MLB Player News

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

The Angels are facing a lefty (Framber Valdez) and just played a doubleheader Saturday, so it seems like a decent time to get Ohtani a rest. Ohtani has mostly struggled at the dish this season with a .192/.297/.367 batting line, and it's fair to wonder if the strained flexor pronator mass is playing a part.

Stanton (hamstring) has been performing baseball activities and running up to about 80 percent, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports.

According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Stanton has turned a corner and could be ahead of fellow outfielder Aaron Judge (calf) in terms of a recovery timeline. "Giancarlo has had a really good several days. Think he ran some bases (Friday). Kind of half-speed running. He's up to about 80 percent running. He's been doing a lot of baseball activities as far as hitting off the high-velocity machine, throwing. So he's probably, possibly a little head of Judgey," Boone stated. Stanton has been on the injured list since Aug. 9 with a left hamstring strain.

Turner has been taking part in baseball activities but has yet to begin running, casting uncertainty on when he will be activated, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Recent reports had Turner on track for a minimum IL stay and Tuesday return, but that scenario now appears unlikely given the fact that the veteran has yet to test his strained left hamstring in running drills. Manager Dave Roberts echoed that sentiment Saturday, stating that he doesn't know when Turner will be activated despite the third baseman's steady progress. "Yesterday was a pretty good day," said Roberts. "He took grounders on his knees, he threw to about 120 feet, took swings in the cage, did a little bit of moving around as far as running with the strength guys. When he's ready, it's a day-to-day thing. When we feel that Justin's ready to be activated, he'll be activated. I just don't know when that's going to be." There is little reason for the Dodgers to rush one of their core players back since they sit comfortably in playoff position with MLB's best record (30-11).

Belt is not in Sunday's lineup against the Diamondbacks.

Belt will take a seat with southpaw Alex Young on the mound for Arizona. Wilmer Flores will take over duties at first base and bat fifth in his place.

Ramirez (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Ramirez was carted off the field during Saturday's contest due to a strain in his left hamstring. He was just activated the same day from the COVID-19 injured list and has 11 plate appearances this season. Eddy Alvarez was called up to take his roster spot.

Buxton is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Jake Cave gets the start in center field, batting seventh. Buxton has gone 4-for-12 (all singles) with two strikeouts in four games since returning from a shoulder injury. Overall, Buxton has a .238/.241/.438 slash line with five homers and one stolen base.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and an additional run scored in a win over the Dodgers on Saturday.

Blackmon played a part in both runs scored against Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin, crossing the plate on an error after doubling in the second inning and registering the first home run this season against the right-hander in the fourth. Blackmon's long ball was only his second since Aug. 7. He has cooled down a bit after a scorching start to the season but is still slashing .347/.401/.524 overall.

Martinez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a pair of walks in Saturday's 9-8 win over the Blue Jays.

Martinez hit the first of three Red Sox homers in the second inning, a solo shot to tie the game at one. The 33-year-old has struggled at the plate this year with a .235/.323/.419 slash line, four homers, 18 RBI and 15 runs scored through 36 games. He's picked up the pace recently, going 9-for-24 (.375) with three RBI and two runs scored in his last six contests.

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with the Astros.

Ohtani was productive in Saturday's opening game, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, a run, a walk and a stolen base, but manager Joe Maddon will not overextend his regular designated hitter, instead opting to use Mike Trout in that spot for the back end of the twin bill.

The Marlins announced that Ramirez left Saturday's game against the Rays with a left hamstring strain.

Ramirez's injury may not sound too serious, but he did need to be carted off the field, so he is in danger of missing more time. Matt Joyce and Lewis Brinson figure to continue sharing right-field duties should that be the case.