MLB Player News

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reiterated Wednesday that the Dodgers expect Ohtani to pitch again this season, with Friedman noting that the two-way player's right biceps soreness is a lesser concern than his inflamed left knee, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. "If it weren't for the knee, [Ohtani] would be pitching right now," Friedman said.

Per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, Ohtani is throwing plyometric balls to limit the force on his left knee, after the Dodgers decided to postpone his scheduled bullpen session over the weekend. The Dodgers are confident that the four-time MVP will start playing catch again soon, which would put him on track to be ready to pitch by season's end. Ohtani hasn't made a start as a pitcher since July 3 but has continued to handle an everyday role at designated hitter while he recovers from the knee issue.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

After going 5-for-12 with a double, two RBI and a run scored while starting in the Reds' last three games, the left-handed-hitting Lowe will head to the bench while the Guardians send southpaw Joey Cantillo to the bump. Sal Stewart will move across the diamond to replace Lowe at first base while Ke'Bryan Hayes picks up a start at third base.

Tena is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

After starting in each of the Nationals' previous five consecutive matchups with right-handed starters, Tena has now been left on the bench against righties Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage for the final two tilts with Toronto. Rather than leaning Tena as their regular designated hitter, the Nationals may prefer to rotate a number of different players at that lineup spot.

Del Castillo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Pittsburgh.

After making four straight starts against traditional righty starters or righty bulk relievers, the lefty-swinging Del Castillo has now been on the bench for two straight games versus right-handers. Ketel Marte is getting a turn at designated hitter Wednesday, and Ildemaro Vargas will enter the lineup at second base.

Schwarber (illness) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Miami.

Schwarber is battling a gastrointestinal issue and will miss a second straight contest. The Phillies are idle Thursday, so Schwarber will aim to return to action Friday in Baltimore. Trea Turner is in the designated hitter spot Wednesday, and Edmundo Sosa is getting a start at shortstop.

Eldridge went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 8-2 loss to the Brewers.

Eldridge provided the Giants' runs with his blast in the eighth inning. He has gone 7-for-39 (.179) over 11 games since the All-Star break, though three of his hits in that span have been homers. He's batting .256 with an .819 OPS, 11 homers, 25 RBI, 33 runs scored, 14 doubles and one stolen base over 65 contests and continues to occupy a steady spot in the lineup.

Ohtani went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and three total RBI in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Mariners.

Ohtani had been a little quiet lately, going nine games without a homer after the All-Star break. He changed that tune early Tuesday with a solo shot off Luis Castillo to lead off the Dodgers' half of the first inning. Ohtani is now batting .286 with a .924 OPS, 23 homers, 64 RBI, 67 runs scored, 20 doubles, two triples and six stolen bases over 102 contests. He's still battling a knee injury that is keeping him off the mound, and it's safe to assume he won't be pushing too hard with speed while the knee is a concern.

Suarez is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader versus the Guardians.

Suarez started in the first part of the doubleheader Tuesday, which was a 6-5 loss to the Guardians, and he went 0-for-4. He'll rest during the nightcap, with Sal Stewart featuring as the designated hitter and Ke'Bryan Hayes starting at third base.

Schwarber's absence from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins is due to a gastrointestinal issue, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Schwarber's omission from Tuesday's starting nine is notable since he rarely gets days off, so it's not a major surprise that he's feeling less than 100 percent. The veteran slugger should be considered day-to-day while Bryce Harper shifts to designated hitter.

Schwarber is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game in Miami.

It's the first time Schwarber has been out of the lineup since he missed two games in late June with lower-back tightness. Bryce Harper will get a day at designated hitter, Alec Bohm will shift to first base and Edmundo Sosa will net a start at third base for the Phillies.