MLB Player News

Martinez went 4-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs Sunday in the Red Sox's 9-8 loss to the Blue Jays.

Brought back from the COVID-19 injured list Sunday after a one-game hiatus, Martinez busted out with his third four-hit performance of the season. Prior to being deactivated for a day, Martinez had been in the midst of a prolonged slump, going 8-for-55 (.145 average) over his prior 14 starts. The Red Sox will need Martinez to re-emerge as the All-Star player he was in the first half if the team is to chase down the Rays for the American League East crown or hold its position in the wild-card race.

Jimenez went 3-for-4 with a double, a solo home run, a two-run home run and two additional RBI in Sunday's 9-3 win against the Cubs.

Jimenez tagged Cubs' starter Zach Davies for a two-run home run in the first and a two-run double in the second. He tacked on a solo shot off reliever Michael Rucker in the fifth. This was the powerful 24-year-old's fourth straight game with a double and his second and third homers of the season in only his ninth game. Given the small sample, Jimenez's slugging percentage jumped from .414 to .667 with the three extra-base-hit performance.

Brantley was removed from Sunday's game against the Twins for precautionary reasons after being struck in the head when he was involved in a collision while running the bases, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The collision occurred with Andrelton Simmons during the opening frame after Brantley worked a walk in his first plate appearance. The veteran outfielder initially remained in the contest but was pulled for a pinch hitter during the third inning. Brantley should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated.

Brantley was removed in the bottom of the third inning of Sunday's game against the Twins after he suffered an apparent injury when he was involved in a collision on the bases in the bottom of the first inning, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After walking in his lone plate appearance of the day, Brantley looked to be hobbled when he collided with the Twins' Andrelton Simmons while advancing to second base. Though he initially didn't have to exit the contest, Brantley -- who was serving as the Astros' designated hitter -- remained on the bench when his next turn through the batting order came up in the third. Expect the Astros to provide an update on Brantley's condition later Sunday.

Ohtani is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Ohtani remains on the bench for the third straight game with the Angels finishing up a road series versus the Dodgers on Sunday. The 27-year-old has appeared in the outfield a few times this season but hasn't started any contests, so it's not a surprise to see him on the bench with the Halos in a National League park. Ohtani should rejoin the lineup Tuesday for the start of the four-game series against the Blue Jays.

Ramirez is out of the lineup Sunday versus Detroit.

Ramirez started the past three games and will head to the bench after going 2-for-12 with a double. Oscar Mercado will start in left field Sunday for Cleveland.

Martinez (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list and is batting fifth as the designated hitter Sunday against the Blue Jays, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The veteran slugger landed on the COVID list Saturday while feeling under the weather, but he tested negative for the virus and will rejoin the team for the series finale. Martinez is 6-for-41 with a .386 OPS over his past 10 games.

Torrens is out of the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Torrens started the past four contests and will take a seat Sunday after going 1-for-12 with a walk, a run and five strikeouts during that span. Mitch Haniger will serve as the designated hitter while Jake Bauers starts in right field.

Cabrera is out of the lineup Sunday versus Cleveland.

Cabrera will take a seat after starting the past nine games, and he went 2-for-14 with three walks during the last four contests of that stretch. Eric Haase will serve as the designated hitter while Grayson Greiner works behinds the plate.

Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Twins.

Alvarez slammed a solo home run off Michael Pineda in the fourth inning to give the Astros a two-run lead. He was the only player to hit a homer in the game. The 24-year-old has homered three times in his last five games. On the season, he is slashing .284/.348/.525 with 22 long balls, 65 runs and a team-leading 73 RBI in 396 plate appearances.