MLB Player News

Brantley went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-3 win over Boston.

In his second game back from a hamstring injury, Brantley put together a solid performance. He's now 4-for-9 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in his last two games. For the season, the outfielder has slashed .313/.351/.460 with three home runs, 16 RBI, and 27 runs scored across 188 plate appearances. He served as the designated hitter Wednesday after playing in left field in his return Tuesday -- that may happen at times to keep the 34-year-old fresh.

Buxton (hip) will not play with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday following a rain delay, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Concerns over wet field conditions convinced Buxton to delay his appearance until Thursday. This will also likely delay his activation by one day, as it's his desire for more rehab at-bats that is the primary reason for the delay in his removal from the injured list.

Canha went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

The reliable leadoff bat led the game with four total bases and was an offensive catalyst for the Athletics, opening the scoring with a two-run triple in the second inning. Canha bounced back nicely after consecutive 0-for-4 showings with no walks, and he's now 17th in baseball with a .384 OBP.

Buxton (hip) feels completely healthy but wants more rehab at-bats before being activated, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Buxton is batting second and starting in center Wednesday for Triple-A St. Paul, his first appearance in the field since since suffering the injury in early May. He's expected to between five and seven innings. Despite his flashy box score (2-for-3 with a triple), the 27-year-old wasn't entirely confident in his at-bats Tuesday and wants to make further strides before returning to the Twins.

Manager Scott Servais remains "optimistic" that Lewis (knee) will return to action at some point this season, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Servais' remarks Wednesday strike a more optimistic tone than those of general manager Jerry Dipoto from less than a week ago, when the latter conceded his fear that Lewis, who has been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, was in for a long-term absence. In reality, both Servais and Dipoto could ultimately be correct, as Lewis does appear set to miss several weeks at minimum but still has nearly four months to work with in terns of a possible regular-season return.

Mercedes isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Mercedes went 1-for-7 with a run, a walk and a strikeout across his last two games. Jake Lamb will serve as the designated hitter and bat second.

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's win over Seattle.

Cabrera has hit safely in four straight games and in five of his last six contests overall, recording one home run, five RBI and five runs in that span. That said, Cabrera is barely hitting .200 on the season, so while the recent signs are encouraging, he's still in the midst of a career-worst year at the plate.

Martinez (wrist) went 1-for-4 with a single in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Astros.

Martinez was back in the lineup after missing three games due to a wrist injury. He returned to serve as the designated hitter but was dropped to the cleanup spot for the first time in 2021.

Brantley went 1-for-4 with double with a run scored in Tuesday's 7-1 win over Boston.

Brantley was activated off the injured list for Tuesday's game and batted sixth, which may be a temporary assignment, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Manager Dusty Baker wants to monitor Brantley's hamstrings and promised to move him up in the order. He'd been the primary two-hole hitter prior to his injury, but Baker may not want to disrupt the surging Carlos Correa (16-for-40, five HR), who has settled in behind leadoff batter Jose Altuve. The two hole is an ideal spot for an Astros hitter, as it affords protection via the formidable presences of Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and Yuli Gurriel.

Ohtani went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a double, an additional run scored and a walk in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Royals.

Ohtani slammed a two-run shot off Kris Bubic in the first inning to put the Angels up early. His 17th long ball of the season Tuesday lands Ohtani in second on the home-run leaderboard in the American League. In addition, he leads the Angels in RBI (44), runs (40) and stolen bases (nine). He has displayed a premium amount of combined power and speed, ranking third in all of baseball in home runs plus steals. The 26-year-old is slashing .261/.346/.606 in 231 plate appearances.