MLB Player News

Jimenez (hamstring) is still working on building up his lower-body strength at Triple-A Charlotte before being activated, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He has been serving as the designated hitter through four rehab games, going 4-for-13, but he is starting in left field Sunday. Manager Tony La Russa said Jimenez's legs aren't ready yet. It was reported that he could be activated during this upcoming homestand that runs Tuesday through Sunday, and that still seems possible, but it probably wouldn't come until midway through the homestand at the earliest.

Martinez is not in Sunday's lineup against the Athletics, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Martinez is hitting .308 with zero home runs and 10 runs scored over his last 10 games. Jarren Duran, who may be up only while Jackie Bradley is on the paternity list, is getting the start at designated hitter.

Brantley is not in Sunday's lineup against the Royals.

Brantley is hitting .229 with zero home runs and one steal over his last 10 games. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field with Chas McCormick moving to left.

Buxton is not in Sunday's lineup against the Blue Jays.

He continues to get strategic rest days once or twice per week. Buxton went through a frigid stretch at the dish in the middle of May, but he is hitting .300 with one home run over his last five games. Gilberto Celestino will start in center field and bat seventh.

Stanton is not in Sunday's lineup against the Tigers.

He was activated from the injured list Saturday and went 1-for-4 with a double and two strikeouts. It's not surprising for the Yankees to ease Stanton back into the mix, especially given the 11:35 AM start time for this one.

Winker went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a pair of walks in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Rangers.

Winker has done alright in the leadoff role, going 6-for-26 (.231) with six walks, a homer and a pair of doubles in seven games since replacing Adam Frazier atop the lineup. The long ball Saturday was Winker's first since May 14, and he only had four doubles between those homers. The power has been lacking for the outfielder in his first year with the Mariners -- he's slugging just .314 in 52 contests. He's up to three homers, 21 RBI, 16 runs scored and nine doubles for the season.

Ford was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Ford came into Saturday having only started one of the past six games and he was ultimately designated for assignment after the Mariners acquired Ryan Borucki from the Blue Jays via trade. He will now either report to Triple-A Tacoma, get claimed by another team or be released outright. Ford owns a .188 average with a double, five RBI and a run scored over 32 at-bats in 16 games with the Mariners and Giants this season.

Manager Scott Servais said Saturday that Lewis is still dealing with concussion effects, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Lewis was placed on the 7-day injured list Wednesday, and he hasn't yet been able to do any strenuous activity as the Mariners follow concussion protocols. It's not yet clear when the 26-year-old will be able to return to game action.

Stanton (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Stanton was dealing with right ankle inflammation since late May, but he resumed baseball activities shortly after landing on the injured list. After performing well while running and taking batting practice this week, the 32-year-old will be back in action following a minimal IL stint. Over 20 games in May, Stanton slashed .301/.388/.616 with seven homers, two doubles, 21 RBI and 10 runs.

Alvarez went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Royals.

Fresh off of signing a record contract (six years, $115 million) for a designated hitter earlier Friday, Alvarez showed why the Astros would commit to him. He delivered his 15th homer of the year in the fifth inning off Royals starter Brady Singer. Alvarez is red-hot right now with multiple hits in six of his last seven games, going 13-for-29 (.448) in that span. He's up to a .281/.373/.593 slash line with 33 RBI, 32 runs scored, five doubles and a triple in 46 contests. The 24-year-old should continue to be a steady presence in the heart of the Astros' order for years to come.