MLB Player News

Ohtani left Saturday's game against the Astros as a pitcher due to a blister on his right index finger.

Ohtani remained in the game as the Angels' designated hitter, but he could only make it five innings (79 pitches) on the mound due to the blister issue. The AL MVP candidate allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out seven. Ohtani's status for his next start as a pitcher is up in the air.

Buxton (hip) is expected to return prior to the end of the regular season, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Buxton hasn't yet resumed baseball activities, and manager Rocco Baldelli said Saturday that he doesn't expect the outfielder to return this weekend or early next week. However, the team still hopes that the 28-year-old will be able to contribute late in the year.

Winker isn't in the lineup Saturday against Atlanta.

Winker is resting after he went 2-for-7 with a double, a run, three walks and a strikeout over the last three games. Sam Haggerty will start in left field and bat seventh.

Stanton (foot) is starting Saturday against the Rays, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Stanton was out of the lineup for the last four games, but he appeared off the bench Thursday and Friday. The 32-year-old is serving as the designated hitter and batting second Saturday.

Jimenez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Friday against the Athletics.

Jimenez took A.J. Puk yard in the ninth inning, which began a five-run rally to give the White Sox a win. He's now homered in three consecutive games, which has brought his total on the season to 12. Jimenez is also riding a modest four-game hitting streak, during which he's gone 8-for-17 with six RBI and five runs scored. On the campaign, Jimenez has a .306/.374/.502 line across 246 plate appearances.

Ford isn't starting Friday against the Astros, Edwin Perez of MLB.com reports.

Ford is getting a breather after he went 1-for-7 with a solo home run and two strikeouts over the last two games. Matt Thaiss is starting at first base and batting sixth.

Miller was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hip strain Friday.

Miller has been sidelined since Aug. 31 due to his hip injury, so his move to the IL is likely backdated a few days. The transaction helps to make room on the active roster for Josh Jung, whose contract was officially selected Friday. It's not yet clear when Miller will be able to return to game action.

Rooker was optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Royals on Friday.

After recording a 1.026 OPS in Triple-A this season, Rooker slashed just .160/.276/.200 over 29 plate appearances once he joined the Royals. He will be sent down in order to open up a roster spot for Vinnie Pasquantino (shoulder) who is coming off the injured list.

Stanton (foot) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

Stanton hasn't started since Monday after fouling a ball off his foot. He was able to appear off the bench Thursday, striking out as a pinch hitter, which suggests he'll be available again in that role Friday, though it remains unclear when he'll return to the lineup. Miguel Andujar remains the designated hitter Friday.

Jimenez went 1-for-5 with a walk, a two-run home run and two runs scored Thursday against the Athletics.

Jimenez delivered his 11th home run of the season in the fourth inning. He's homered in two of his last three games -- also picking up five RBI and four runs scored -- and has gone deep five times in 15 contests since Aug. 23. Though he's been on the field inconsistently, Jimenez has maintained an excellent .302/.372/.488 line across 242 plate appearances on the campaign.