MLB Player News

Alvarez has been working out at first base, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said Alvarez "is not yet ready" to start a game there, but if he could provide competent defense there, it would improve the manager's ability to manage the roster. The Astros are currently missing Yuli Gurriel (neck), which leaves them a player short. Additionally, the team could use Alvarez at first base in National League cities.

Jimenez went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to Kansas City.

Jimenez, who returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing four games with a groin injury, has served as the designated hitter in both games since returning. He's hitless with four strikeouts in eight at-bats in the two games.

Ohtani (6-1) allowed one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out six across six innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Rangers.

Ohtani allowed a leadoff double in the sixth inning, which ultimately led to the only run against him in the outing. After posting a 5.3 BB/9 across his first 60 innings, Ohtani has walked only one batter across his last four starts -- a span of 26 frames. His improved control continued Wednesday, as 59 of his 86 pitches went for strikes and he began 17 of the 22 batters he faced with a strike. Ohtani was also in Wednesday's lineup, though he went 0-for-3 at the plate.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with three RBI, a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-3 win over Baltimore.

The 31-year-old made the Yankees' lead much more comfortable with a three-RBI double in the seventh inning. Stanton has now posted multi-hit efforts in each of the last two games after not doing so for a 12-game stretch between July 21 and Aug. 2. The slugger is slashing .257/.356/.457 with 17 home runs, 53 RBI, 38 runs scored and 12 doubles through 365 plate appearances.

Ramirez isn't starting Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Ramirez had started each of the first two games of the series and went 2-for-9 with a double, two RBI, a run and a strikeout. Oscar Mercado will start in left field and bat sixth.

Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers.

Alvarez blasted his 20th long ball of the season in the eighth inning, taking reliever Victor Gonzalez deep for his third homer over his last nine games. That span has been a highly productive one for Alvarez, as he's also compiled eight RBI, seven runs and a .961 OPS across the 36 plate appearances he's logged during it.

Stanton went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, four RBI and another run scored during Tuesday's win over the Orioles.

Stanton finally broke out of a 9-for-55 slump following the All-Star break with a hot night at the plate, including a 346-foot shot off Adam Plutko in the fourth inning. The 31-year-old hasn't had quite the slugger season fantasy managers have hoped for just yet, but the potential is there. Overall, Stanton is averaging .253/.352/.452 with 17 homers.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Red Sox.

Cabrera moved a little closer to history Tuesday night, smashing his 498th career homer (and 360th as a Tiger) off Boston starter Garrett Richards. The 19-year veteran has been vintage Miggy over his last 10 games, hitting .406 with four home runs and 10 RBI. If Cabrera wants to hit No. 500 at home, he'd better hurry, as Detroit jets off for a six-game road trip after two more against Boston.

Brantley (ankle) is starting in right field and batting second Tuesday against the Dodgers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley exited Sunday's loss to the Giants with an ankle injury, but X-rays came back negative and he won't end up missing any time. The veteran outfielder is hitting .362/.455/.489 with one homer, three doubles, four RBI and 12 runs in 14 games since the All-Star break.

Jimenez (groin) is batting cleanup as the designated hitter in Tuesday's game against the Royals, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The young slugger will be playing in just his fourth game of the season, hoping to avoid aggravating the groin injury that has sidelined him since July 28. In his brief action last week, Jimenez went 2-for-11 with a home run and three RBI.