MLB Player News

Alvarez went 2-for-4 with his 15th home run of the season and three RBI in Triple-A Round Rock's 4-2 win over Oklahoma City on Sunday.

With a .436 average, three home runs and a 7:11 BB:K over his last 10 games, Alvarez only seems to be strengthening his bid for a promotion to the big leagues. The Astros haven't alluded to any potential callup date for Alvarez, whose eventual arrival in Houston may hinge on the performances of Tony Kemp and Tyler White in the games to come. One of those two players would likely need to be removed from the roster in order to open up a spot for the 21-year-old slugger.

Stanton (shoulder) took live at-bats at extended spring training Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

This marks a step in the right direction for Stanton, who had been limited to soft toss and tee work prior to his live BP session. The slugger also did some defensive work, though it remains to be seen when he'll return to game action. A timetable for Stanton's return will hopefully come into focus once he's cleared to begin a rehab stint.

Buxton went 3-for-3 with a double, walk and an RBI in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Tigers.

Buxton enjoyed a productive series against Detroit, starting in three of the four games and going 5-for-10 with two doubles, two walks, three runs and a stolen base. While Buxton has done a good job of cutting down on his strikeouts (career-best 23 percent rate) this season, his presence at the bottom of the Minnesota lineup may continue to hinder his run and RBI production.

Manager Bob Melvin told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Monday that Canha (wrist) has been activated from the 10-day injured list.

Canha will assume the active roster spot of first base/designated hitter Kendrys Morales, who was designated for assignment. Now apparently healthy after logging two rehab appearances at Triple-A Las Vegas over the weekend, Canha will serve as a depth option at first base and in the outfield. Most of the starts Canha receives will likely come against left-handed pitching.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs, three RBI and three runs in an 11-2 victory against the Mariners on Sunday.

The 31-year-old entered Sunday significantly behind his home run pace from last season, but the two-bomb outing gets him nearly back on track. While Martinez may not be among the league leaders in homers, he's experiencing a strong start to the year. He is slashing .313/.393/.507 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 25 runs and one steal in 173 plate appearances this season. Martinez also has just 25 strikeouts versus 19 walks.

Choi went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a run in a win over the Yankees on Saturday.

Choi was relegated to the bottom of the order Saturday, but he still found a way to make a solid impact. The 27-year-old has enjoyed his encounters with Yankees pitching over the first two games of the series, as he's 3-for-7 with a solo home run, a walk and two runs in that pair of contests.

Cabrera was ejected from Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins in the bottom of the first inning, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports. He finished 0-for-1.

Cabrera, who started at designated hitter, grounded out to end the top of the first inning, then was tossed from the dugout in the bottom of the frame, presumably for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. It was the 10th ejection of Cabrera's 15-year-career. The veteran is slashing .286/.348/.350 this season with just one home run and 14 RBI through 37 games.

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale at Baltimore, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ohtani served as the designated hitter for all five games since coming off the injured list Tuesday but will head to the bench Sunday. The 24-year-old has struggled so far by going 4-for-21 with three RBI and zero extra-base hits. Albert Pujols will serve as the DH on Sunday while Justin Bour starts at first base.

Jimenez (hamstring) ran the bases for a second straight day Saturday, Madeline Kenney of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Jimenez, who also ran the bases Friday, is inching closer to a rehab assignment. While he's on the injured list, Nicky Delmonico is picking up starts in left field.

Brantley went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Saturday's 11-4 rout of the Rangers.

The former Cleveland outfielder continues to thrive in the heart of the Houston order. Brantley is now slashing .340/.387/.607 through 39 games with 10 homers, three steals, 25 runs and 29 RBI.