MLB Player News

Ohtani is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels have made it clear that Ohtani won't hit the day before or after he pitches, though he was expected to be in the lineup on most other days. Tuesday appears to be an exception, possibly because the Angels face the left-handed Martin Perez. Ohtani also sat against a lefty in the second game of the season, the only other time the Angels have faced a southpaw. They'll face another lefty Wednesday in Matt Moore, so if Ohtani sits again, he'll miss out on the chance to test his power at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park.

Jimenez (pectoral) went 0-for-4 in an extended spring training game against the Reds on Monday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez continues to progress on schedule as he works his way back from a strained left pectoral muscle. The 21-year-old will continue to get at-bats in extended spring training games until he's able to play without restriction, at which point he'll report to Double-A Birmingham.

Manager Kevin Cash is optimistic that Miller (groin) won't remain on the disabled list longer than the minimum 10 days, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I do think it's different than the injury he sustained in spring training," Cash said. "It's more of your traditional groin strain. But we're not going to risk him to where he can tear something."

Miller strained his groin during a Sunday loss to the Red Sox, and the initial prognosis was a bit murky in terms of a recovery timetable. Cash's comments certainly provide reason for optimism, and the coming days will naturally offer a more definitive sense of whether a return to action for Miller after a 10-day timeframe remains realistic.

Vogelbach is starting at first base and batting sixth Monday against the Royals, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

With Ryon Healy (ankle) heading to the disabled list Monday, Vogelbach should see the bulk of opportunities at first base until Healy is healthy. The 25-year-old prospect has appeared in five games so far this season, going 4-for-15 with a walk and a pair of RBI.

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Ohtani will get the day off after tossing seven dominant innings against the A's on Sunday, striking out 12 and allowing no runs on just two baserunners. The 23-year-old is off to an incredible start to the season, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA, 0.46 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB across 13 innings while slashing .389/.421/.889 with three homers in 18 at-bats. Justin Upton is starting at designated hitter with Ohtani opening Monday's game on the bench, which opens up a spot for Ryan Schimpf to start in left field.

Brantley is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Indians will look to ease Brantley into action as he returns from ankle surgery, so he'll head to the bench for Monday's series opener after starting each of the previous three games. In his place, Rajai Davis will start in left field and hit sixth. The 30-year-old is 2-for-11 with a walk and a pair of RBI since returning from the disabled list last week.

Ohtani (2-0) pitched seven scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts to record his second win Sunday against the Athletics. He allowed just one hit and issued a single walk.

Marcus Semien broke up a perfect game in the seventh inning and Jed Lowrie followed that up with a walk, but Ohtani was able to finish the frame before handing things over to the bullpen. It hasn't taken long for Ohtani to live up to the lofty offseason buzz he garnered. He's won both his starts with 18 strikeouts through just 13 innings while also hitting three home runs with seven RBI through just 18 at-bats. His ability to contribute in both pitching and hitting categories adds value unforeseen in past years, and fantasy owners who took the calculated risk on him should be thrilled with his impressive start to the season.

Stanton went 0-for-7 and struck out five times in Sunday's loss to the Orioles.

Sunday's hitless showing drove Stanton's batting average down to .167 for the year. The reigning National League MVP has struggled to make contact lately, as this was the second time this season that he struck out five times in a game. Over 48 plate appearances this season, Stanton has been fanned 20 times.

Miller was placed on the disabled list Sunday with a left groin strain.

The severity of Miller's injury is unclear at this point in time, so a potential time frame for his return should become available after the team further evaluates him. With Miller set to miss some time, C.J. Cron will be in line to see more time at first base.

Soler went 3-for-4 with a double in Sunday's loss to the Indians.

Prior to Sunday's game, Soler had failed to record a hit over four games this season. However, while he reached base three times, Soler couldn't manage to cross the plate and was caught stealing in his one attempt to swipe a base.