MLB Player News

The Yankees officially selected Ford's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

New York announced the transaction shortly after George A. King III of the New York Post reported that Ford would receive his first big-league callup. The 26-year-old will assume the active roster spot of first baseman/designated hitter Greg Bird, who was placed on the 10-day injured list after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Bird had struggled mightily at the plate prior to getting hurt, so there could be an opportunity for Ford to stick around with the big club even if Bird's absence proves to be only a short-term situation. Ford slashed a modest .251/.326/.433 over 108 games in the minors in 2018 but has been one of the top hitters early on in the International League this season, amassing a 1.364 OPS over his first 45 plate appearances.

The Yankees plan to select Ford's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, George A. King III of the New York Post reports.

Ford has played almost exclusively at first base throughout his minor-league career, so his impending promotion could signal that the Yankees are planning to option Luke Voit or Greg Bird to the minors or to place one of the two on the injured list. Since Ford doesn't possess a spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees will need to make a corresponding transaction later Tuesday before his callup is official. Ford has gotten off to a hot start in the International League this season, submitting a monstrous 1.364 OPS across 45 plate appearances.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a double in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Orioles.

The double was the fifth in the last six games for Martinez, who extended his hit streak to six games and has reached base safely in all 17 games played. The Red Sox have under-performed thus far, but Martinez and the man who hits behind him, Xander Bogaerts, have been steady offensive contributors.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache determined Monday that Ohtani (elbow) can start to face live pitching, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

As expected, Ohtani was given the green light to participate in live hitting, and he'll do so beginning in one week. Dr. ElAttrache informed the Angels that Ohtani's elbow has healed to the point where hitting won't impede his pitching rehab, and there's a definite possibility that the two-way player could return sometime in May as a batter. "All is good," stated skipper Brad Ausmus. "Everything came back good. The doctor was pleased and he's going to continue his progression. If all goes well, next week he'll see live pitchers. As to where that happens, that's still to be determined."

Ohtani (elbow) will begin to face live pitching in one week, assuming his visit to the doctor Monday went as planned, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

This is big news for Ohtani, as this latest update indicates he's nearing the final steps in his rehab. The Angels have yet to hear back about how his visit with the doctor went, although if all went according to plan, Ohtani will step into the batter's box against live hitting in a week. It's still unclear whether he'll do so in simulated games or while on a minor-league rehab stint.

Soler is on the bench for the first time this season Monday against the White Sox.

Soler has started nine games as a designated hitter and a further six in right field. Lucas Duda will fill the former position Monday, with Chris Owings in right field.

Soler went 1-for-4 with a home run and walk in a 9-8 victory against the Indians on Sunday.

The 27-year-old has been an all-or-nothing guy in 2019. He's always struggled with contact, but Soler leads the league with 24 strikeouts early this season. However, he also has nine extra-base hits, including four homers. Owners would like to see Soler make more contact, as he is hitting just .217, but he does possess a .500 slugging percentage with 13 RBI and seven runs in 60 at-bats.

Miller was designated for assignment by the Indians on Sunday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the series finale.

Miller was booted from the roster to make room for the return of Jason Kipnis (calf), who's set to join the team in Seattle. Miller could conceivably get scooped up by another big-league team while on waivers, considering his versatility and the fact that he's gotten off to a decent start in 2019. He's batting .250 with a home run, four RBI and a stolen base over 13 games.

Cabrera is batting second and serving as the designated hitter in Sunday's game against the Twins.

With Josh Harrison (shoulder) out of the lineup, the Tigers are shifting their regulars up, which puts Cabrera in the unusual spot of second. This is just the fourth time the 35-year-old has batted second in his 15-year MLB career, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Expect Cabrera to slide back down to third in short order.

Collins went 1-for-4 with a solo home run for Triple-A Charlotte in Saturday's game against Indianapolis.

Collins has put a charge into the ball early on, cracking five homers over his first seven games. The young catcher appears to be letting fewer pitches pass by, opting to swing at hittable offerings he'd take last year. His typically elite-level OBP is at just .300 through seven games.