MLB Player News

Alvarez, who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, is not dealing with COVID-19, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The COVID-specific injured list can be used if a player is merely exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, which appears to be the case with Alvarez. The Astros believe he's dealing with a different ailment and could be back as soon as Saturday.

Buxton and the Twins are waiting on the results of an MRI on his sore right knee, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton is already dealing with his first injury of the season after hurting his right knee while sliding into second base in the first inning of Friday's game against the Red Sox. For now, he's only been diagnosed with knee soreness, but it's possible the MRI reveals a more significant issue.

Alvarez was placed on the COVID-19 injured list due to health and safety protocols Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been dealing with an unspecified illness since at least Tuesday. If it turns out that he's tested positive for COVID-19, he could miss over a week, though he can also be placed on the injured list merely due to COVID-like symptoms or due to contact tracing. Joe Perez was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Alvarez (illness) remains out of action Friday against Seattle, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez hasn't played since Sunday while battling an illness. Michael Brantley will again serve as the designated hitter Friday, with Chas McCormick in left field and Jose Siri in center.

Miller is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Miller has started four of six games this season and will take a seat with southpaw Reid Detmers pitching for the Halos. Charlie Culberson will receive the start in left field Friday, batting eighth.

Buxton was diagnosed with right knee soreness after leaving Friday's game at Boston, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Buxton suffered the injury while sliding into second base on a double during the first inning, and he was able to leave the field under his own power. The 28-year-old continues to be evaluated, and the Twins could provide additional updates following Friday's contest.

Jimenez (ankle) is starting in left field and batting fifth Friday against the Mariners.

Jimenez sat out Thursday's contest after fouling a pitch off his left ankle Wednesday, but he was available as a pinch hitter and is now back in the lineup. The 25-year-old is 4-for-17 with a home run, seven RBI and two runs scored through five games this season.

Buxton exited Friday's game against the Red Sox with an apparent injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old led off the game with a shallow pop fly that the Red Sox mishandled, and he appeared to injure himself while sliding into second base with a double. He walked off the field under his own power and the specifics of the issue remain unclear, but any injury is a significant development for Buxton given his problems staying healthy throughout his career.

Cabrera went 3-for-4 with a run scored in a 4-2 win Thursday in Kansas City.

Cabrera singled in his first three plate appearances, and he's now just six hits shy of 3,000 for his career. The veteran slugger has yet to hit for much power this year with only one extra-base hit in the first seven games, but he continues to bat fifth as the designated hitter for the Tigers. There's a decent chance Cabrera will reach the historic milestone during next week's homestand.

Ohtani (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five in 3.2 innings in a 10-5 loss in Texas.

Ohtani's biggest foe of the game was catcher Jonah Heim. Heim was involved in all six runs credited to Ohtani as he hit a grand slam in the second inning and tacked on a RBI single in the fourth, later scoring after Ohtani was removed from the game. The reigning American League Most Valuable Player now has one good and one very bad start on the season. At the plate, the 27-year-old went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a walk. His next start will likely be next Wednesday in Houston.