MLB Player News

Ohtani (1-0) allowed three runs on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts through six innings in a win Sunday over the Athletics.

He was a bit shaky early, as Matt Chapman touched him up for a three-run home run, but Ohtani showed resolve in his major-league debut. He buckled down after the home run to finish with four straight scoreless innings to get the quality start and win, all within 92 pitches. Ohtani drew 18 swinging strikes, including five whiffs on just 11 uses of his nasty split-fingered fastball. If the splitter remains that kind of strikeout tool for Ohtani, the American League should be afraid.

Miller went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk during Sunday's 2-1 loss to Boston.

After an injury-plagued 2017 campaign, Miller's role wasn't a given this spring, and he didn't start Opening Day. However, he's now been in the lineup the past three games and hit fourth against right-handed pitchers the past two. While expecting a rebound to his 30-homer form from 2016 is probably foolish, Miller owns the potential to be a serviceable contributor in deeper settings. Just keep expectations in check.

Martinez started in left field Saturday and went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in 3-2 win over the Rays.

Saturday's game was a couple of firsts for Martinez: it was his first time in the field after two games as the designated hitter, and he got his first hit of the season. Manager Alex Cora will utilize Martinez, Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland in a rotation at first base and DH but will also have Martinez hit left field to spell one of the team's outfielders from time to time.

Jimenez suffered a mild strain of his left pectoral muscle, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Jimenez will be held out of baseball activities for about a week and work in extended spring training before rejoining Double-A Birmingham.

One of baseball's top prospects will be brought along slowly before starting the minor-league season with the Barons. Jimenez, 21, unleashed a .353/.397/.559 line across 73 plate appearances with Birmingham in 2017 and could reach the majors for more than a September cup of coffee this season if he keeps crushing it on the farm.

Brantley (ankle) is scheduled to play in minor-league games in Arizona on Monday and Tuesday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Brantley, who opened the season on the 10-day disabled list, continues to work his way back from October ankle surgery. The Indians will wait to see how he feels following Tuesday's game to determine the next step in his rehab. He's eligible to return from the disabled list April 5, though it's still unclear if he'll be ready to go by then. In the meantime, Tyler Naquin should continue to see starts in the outfield until Brantley is healthy.

Soler is not in the lineup Saturday against the White Sox, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Soler started the Royals' season opener in right field, going 0-for-3 with a walk. He'll sit Saturday in favor of Paulo Orlando, who will play center field, pushing Alex Gordon to left and Jon Jay to right. It may take a few weeks to figure out the Royals' outfield rotation and to learn how often Soler will be in the lineup.

Ohtani is out of the lineup Saturday against Oakland, Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group reports.

With Ohtani set to take the mound for his regular-season debut as a pitcher during Sunday's game, he will be held out of any designated hitting duties Saturday. It seems expected that the 23-year-old won't serve as DH in days prior to a scheduled start.

Cabrera went 2-for-6 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI in Friday's 13-inning loss to the Pirates.

Batting in his typical No. 3 spot, Cabrera got his season off to a good start. The 34-year-old had the worst statistical season of his career in 2017, but following a strong spring training performance, a rebound could be in store for Cabrera if he stays healthy.

Ohtani is not in the lineup against the A's on Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani went 1-for-5 with a strikeout in the Angels' Opening Day loss to the A's but will return to the bench with left-hander Sean Manaea taking the mound for Oakland on Friday. It remains to be seen when the 23-year-old will be back at DH for the Angels, but Ohtani is slated to make his debut as a starting pitcher in Sunday's series finale with the A's.

Miller will hit sixth and play first base against Boston on Friday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller didn't earn a start against Chris Sale on Opening Day but will get into the lineup versus fellow left-hander David Price for the second game of the Rays' opening series. He did wind up coming into Thursday's contest as a pinch hitter, walking in a run and then scoring during the club's six-run eighth inning. Expect to see Miller in the lineup against right-handers and occasionally with lefties on the mound.