MLB Player News

Alvarez (oblique) took on-field batting practice Friday in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The rehabbing slugger will next advance to simulated at-bats this Sunday as he completes his recovery from the right oblique strain that sent him to the injured list June 8. Alvarez seems likely to return to the Astros lineup shortly after the All-Star break.

Winker is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Reds.

Winker will take a seat as the Brewers face off with southpaw Andrew Abbott on Friday. William Contreras will take over at designated hitter while Victor Caratini starts at catcher and bats eighth.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Turner could play second base, MLB.com reports.

Cora indicated he could deploy some creative alignments with the return of Yu Chang (wrist), who will serve as the team's primary shortstop when activated this weekend. Having Turner play second base would maximize the team's offense by having Turner, Adam Duvall and Jarren Duran in the order. Turner currently rides a six-game hit streak, going 11-for-24 with two home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored during that stretch.

Lewis entered Thursday's game after Corbin Carroll was removed due to a shoulder injury and want 0-for-2.

Carroll left immediately following a swing in the sixth inning and is set to undergo an MRI on Friday. More will be learned about the length of Carroll's absence following the exam, but it's safe to assume the Diamondbacks will hold him out through the All-Star break at a minimum. That means Lewis or Dominic Fletcher will be used this weekend against the Pirates. Lewis is 1-for-11 since being called up from Triple-A Reno on June 30.

Jimenez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a loss to the Blue Jays in Game 2 of a doubleheader Thursday.

Jimenez went 0-for-4 in the matinee and 1-for-8 in the twin bill overall, but his lone hit was a two-run shot in the third inning of Game 2. It was the third homer in the past eight games for Jimenez, and he's batted .333 with 10 RBI over that stretch. The 26-year-old is up to 12 homers and 40 RBI over 239 plate appearances on the season.

McCutchen is not in Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

McCutchen will sit for the second time in the last four games amid a 17 at-bat hitless stretch. Carlos Santana will hit fourth and serve as the designated hitter while Connor Joe will enter the lineup to play first base and hit fifth.

Turner went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Texas.

The two times Turner came up with runners in scoring position, he drove them in with singles. He has a five-game streak with at least one RBI, having gone 9-for-20 with two home runs, eight RBI and six runs scored during that stretch. His 49 RBI ranks second on the team behind Rafael Devers (66). The 38-year-old Turner has been clutch all season for Boston, posting a .350 average and .965 OPS with RISP.

Martinez went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Martinez entered Wednesday 0-for-12 over the last three games, starting July cold after a hot finish to June. The designated hitter ended the drought with his go-ahead blast in the fifth inning, which got him to the 20-homer mark for the eighth time in the last 10 seasons. He's added 59 RBI, 41 runs scored, 19 doubles, two triples and a stolen base while slashing .251/.296/.553 over 70 contests this season. Martinez remains a reliable power bat, but his 6.0 percent walk rate and 30.2 strikeout rate are among the worst marks of his career, suggesting a worsening batting eye.

Vogelbach isn't in the Mets' lineup Wednesday against Arizona, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

With left-hander Tommy Henry starting on the mound for the D-backs, Vogelbach will remain in the dugout to begin Wednesday's game. Mark Canha will take over as the Mets' designated hitter and bat ninth.

Pederson is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Mariners.

Wilmer Flores will serve as the Giants' designated hitter with left-hander Tommy Milone set to take the mound for Seattle. Pederson has drawn only 19 plate appearances versus southpaws this year.