MLB Player News

Alvarez (illness) worked out with his teammates prior to Saturday's game in Seattle but has not been activated off the COVID-19 injured list, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez had remained away from the park for the past several days while battling an illness and was eventually placed on the COVID-19 injured list due to coronavirus-like symptoms, though he reportedly didn't test positive for the virus. The fact that he's back with his teammates Saturday is a sign that he's feeling much better, though it's yet to be confirmed when he'll return to the roster.

Miller was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels due to back tightness.

Miller wasn't in Friday's lineup against a left-handed pitcher, and he'll be excluded from the starting nine for a second straight game due to his back issue. Nick Solak will take his place in left field and bat eighth, while Miller should be considered day-to-day for now.

Winker went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, two walks and a run in a win over the Astros on Friday.

The offseason acquisition had the type of output fantasy managers have been clamoring for throughout his sluggish start to the season, serving as a thorn in the side of Astros pitching throughout the night. The night marked Winker's first multi-hit tally since Opening Day, and in a testament to the extent of his struggles to date, it only served to push his average back up to .200.

Buxton (knee) will travel with the Twins during their upcoming road trip to Kansas City, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Buxton underwent an MRI that didn't reveal any structural damage in his right knee, but he was expected to miss about a week due to the issue. However, manager Rocco Baldelli didn't rule out the possibility of Buxton playing sometime during Minnesota's upcoming series against the Royals, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday. Early reports on the 28-year-old's status have certainly been encouraging, but Gilberto Celestino and Nick Gordon should see increased playing time in Buxton's absence.

Buxton (knee) isn't dealing with any structural damage but will likely be forced to miss about a week, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Buxton exited Friday's win over the Red Sox with a sore right knee, and he underwent an MRI that didn't reveal anything too concerning. Per Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Twins don't plan to place Buxton on the injured list, so they seem to be optimistic that he'll be back in action sooner rather than later. Nick Gordon is starting in center field Saturday against Boston, while Gilberto Celestino should also see additional playing time while Buxton is sidelined.

Stanton went 3-for-5 with an RBI in Friday's 2-1, 11-inning loss to the Orioles.

His third-inning single gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead, but it was all the offense the team could muster as Stanton accounted for three of their seven hits on the night. The 32-year-old slugger is somewhat remarkably still looking for his first walk of the season as he carries a 0:10 BB:K through eight games, but otherwise it's been a strong start to the campaign for Stanton, who's hitting .300 with two homers and seven RBI.

Buxton (knee) isn't starting Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Buxton was removed from Friday's win over Boston due to right knee soreness, and he's undergoing further tests to help determine the severity of the issue. He'll be out of the lineup for at least one game, and his availability off the bench remains to be seen. Nick Gordon will take over in center field and bat seventh.

Choi isn't starting Saturday's game against the White Sox, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Even though right-hander Michael Kopech is starting for the White Sox on Saturday, Choi will be on the bench for the second time in the last three games. Harold Ramirez will start at first base and bat fourth.

Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 9-6 win over Texas.

Ohtani blasted his first homer of the year on the first pitch of the game from opener Matt Bush. He then took Kolby Allard deep for a two-run blast in the fifth. The reigning AL MVP was off to a slow 5-for-29 start at the dish, but Friday's performance could be the momentum boost he needed. Ohtani is now hitting .206 with four extra-base hits this season.

Choi went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, a walk and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

Choi smacked an RBI double and came around to score during the sixth inning, but it wasn't enough to complete a comeback. The hot-hitting lefty is now slashing .526/.640/1.000 with five extra-base hits through 25 plate appearances. He's reached base at least twice in six consecutive games.