be part of the outfield mix once he returns from the injured list, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Injuries are a perennial part of the picture with Stanton, and he made it until only mid-April before suffering his first of the year. He's nearly a month into what was expected to be a six-week absence due to a hamstring strain and appears to be making steady progress, though his exact return date has yet to become clear.

Rooker will sit Saturday against the Rangers.

Rooker hit a walk-off three-run homer Friday, raising his season slash line to .319/.428/.673. His reward will be a day off, with JJ Bleday getting the start in left field while Jordan Diaz serves as the designated hitter.

Buxton will sit Saturday against the Cubs.

Buxton has exclusively served as the designated hitter this season, but the plan has enabledhim to start nearly every day. He'll hit the bench Saturday after starting 14 consecutive games, with Alex Kirilloff getting the chance to rest his legs in the DH spot. Buxton has gone hitless in seven straight games, so the Twins will hope the off day helps him reset at the plate.

Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk Friday against the White Sox.

Alvarez added an insurance run with his ninth-inning homer, his ninth long ball of the season. He's shown plenty of power of late, going deep in back-to-back games and five times in his last 15 starts. Unsurprisingly, he has an impressive .408 wOBA and 164 wRC+ to go along with 35 RBI across 32 games this season.

Rooker went 2-for-5 with a double and a three-run home run in Friday's 9-7 victory over the Rangers.

Rooker ended the game with a walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th inning, which was the first of his career. The outfielder/designated hitter now leads MLB with a 1.100 OPS, and is one of the few bright spots on a struggling Athletics team. The 28-year-old is also tied for fourth in the league with 11 home runs.