MLB Player News

Ohtani will be in the Angels' offensive lineup as the starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Mariners, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Halos have gone back and forth between utilizing Ohtani as a hitter on the days he pitches. The two-way star did not hit in his previous two starts May 19 and May 28, but appears in line to participate on both sides of the ball Friday.

Choi (groin) wasn't feeling much better during the day Thursday and the team will know more about his status in the coming days, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The hope was that after getting some treatment he could be available as a pinch hitter in Thursday's game against the Yankees, but it doesn't sound like that was the case. Manager Kevin Cash said the team might know more later in the evening or Friday. In the meantime, Yandy Diaz should handle the bulk of the work at first base.

Cabrera (groin) is starting at designated hitter and batting third Thursday against the White Sox, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

He was lifted from Tuesday's game with left groin tightness, but it was apparently a minor issue. Cabrera has hit .216 with two home runs in 25 games since May 1.

Canha went 1-for-5 with a two-run single, an RBI fielder's choice and a run in a win over the Mariners on Wednesday.

Canha continues to make plenty of outs -- he's a miserable 3-for-25 over his last six games -- but timely hitting over the last pair of contests has led to four total RBI. The veteran is starting to accumulate some RBI production apart from what's directly stemmed from his barrage of solo homers, as prior to those most recent four RBI, he'd driven in just 15 runs despite having slugged 10 round trippers.

Soler (groin) will start in right field Thursday against the Twins, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Given that he is not only back but is able to play the field rather than DH, it appears Soler has recovered from his groin issue. He is hitting .154 with two home runs and 33 strikeouts in 91 at-bats since May 1.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said Thursday that he fears Lewis (knee) could be in line for a long-term absence, Maura Dooley of ESPN 710 AM Seattle reports. "I'm hopeful that we'll see him again this year on the field, but I don't think it's going to be quick," Dipoto said of Lewis.

Lewis was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after being diagnosed with a torn right meniscus tear, but the Mariners have not yet provided an estimated timeline for his return. The outfielder was sent in for a second opinion on his injury Wednesday, and Dipoto's pessimistic tone about Lewis' situation a day later suggests the Mariners didn't receive good news during the checkup. With the reigning American League Rookie of the Year now looking likely to be sidelined through the All-Star break -- if not longer -- Taylor Trammell is expected to get another trial as an everyday outfielder alongside Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger.

Choi is dealing with some groin soreness, which is why he is not in Thursday's lineup against the Yankees, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Manager Kevin Cash said Choi will get some treatment and will hopefully be available as a pinch hitter. Yandy Diaz is starting at first base and batting third.

Stanton is not in the lineup Thursday against the Rays.

Stanton has been handled cautiously since returning from a quadriceps injury in late May, starting just four times in seven games. Aaron Judge will rest his legs as the designated hitter in his absence, with Clint Frazier starting in right field.

Alvarez started in left field, went 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Boston.

This was the first start in the field for Alvarez, whose knees have been closely monitored and managed by the Astros' medical staff. If he can play at least one game per week in the field, that would enable manager Dusty Baker to give his position regulars a break, as he did Wednesday when Jose Altuve served as the designated hitter, and it might eventually qualify the slugger for something other than DH in certain formats.

Lewis (knee) is receiving a second opinion Wednesday on his torn right meniscus, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

A differing opinion may change the timeframe for Lewis' return, but it'll be unclear until details surface from Wednesday's visit to the doctor. Lewis is "really down and disappointed," said manager Scott Servais, as he could miss considerable time if his meniscus is indeed torn.