MLB Player News

Ohtani is not in Wednesday's starting lineup against the Mariners, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

After Ohtani just returned from a knee injury Tuesday, the Angels are likely taking it easy with the 23-year-old star, although it's also worth noting that Los Angeles is facing left-hander Marco Gonzales. Albert Pujols is slotted into the lineup as the designated hitter and Jefry Marte will take over at first base with Ohtani likely available to pinch hit off the bench.

Ohtani (knee) went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's win over Seattle.

Ohtani was forced to come off the bench Sunday after fouling a ball off his right knee Saturday. The two-way star homered in his lone at-bat Sunday, and reaffirmed the health of his knee with a return to the starting lineup Tuesday. Ohtani is still not ready to pitch due to a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his throwing elbow, but the injury will not affect his status as the Halos' primary designated hitter.

Choi was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday.

This will be his Rays debut after being acquired from the Brewers on June 10. Choi hit .270/.360/.405 with two home runs with Durham and has a .191/.279/.408 slash line with nine home runs in 179 career MLB plate appearances.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Game 1 of Monday's twin bill against the Orioles.

Stanton blasted his 22nd home run of the season in the second inning, although the Yankees would fall 5-4 to drop the first half of the doubleheader. He's off to a hot start in July, going 11-for-33 with five extra-base hits and six RBI.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and two runs scored in Monday's shutout victory over the Rangers.

Martinez extended Boston's lead in the eighth inning with a home run, his third long ball of July. He's put together five straight multi-hit games, tallying five extra-base hits and 10 RBI over that span. Martinez is batting .331 with 77 RBI and an outstanding 1.047 OPS through 86 games this season.

Canha went 2-for-5 with an RBI single and a run in a win over the Indians on Sunday.

Canha's season average has now come up 36 points since June 1, a torrid stretch during which he's slashed .322/.406/.540 over 101 plate appearances. The 29-year-old outfielder is on pace for a career season, with all three components of his .267/.340/.480 line currently representing personal bests.

Martinez (foot, calf) is starting in right field and hitting third Monday against the Rangers, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Not only are his left calf and right foot healthy enough for him to start the first game of this series, but he'll be asked to patrol the outfield. He was withheld from Sunday's game as a precaution, and hopefully he can avoid aggravating either minor injury prior to the All-Star break.

Ohtani (knee) was called upon to hit in the seventh inning of Sunday's tilt against the Dodgers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports, and hit a solo homer to win the game for the Angels.

Ohtani was held out of the lineup after fouling a ball off his right knee Saturday, but he appears to be okay after being used off the bench. He further demonstrated his health with his 443-foot big fly that proved to be the game-winner. He should be OK to re-enter the lineup sometime in the coming week.

Ohtani (knee) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels are unsurprisingly playing things conservatively with the rookie phenom, who will head to the bench for the series finale after fouling a ball off his right knee late in Saturday's contest. It's not viewed as a major concern for Ohtani, who will benefit from two days off before the Angels play their next game Tuesday against the Mariners.

Martinez is being held out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals due to a sore left calf and sore right foot, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Martinez fouled pitches off both of his legs during Saturday's blowout victory, so manager Alex Cora decided it was prudent to give the slugger a day out of the lineup to rest. Cora noted that Martinez would still be available off the bench to pinch hit Sunday and would likely rejoin the lineup Monday against the Rangers.