MLB Player News

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI in Sunday's 8-5 loss to the Royals.

Cabrera's resurgent season continued Sunday as he brought his RBI count up to 14 for the year. After owning a .249 batting average and a .728 OPS in 2017, the 35-year-old has lifted those marks to .300 and .855, respectively, over 20 games this season.

Ohtani will serve as the Angels' designated hitter and bat cleanup Sunday against the Giants. The Angels also announced that Ohtani would make his next start on the mound Tuesday in Houston, according to Jake Kaplan of The Athletic Houston.

Ohtani has previously hit no higher than sixth in the order for the Angels, but manager Mike Scioscia will give the Japanese phenom a look in more of a run-producing role with Albert Pujols resting for the series finale. The 23-year-old is expected to keep receiving at least a couple starts per week as a designated hitter against mostly right-handed pitching, which should help him avoid extended slumps at the plate. As for the pitching side, Ohtani will likely continue to start once a week while the Angels deploy a six-man rotation. He exited his previous turn April 17 with a blister, but after staying on his normal throwing schedule and hitting without any issues Friday, Ohtani isn't expected to face any restrictions in his return to the mound.

Buxton (head) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with High-A Fort Myers and could be activated from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday when first eligible, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It sounds like Buxton is progressing as expected since being shut down a few days earlier after experiencing migraines. After taking batting practice Saturday with no complications, Buxton will serve as the designated hitter Sunday before playing the outfield the following two days. If all goes well, Buxton will likely rejoin the Twins in the Bronx in advance of the final two contests of Minnesota's four-game series with the Yankees.

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants.

Ohtani went 2-for-4 at the plate Friday after his three-strikeout performance Thursday but will head to the bench against Giants left-hander Derek Holland. The 23-year-old has faced some southpaws this season with minimal success -- 2-for-12 with three strikeouts -- but at this point the Angels appear likely to go matchup-to-matchup on starting against left-handed pitching. Ohtani is also expected to throw a bullpen session sometime this weekend in preparation for his next potential start on the mound, currently slated for Tuesday in Houston.

Martinez will serve as designated hitter and bat cleanup against the Athletics on Saturday, Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

Martinez received the day off Friday after being lifted for a pinch runner late in Thursday's game, but there was never any indication of an injury. The 30-year-old will look to continue with his hot bat, as he's 13-for-24 with three doubles, two home runs and five RBI over his last six games.

Buxton (migraines) took batting practice Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Manager Paul Molitor said Buxton has exhibited slight improvement since being placed on the 10-day disabled list last Wednesday with migraine issues, and Saturday's batting practice is the first indication of his progress. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old will return from the DL when eligible Wednesday or if a minor-league rehab appearance is on the table.

Stanton went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 8-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

It's his fourth homer of the season, but his first since April 4. Stanton's .205/.301/.438 slash line remains far below expectations, but as he gets more comfortable in pinstripes and the weather warms up, there should be plenty of hits and home runs ahead for the slugger.

Ohtani (blister) will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth Friday against Jeff Samardzija and the Giants, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Thursday's loss, marking his first career multi-strikeout game as a hitter. He saw a heavy dose of changeups from starter Eduardo Rodriguez and struck out twice against the pitch before missing on a 98-mph heater from Joe Kelly in the ninth. Regardless, he will remain in the six hole Friday. Ohtani is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend to test his finger in preparation for his next start on the mound, which is lined up for Tuesday in Houston.

Martinez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the A's, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Martinez was lifted for a pinch runner in the eighth inning of Thursday's game after his second double of the night, but there has been no word of an injury to this point. Hanley Ramirez will serve as the designated hitter in the series opener against righty Kendall Graveman, with Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley and Mookie Betts in the outfield from left to right.

Cabrera is not in the lineup for the second game of Friday's doubleheader against Kansas City, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks during the matinee and will head to the bench for a little rest with two more games on tap this weekend versus the Royals. In his place, Niko Goodrum gets a start at first base.