MLB Player News

Ohtani (elbow) threw 20 fastballs in a light bullpen session Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani hasn't pitched in a game since early June, but he's thrown several bullpen sessions over the last two weeks. He's expected to face live hitting at some point next week as he continues his progress towards a potential return to the mound in September.

Ohtani is out of the lineup Saturday against lefty Martin Perez and the Rangers.

Ohtani is hitting just .169/.269/.237 against lefties this season, so it's hardly surprising to see him beginning to be platooned. A strict platoon would likely protect his batting average while cutting into his counting stats. Albert Pujols will be the designated hitter Saturday, with Jefry Marte starting at first base.

Choi is on the bench for the second straight game against left-hander David Price and the Red Sox.

Over the Rays' last 10 games, Choi has started against all seven righties and sat against all three lefties. C.J. Cron will be the designated hitter in his absence.

Canha is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Canha will sit for the first time in two weeks, as he's hitting just .143 since his last day off. Ramon Laureano will get the start in center field in his place.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI in the 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday.

The Yankees were held to seven hits and Stanton provided the only RBI against a strong Rays pitching performance. The 6-foot-6 slugger has knocked four doubles over his last three games, giving him 57 extra-base hits and an .880 OPS in 532 plate appearances. However, he did strike out again, giving him a whopping 158 on the season.

Following a 2-for-5 night that included an RBI double and a run against the Yankees on Wednesday, Choi is 6-for-20 (.300) with two doubles, two home runs, three RBI, a walk and three runs over his current five-game hitting streak.

The 27-year-old continues to see fairly regular opportunities while logging the majority of his time at designated hitter. Choi is also generating impactful hits at an impressive clip, with 11 (six doubles, five home runs) of his 23 hits going for extra bases.

Ohtani (elbow) threw another bullpen session Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani threw at near-max effort while hitters stood in, but didn't swing, for perspective. He's expected to be back in San Diego in time for Wednesday's game, where he'll serve as an option off the bench. Ohtani continues to hit for the Angels, and there's still a chance he could return to the mound before the end of the season.

Buxton went 3-for-5 with a home run Tuesday for Triple-A Rochester. He was activated from the DL after missing time with a wrist injury.

If Buxton can stay hot at the plate and stay healthy (which has been his issue this season), he could be in line for a promotion in September or earlier. The Twins would likely love to see him in the majors again to figure out where he fits into the team's plans in 2019.

Buxton (wrist) was activated from the disabled list at Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

His latest setback ended up costing Buxton exactly two weeks. Buxton originally hurt his wrist July 12 and only played in three games upon his return in late July before renewed soreness put him back on the shelf. He has also missed time with migraines and a toe injury, but the 24-year-old still has time to salvage something from this season and get the arrow moving back upward heading into 2019.

Ohtani (elbow) threw a 33-pitch bullpen session at around 70 percent Monday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani stated that he felt good following his latest throwing session, as he's still rehabbing a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his throwing elbow. Although he continues to serve as a viable option in the designated hitter slot, a return to the mound prior to the end of the season isn't out of the question, especially if he continues to make solid progress. Ohtani's next step will be to face live hitters.