MLB Player News

Martinez (illness) is batting third as the designated hitter Friday against the Rangers, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The veteran slugger was expected to be out of Friday's starting nine after exiting Thursday's contest with migraine-related symptoms, but he won't end up being sidelined. Martinez is 0-for-9 with two walks and four strikeouts over the past three games.

Alvarez (undisclosed) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list and will start Friday at Tampa Bay, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old missed the past two games while on the COVID-19 IL, but he'll return to the lineup for Friday's contest. Alvarez has a .309/.355/.529 slash line with two home runs, seven doubles, 14 RBI and 10 runs through 18 games this season, and he'll attempt to pick up where he left off following the brief absence.

Rooker was optioned to the alternate training site Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old returned from a neck injury April 20 and had gone 2-for-18 with a solo homer since being activated from the injured list. Rooker should head to Triple-A St. Paul for the upcoming start of the minor-league campaign. Max Kepler and Kyle Garlick were activated from the COVID-19 injured list after clearing league protocols.

Stanton went 3-for-5 in Thursday's loss to the Orioles.

Stanton didn't register any counting stats or extra-base hits, but he did manage his third consecutive multi-hit effort. He is also riding a seven-game hitting streak, during which he's recorded three home runs, three RBI and six runs scored. For the season, Stanton has maintained a .250/.305/.477 line across 95 plate appearances.

Mercedes went 1-for-4 with a solo shot in Thursday's win over Tigers in the second leg of the doubleheader.

The 28-year-old rookie sensation hit a 449-foot home run off Alex Lange in the fifth inning. Mercedes' amazing rookie campaign continues, as he's hit safely in five straight games and is slashing .423/.464/.729 for the season.

Martinez (illness) will be sidelined Friday against the Rangers, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Martinez was removed from Thursday's game with "migraine-related symptoms." Manager Alex Cora did not offer further details on Martinez's condition, but he did already rule the star slugger out of Friday's lineup.

Martinez was removed from Thursday's game against the Rangers with migraine-related symptoms, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Martinez went 0-for-1 with two walks prior to exiting the game. It's unclear whether his absence could linger further into the team's weekend series against the Rangers. Christian Arroyo entered the game in Martinez's absence.

Mercedes isn't starting Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

Mercedes had recorded hits in each of the last four games, but he'll get a breather for Thursday's matinee. Jose Abreu will serve as the designated hitter while Jake Lamb starts at first base.

Alvarez (undisclosed) is undergoing tests Thursday and could return to the team for Friday's game against the Rays, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was placed on the injured list Wednesday after being held out of the lineup due to health and safety protocols. The fact that the Astros remain hopeful that he'll return Friday seemingly indicates that he hasn't tested positive for COVID-19 himself but was merely exposed to someone else who did.

Brantley isn't starting Thursday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley's six-game hitting streak came to an end Wednesday when he went 0-for-5 with a strikeout in a win over Seattle. Aledmys Diaz will take over in left field and bat fifth.