MLB Player News

Belt (back) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, but manager John Schneider didn't rule out Belt being available as a pinch hitter, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Given that back troubles are nothing new for Belt, the Blue Jays will most likely stay away from him if they can help it. The 35-year-old is optimistic that he'll be able to avoid the 10-day injured list and return to the lineup in short order, and he should benefit from the Blue Jays having off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Colorado on Friday.

Belt told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet on Wednesday that his back injury is "not going to keep me out for a long time."

Belt had been set to enter mid-game in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals, but he noted that his back locked up on him after he took some swings. The veteran said he's dealt with back problems in the past and thus knows how to manage them. Belt may receive another day off or two to move past the issue, but the 35-year-old seems confident that he'll be able to avoid the injured list.

Vientos went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Rangers.

The rookie ruined a combined shutout bid for Texas by driving a 100.6-mph Aroldis Chapman fastball the other way to right-center field in the ninth inning. Vientos has started three straight games since recovering from a wrist injury and coming off the IL -- two at third base and one at DH -- but if Brett Baty (.298/.396/.649 at Triple-A since his demotion with a 21.6 percent strikeout rate) rejoins the roster in September, Vientos could lose most of his playing time at the hot corner. Vientos has done little to show he deserves a regular spot in the lineup, slashing .195/.234/.305 over 137 plate appearances in the majors this season with three homers and 11 RBI.

Alvarez went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a solo home run in Tuesday's 6-2 victory over the Red Sox.

Alvarez went back-to-back with Alex Bregman in the first inning Tuesday, staking Houston to an early 2-0 lead. The 26-year-old Alvarez has logged multiple hits in each of his last four games -- he's gone 11-for-20 (.550) with two homers and a 1.609 OPS in that span, boosting his slash line to .293/.397/.576 with 23 homers, 77 RBI and 61 runs scored through 373 plate appearances in another impressive campaign.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a solo homer and an additional run scored in Tuesday's victory over the Angels.

Harper launched another no-doubt home run Tuesday, a solo shot that ricocheted off the second-deck facade to tie the game at 1-1 in the second inning. His hot streak has boosted his season-long home run total to 14 to go along with a .309 batting average, .899 OPS, 53 RBI, 65 runs, and seven steals across 98 games.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Colorado.

Ozuna connected on a solo home run in the second inning off Peter Lambert, marking the outfielders' sixth home run of his last eight games. Over that stretch, Ozuna is 15-for-30 (.500) with 11 runs scored and 13 RBI. He's also collected a hit in 24 of his last 25 games and is slashing .267/.340/.529 on the season (115 games).

Ohtani went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Phillies.

Ohtani reached on an infield single in the third inning, drove in a run on a fifth-inning single and added an RBI double in the ninth. The 29-year-old superstar compiled an impressive .319/.426/.593 slash line in August, hitting five home runs, eight doubles, 13 RBI, 19 runs and seven steals. While it's certainly disappointing that Ohtani won't be returning to the mound this season due to a torn UCL in his right elbow, his work at the plate serves as a valuable consolation prize.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Belt wasn't available Tuesday against Washington after experiencing lower back spasms, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Belt was left out of the Jays' lineup Tuesday due to left-hander MacKenzie Gore serving as Washington's starter, but back spasms prevented him from entering as a pinch hitter/runner. Belt's status for Wednesday's contest is unclear, but an update on his status will presumably come before the game.

Soler exited Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay due to right hip tightness, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Soler was clearly uncomfortable after a swing and miss in the seventh inning, though it wasn't immediately obvious what was bothering him. There is still no word on how long Soler may be out, but it's possible the Marlins give him at least a day off to recover.

Soler was removed from Tuesday's game against the Rays with an apparent injury, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Soler threw down his bat after swinging and missing at a pitch during the seventh inning. At the moment, it's unclear what exactly is bothering Soler, but the Marlins should provide more details shortly. Until then, he should be considered day-to-day.