MLB Player News

Ohtani's stiff back has been improving, allowing him to throw a bullpen session and take some at-bats in an intrasquad game Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

News of a back issue was a potential worry for Ohtani, especially as his pitching appearance in an intrasquad contest Tuesday went quite poorly. It doesn't appear as though the Angels are particularly concerned, however, so Ohtani should be set to fill his two-way role once the season begins.

Ohtani is experiencing back stiffness that isn't believed to be serious, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani experienced back stiffness after pitching Tuesday, and the team has limited his workload over the past several days. However, manager Joe Maddon doesn't believe that the issue is serious and expects Ohtani to make his next outing in camp. Barring any setbacks, it wouldn't be surprising to see the right-hander fully ready for Opening Day.

Solak started in left field and went 2-for-3 in Friday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He's 7-for-20 during intrasquad play.

Look at any position on the Rangers' depth chart and you'll find Solak's name, many of which he's the top backup. Rangers manager Chris Woodward wants to find an everyday spot for his bat, but he's blocked at his best positions -- second and third base. The latest project is to have him get time at first base.

Lewis hit two home runs during Friday's six-inning intrasquad game at T-Mobile Park, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The pair of blasts added to the already strong impression Lewis already has made during the first week of summer camp. The outfielder's first homer of the day, a solo shot, came off rookie Justin Dunn and caromed high off the out-of-town scoreboard in left-center field, while the second was an opposite-field bomb off Nick Margevicius. Justus Sheffield, who drew the start for Lewis' team and pitched two scoreless innings, was the latest to extol the virtues of the 24-year-old. "The dude is locked in right now," Sheffield said. "On and off the field. I feel like he's going to have a really big year for us. He's always had the talent, and he's really starting to put it together. Hopefully, he can keep it going through this summer camp and push it through the season."

Lewis is a candidate to shift over to center field on occasion early in the season if Mallex Smith (undisclosed) remains away from the team, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "I love what Kyle Lewis has done since he's been here, on both sides of the ball," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "I think he looks tremendous running around in the outfield and is giving us every opportunity to put him out there in center field on occasion, if not more than occasionally, and see what the future holds for him."

Lewis worked diligently during the shutdown, particularly on his speed, which he's been flashing since summer camp began. The promising outfielder is currently projected to serve as the everyday right fielder, but he logged 111 games at center in the minors and certainly appears to have the agility to man the position effectively.

Buxton went went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk in Wednesday's scrimmage and made several running plays in the outfield, MLB.com reports. "I've got no limit. I'm back to being myself and going out and playing the game the right way," he said.

Buxton underwent surgery on his torn labrum in September, which placed his availability for the original Opening Day in question. However, he was able to rehab his injury during the pandemic shutdown and is back to full strength as evidenced Wednesday. Buxton was absent for the first few days of summer camp after the birth of his son, but he should be set to start in center field on Opening Day of the re-started 60-game season.

Reyes is expected to participate in Wednesday's training session after the Cleveland medical staff cleared him to return to summer camp, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Reyes reportedly attended a gathering over the weekend in which partygoers weren't wearing masks, so he chose to self-isolate over the past few days as a precautionary measure. With Reyes' COVID-19 test having returned negative, he's now available to return to the field and resume his preparation for the 2020 season. The brief absence shouldn't put his status for Opening Day in jeopardy, making the 25-year-old an attractive middle-round target for fantasy players looking for power production.

Ohtani unofficially walked eight batters and uncorked six wild pitches in three innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday, Trent Rush of Angels Radio Network reports.

There are no official stats for intrasquad games, but Ohtani clearly struggled mightily with his command Tuesday, unofficially throwing strikes on only 15 of 50 pitches. The rust is understandable since Tuesday marked Ohtani's first outing against any sort of competition in nearly two years, and the fact that he was able to throw 50 pitches without a setback is reason enough to be encouraged about the two-way star's ability to contribute on the mound this season.

Buxton (personal) was present for the Twins' workouts Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Buxton reportedly arrived at camp Sunday, but his presence at Tuesday's workouts signals that his intake testing for COVID-19 went smoothly. If the 26-year-old can remain healthy, he should be present for the remainder of camp, although whether his short absence will impact his readiness for the beginning of the regular season remains to be seen.

Reyes is absent from team workouts due to an additional round of coronavirus testing, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Reyes was reportedly part of a gathering over the Fourth of July weekend at which people weren't wearing masks, so he won't be allowed to rejoin his teammates until Cleveland is certain that he didn't pick up the virus. Manager Terry Francona said that his absence was simply a matter of the team being cautious, and that the outfielder is not in any trouble with the team. Assuming Reyes' absence only lasts a few days, his preparation for the upcoming season shouldn't be significantly impacted.