MLB Player News

Lewis (knee) could return during the Mariners' homestand that runs from April 16-20, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Lewis has continued to hit in the batting cage at T-Mobile Park in recent days and is progressing in his recovery. While he won't travel with the team in the coming week, the 25-year-old has a better timetable for his season debut as long as his recovery continues to go well. Taylor Trammell and Braden Bishop should continue to see increased playing time in center field in Lewis' absence.

Mercedes isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Seattle.

Mercedes recorded hits in each of his first five games of the season and went 13-for-23 with four extra-base hits, four runs, six RBI and three strikeouts during that time. However, Zack Collins will take his place as the designated hitter Wednesday, batting fifth.

Buxton (illness) will start in center field and bat fifth Wednesday against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Though Buxton was held out of the starting nine for a second straight day Tuesday while he dealt with an illness, he erased any concern about his health by entering the game in the fifth inning and delivering a solo home run across two at-bats in the Twins' 4-3 loss. Now that he's feeling healthy again, Buxton should be able to play center field on an everyday basis.

Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a cervical strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Rooker was slated to start in left field against the Tigers on Wednesday, but he's apparently dealing with a neck injury that will force him to miss at least 10 days. Left-hander Brandon Waddell's contract was selected by Minnesota in a corresponding move. It's not yet clear when Rooker will be able to return.

Solak went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-4 victory over Toronto.

Both of Solak's steals came following his third-inning single, though he was ultimately stranded at third base. The 26-year-old swiped seven bags in eight attempts last season and stole 21 bases at Double-A in 2018, so he can be a contributor in that category if he's able to reach base consistently.

Martinez went 2-for-6 with two doubles and three RBI on Tuesday against the Rays.

Martinez played hero Tuesday night, driving in two runs in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Red Sox a walkoff win. The performance continued what has been a very hot start to the season for Martinez, as he has at least one extra-base hit in every contest while racking up nine RBI and four runs scored across five games. Martinez appears to have put his forgettable 2020 campaign behind him, as he is hitting the ball with authority and has struck out only three times in 23 plate appearances.

Buxton (illness) entered Tuesday's game against the Tigers as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the fifth inning.

He is apparently over the bug that kept him out for half of Sunday's game, all of Monday's game and half of Tuesday's contest. He replaces Brent Rooker while Jake Cave slides over to left field.

Brantley (wrist) will remain on the bench Tuesday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley was hit by a pitch Saturday against Oakland and has yet to return to the field. Previous reports indicated that the Astros were hopeful he could return Tuesday, but the chances of that decreased after he was unable to take batting practice Monday. Brantley still appears in good shape to avoid a trip to the injured list, as manager Dusty Baker said that the veteran may be available off the bench to pinch run and play defense, according to Rome. With an off day coming Wednesday, Brantley will turn his focus to rejoining the lineup Thursday against Oakland.

Ohtani (ankle) will bat second as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Astros.

Ohtani left his start Sunday against the White Sox after a somewhat scary collision at the plate, but the Angels clarified after the game that he was going to exit the contest anyway and wasn't dealing with any serious injury. He got a bit of rest Monday, though he did appear as a pinch hitter, reaching base after getting struck by a pitch. He'll be involved from the start Tuesday and shouldn't face any restrictions going forward.

Buxton (illness) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

He'll take a seat for a second straight game while he continues to recover from the non-COVID-19-related bug he developed in Sunday's win over the Brewers. Jake Cave will pick up another start in center field in place of Buxton, who manager Rocco Baldelli said could be available off the bench, according to Park. Baldelli's comments would seemingly bode well for Buxton's chances of returning to the starting nine for Wednesday's series finale.