MLB Player News

Stanton went 2-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 12-2 rout of the Royals.

He went back-to-back with Anthony Rizzo in the first inning, giving the Yankees an early 3-0 lead. Stanton is locked in right now, going 7-for-14 over a four-game RBI streak with two of his four homers on the year.

Alvarez went 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, three runs scored and a walk in Friday's 11-7 win over Toronto.

Alvarez's impressive day got started with an RBI single and a run scored in the third inning. He then drilled a two-run homer off of Trevor Richards in the sixth before scoring a third run in the eighth. After beginning the year in a 5-for-33 slump, Alvarez is 10-for-23 (.435) with six runs scored over his last six games.

Ohtani went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, two additional runs scored and a stolen base in Friday's 5-1 win over the White Sox.

Ohtani took Lucas Giolito deep in the first inning with a 419-foot solo shot, his fourth homer of the year. He reached on a fielder's choice and scored in the sixth before singling, stealing a base and scoring again in the eighth. The reigning AL MVP is 16-for-56 (.286) with six extra-base hits and three steals over his last 13 games.

Manager Dusty Baker said after Friday's game that he is unsure if Brantley (health and safety protocols) will be available for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He was scratched from Friday's lineup, but the Astros have used the "health and safety protocols" as cover for anything from non-COVID illnesses to positive tests this season, so it's possible Brantley could just be day-to-day. Jose Siri entered the lineup in his place.

Brantley was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays due to health and safety protocols, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Chas McCormick will shift to center field while Jose Siri enters the lineup in center field. It's unclear whether Brantley will be day-to-day as he goes through testing or if he will be placed on the COVID-19 injured list.

Choi (elbow) is feeling better and is available off the bench if needed Friday, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

Choi is on the bench for the second game in a row while dealing with a slightly hyperextended left elbow, but it looks as though he could be back in action soon. Yandy Diaz will start at first base Friday against the Twins.

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.