MLB Player News

Giants manager Gabe Kapler reiterated that Belt (Achilles) remains on track to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Padres, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Evan Longoria (oblique) is also expected to return from the IL, providing the Giants with both of their primary starters at the corner-infield spots. Pablo Sandoval had served as the team's starting first basemen against right-handed pitching for the Giants' first six games, but he'll likely move into a full-time bench role with Belt back in the fold.

Cespedes went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox.

He socked his second homer of the year off Matt Barnes in the eighth inning but missed a chance to play hero in the ninth, striking out with the bases loaded in a one-run game. Cespedes is flashing his power but otherwise looks very rusty at the plate, slashing .211/.286/.526 through five games with a 1:10 BB:K.

Lewis went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-7 win over the Angels.

Lewis has undoubtedly been Seattle's best player in the first week of action, as he has hit safely in every single game while posting multi-hit efforts in each of his last four contests. As a result, he is slashing a robust .458/.519/.708 in his first 27 plate appearances.

Ohtani's next start will come Sunday despite the fact that he threw only 30 pitches in his season debut, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani struggled mightily in his first start of the season Sunday, failing to record an out while allowing five earned runs. The short outing won't result in an adjustment to his pitching schedule, however, as the Angels will stick to the every-Sunday routine they set up prior to the start of the season. That puts Ohtani in line for a tough matchup against Houston on Aug. 2.

Jimenez went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Cleveland.

Jimenez returned to action after missing two games due to lightheadedness. He delivered a run on a sacrifice fly in the White Sox's four-run ninth inning; it was his second RBI of the season.

Solak started at designated hitter and went 1-for-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks.

The Rangers continue to juggle pieces in an effort to get Solak's bat into games. He's hit safely in three straight games with two RBI and two steals. Solak, who's made starts in left field and at DH, may be running out of options soon. Willie Calhoun, who dealt with a hip injury in camp, played the field for the first time Wednesday and may be ready to assume his starting job in left field. And with Shin-Soo Choo the primary designated hitter, Solak's opportunities may dry up.

Vogelbach is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Angels, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Vogelbach will stick on the bench for a fourth straight game with left-hander Andrew Heaney toeing the rubber for the opposition. The left-handed slugger has appeared in three games this season and is 0-for-7 with a 1:3 BB:K. Jose Marmolejos is starting at DH in his place.

Carpenter is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Twins, FOX Sports Midwest reports.

Carpenter had been in the lineup for each of the Cardinals' first four games, all of which came against right-handed pitchers. He'll hit the bench for the first time Wednesday with a southpaw (Rich Hill) on the mound for Minnesota. Rangel Ravelo gets his first start of the season as the designated hitter in his absence.

Choi (shoulder) is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Braves.

He exited Tuesday's game with right shoulder soreness and will need at least another day to get right. Yandy Diaz will start at first base while Joey Wendle occupies the hot corner. Choi could be available off the bench, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Buxton is not starting Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Buxton missed the first three games of the season with a sprained left foot, but he returned to action Tuesday. There's been no indication that he re-injured his foot in that contest, so it's likely that he's simply not being asked to start on back-to-back days immediately after returning to the lineup. Jake Cave starts in center field in his absence.