MLB Player News

Miller is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros.

The Rangers are facing off against lefty Framber Valdez in the series opener, so the lefty-hitting Miller will head to the bench so Texas can get an extra right-handed bat in the lineup. Miller has made two of his last three starts as a designated hitter, but he may see his pathway to playing time at that spot become more blocked against right-handed pitching following the Rangers' activation of Mitch Garver (elbow) from the 10-day injured list Thursday. Though Garver opened the season as the Rangers' top catcher, he has yet to resume throwing since initially suffering the elbow injury earlier this month, so he'll be limited to a DH-only role in the short term. If Garver ends up clogging up the DH spot against right-handed pitching, the Rangers may have to send third baseman Andy Ibanez or outfielder Eli White to the bench more frequently if they want to keep a spot in the lineup open for Miller.

Brantley is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Brantley started the past 16 games and will receive a day off after posting an .805 OPS during that stretch. Chas McCormick will shift to left field while Jose Siri starts in center.

Solak was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Solak started only one of the past five games and has now been demoted to the minors. The 27-year-old hit .209/.293/.313 with two home runs, three RBI and three stolen bases in 75 plate appearances. Mitch Garver (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Ford is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

The lefty-hitting Ford has served as Seattle's primary designated hitter since he was reacquired from the Giants last week, but he'll take a seat with southpaw Rich Hill on the mound for Boston. Ford is expected to lose out on steady at-bats against right-handers as soon as next week, when outfielder/DH Kyle Lewis (knee) could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Miller went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Angels.

Miller launched his sixth homer of the season during the seventh inning to give Texas a lead that Matt Bush was unable to protect later in the game. His leadoff single to start the game for Texas snapped an 0-for-12 skid, as Miller continues to battle at the plate. He's batting just .213 (19-for-89) but has 18 RBI over 31 games, which ties him for second on the team.

Ohtani didn't factor into the decision during Wednesday's 6-5 loss to Texas, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in six innings.

Ohtani navigated Texas' lineup successfully with the exception of Jonah Heim, who accounted for both runs surrendered with RBI in the fourth and sixth innings. The 27-year-old has delivered quality starts in three straight turns and has now permitted two runs or fewer in six of his seven starts. Ohtani lines up to take the hill again next week against Toronto.

Choi went 1-for-1 with an RBI after entering the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning Wednesday against the Tigers.

Choi didn't start the game with southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound. However, he provided an insurance run for the Rays by driving in his 15th run of the campaign and fifth across his last five games. Overall, Choi has maintained a .279/.388/.441 line across 80 plate appearances this season.

Stanton isn't starting Wednesday against Baltimore.

Stanton started in the last six games and hit .417 with three homers, two doubles, 10 RBI and five runs. He'll get a breather while Aaron Judge serves as the designated hitter with Marwin Gonzalez starting in right field.

Torrens isn't starting Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Torrens recently had a string of six consecutive starts in which he hit .263 with two runs, three walks and seven strikeouts, but he'll now retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Cal Raleigh will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Reyes (personal) is starting Wednesday against the Reds.

Reyes didn't start Tuesday while tending to a personal matter, but he appeared as a pinch hitter and drew a walk in his lone plate appearance. The 26-year-old will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth in his return to the lineup Wednesday.