MLB Player News

Martinez (groin) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran slugger aggravated an adductor injury Wednesday and will sit out for the second straight game Friday, though he's expected to be back in the lineup for Saturday's contest. Martinez has a modest four-game hit streak during which he's gone 6-for-15 with four doubles, two RBI and a run scored, but he'll need to wait at least another day before attempting to extend it.

Choi (elbow) is not in the lineup Friday against the Twins, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Choi will sit for the second consecutive contest while dealing with a slight hyperextension of his left elbow. The 30-year-old isn't expected to require a stint on the injured list, and he could be available off the bench Friday since he's feeling better, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports. Yandy Diaz will receive another look at first base while Taylor Walls mans the hot corner.

Lewis (knee) has recently been playing in extended spring training games, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Lewis has been taking 4-to-5 at-bats per game while seeing some action in left field during his appearances at the team's extended spring training facility. The 26-year-old will require a minor-league rehab assignment before he's cleared to return, and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said a rehab stint could happen sooner rather than later.

Ohtani isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Guardians, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ohtani was productive in Wednesday's win over Cleveland, allowing two runs in five innings as a pitcher while going 3-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI as a hitter. He'll get his first day off this season while Mike Trout serves as the designated hitter with Brandon Marsh starting in center field.

Manager Alex Cora said Martinez was excluded from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays after he aggravated an adductor injury in Wednesday's 7-1 win, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Martinez, who missed four straight games last week with the core-muscle injury, experienced renewed adductor discomfort while pulling into second base on a double during his 2-for-4 performance Wednesday. Though Cora noted that the Red Sox will act conservatively with Martinez while he manages the injury, the 34-year-old is expected to be back in the lineup at some point during the team's weekend series in Baltimore.

Martinez will sit Thursday against Toronto, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Martinez started the first three games of this week after returning from a four-game absence due to a groin injury. He went 4-for-13 with three doubles over that stretch but will get another chance to rest Thursday, as Travis Shaw enters the lineup as the designated hitter.

Cabrera isn't starting Thursday's game against the Twins.

Cabrera went 1-for-7 with three strikeouts over his last two appearances, and he'll get a breather in Thursday's series finale. Robbie Grossman will serve as the designated hitter while Austin Meadows starts in right field.

Buxton isn't starting Thursday against the Tigers.

Buxton started the last four games and hit .353 with three homers, a double, seven RBI and five runs. He'll get a breather Thursday while Gilberto Celestino starts in center field and bats ninth.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a double in a loss to the Rays on Wednesday.

The struggling outfielder may be starting to build some momentum at the plate, as Wednesday's two-bagger extended his hitting streak to four games. Both of Winker's extra-base hits on the season -- the first also a double -- have come within that span, as have four of his six RBI thus far in 2022. While his current .164 average and .197 slugging percentage are admittedly alarming, it's worth noting the combination OF Winker's modest 13.0 percent strikeout rate, elevated 28.8 percent line-drive rate and unsustainably low .192 BABIP paint a a picture of a hitter who's been significantly unlucky when making contact early this season.

Choi isn't starting Thursday against the Mariners due to a slightly hyperextended left elbow, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Manager Kevin Cash said prior to Thursday's matchup that Choi could be available if needed, but the team will try to stay away from him. The 30-year-old isn't expected to require an IL stint, but Yandy Diaz will shift to first base while Taylor Walls starts at the hot corner Thursday.