MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said that "it's going to be some time" before Ohtani, who is batting leadoff as the designated hitter in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Yankees, retakes the mound for the Dodgers, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

The right-hander was initially expected to make his first start coming out of the All-Star break Wednesday in Philadelphia, but that plan was scrapped after he felt discomfort in his left knee while playing catch this weekend. Ohtani will continue to serve as Los Angeles' primary designated hitter since the injury presents more problems while pitching due to the "torque of landing on that leg," per Roberts. Ohtani seems unlikely to be back on the mound for at least the next couple weeks but is without an official timeline for his return to pitching.

Ohtani (knee) will not start this upcoming Wednesday against Philadelphia, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Ohtani's second-half pitching debut will have to wait a little longer, as the Dodgers want to be cautious and give his knee some more time to heal. Manager Dave Roberts expects Ohtani to return to the mound at some point this season but admitted Sunday that it is "going to be some time" before the two-way star is back on the mound, per Harris. Despite his knee problems, the 31-year-old will continue to act as the Dodgers' designated hitter, as he will make his ninth consecutive start at DH against the Yankees on Sunday.

Schwarber went 1-for-3 with a home run, two walks, two RBI and an additional run scored in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Mets.

Schwarber opened the scoring with a two-run blast off Sean Manaea in the first inning. The 33-year-old slugger has hit safely in seven of his past eight games, going deep three times while tallying six RBI and four runs scored during that stretch. On the season, Schwarber leads the majors with 33 homers to go along with a .935 OPS, 61 RBI, 59 runs scored and two steals across 423 plate appearances.

The Diamondbacks recalled Del Castillo from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

After being sent down to Reno on July 6, Del Castillo will now return to the majors as the replacement for Lourdes Gurriel, who landed on the injured list Saturday with an adductor strain. Del Castillo has slashed just .185/.244/.311 across 164 plate appearances with Arizona this season, but he could receive some starts at DH or catcher while Gurriel is on the shelf.

Polanco isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.

Polanco will grab a seat in the dugout to begin Saturday's game after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Thursday's second-half opener. While he sits, Juan Soto will work as the Mets' designated hitter, allowing Tyrone Taylor to start in left field.

Eldridge went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Friday's 7-0 win over the Mariners.

Eldridge launched a home run to center field in the fifth inning, giving San Francisco a 2-0 lead. The 21-year-old has reached base safely in all but one of his 12 games in July, slashing .244/.333/.489 with six RBI, six runs scored and three long balls in 51 plate appearances during that span. Overall, he's slashing .269/.360/.477 with 29 runs scored, 22 RBI and nine home runs across 222 plate appearances this season.

Andujar went 3-for-4 with three doubles, one RBI and two runs scored in Friday's extra-inning loss to the Royals.

Andujar recorded his second three-double game in his past four contests. The 31-year-old was able to drive in Jake Cronenworth on an RBI double in the top of the 10th to give the Padres a short-lived lead. On the season, Andujar has slashed .268/.307/.437 with 20 doubles and five homers in 244 plate appearances.

The Cardinals designated Pozo for assignment Friday.

The Cardinals selected Scott Blewett from Triple-A Memphis on Friday to fill a bullpen spot while JoJo Romero (appendicitis) is on the IL, leaving Pozo as the odd man out. The 29-year-old backstop has gone 8-for-33 in the big leagues this season and owns a .642 OPS through 86 plate appearances in the minors.

Ohtani (knee) is expected to make his first start of the second half Wednesday against the Phillies, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Knee irritation kept Ohtani from making his final start on the mound before the All-Star break. He addressed the issue by receiving an injection of lubricant during the break, rather than having his knee drained, and he now seems to be back on track toward resuming his duties as a pitcher. He will continue to serve as the Dodgers' regular designated hitter in the meantime and make his eighth consecutive start at DH against the Yankees on Friday.

Ohtani (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Friday's game versus the Yankees.

Ohtani has dealt with left knee irritation in recent weeks and was expected to have his knee drained Sunday following the Dodgers' last game of the first half. The issue prevented Ohtani from making his final start on the mound before the break, but it has not kept him from hitting, as he will make an eighth straight start at DH in Friday's series opener in the Bronx.