MLB Player News

Ohtani is scheduled to start Wednesday versus the Reds after having his last start skipped due to fatigue, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels elected to be cautious with their two-way superstar this week, but Ohtani is on track to face the Reds on Aug. 23 in what would be his first start in two weeks. Ohtani hasn't allowed an earned run over his last three starts, although one of them was abbreviated due to a hand cramp.

Martinez (groin) will serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter Friday against the Marlins, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Martinez was a late scratch from Thursday's game against Milwaukee, but he'll return after just a one-game absence. The 35-year-old has been in a bit of a slump recently, slashing just .214/.353/.357 since the start of August.

McCutchen isn't in the Pirates' lineup Friday against the Twins.

McCutchen has gone 0-for-12 at the plate across his last four games, so he'll get a break Friday in order to regroup. Bryan Reynolds will take over as Pittsburgh's designated hitter and Ji Hwan Bae will move to the outfield in McCutchen's absence, allowing Liover Peguero to start at second base while batting seventh.

Vogelbach isn't in the Mets' lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

After a 1-for-4 effort in Thursday's series opener, Vogelbach will step out of the lineup against left-hander Zack Thompson. Brandon Nimmo will fill in as New York's DH, allowing Tim Locastro to start in left field and bat second.

Meneses went 2-for-5 with two doubles, five RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's win over the Red Sox.

Meneses put the Nationals on top 3-1 with a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning and added another two-run double in the sixth to further extend the lead. The first baseman racked up a career-high five RBI on the afternoon and raised his batting average to .283 on the season. Meneses has now recorded multiple hits in two straight games and three of his last four, scoring six runs over that stretch to go along with his five RBI on Thursday.

Martinez (groin) was a late scratch from the lineup Thursday versus the Brewers, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Martinez was originally set to be in the lineup for the series finale, but he will now be on the bench. Martinez has been dealing with a hamstring/groin injury for multiple weeks, and it appears to have flared up again. Will Smith will take over at designated hitter and bat cleanup against Milwaukee.

Canha is out of the lineup Thursday versus the Dodgers.

Canha provided the only run for the Brewers in Wednesday night's 7-1 loss to Los Angeles with a solo homer in the top of the second inning, but William Contreras will fill the DH role Thursday as Victor Caratini steps in behind the plate.

Vientos was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to Aug. 16, with left wrist tendinitis, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Imaging scans taken Wednesday showed no structural damage, but Vientos will rest his wrist until at least late next week. Jonathan Arauz and Danny Mendick will likely share time at third base in his absence. Arauz is getting the start there in the Mets' series opener Thursday against the Cardinals.

Brantley (shoulder) is playing left field in his second rehab game Thursday with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Brantley started in left in his rehab debut Tuesday against the Triple-A affiliate of the Rangers and went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer. He hasn't played in a major-league game since June 26, 2022 because of shoulder trouble, but the 36-year-old is now tracking toward being an option for the Astros by the end of this month. He could even maybe return early next week if he has a productive weekend on the farm.

Vientos (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's series opener at St. Louis.

Vientos missed Wednesday's series finale against the Pirates due to left wrist discomfort, but an MRI showed only inflammation and it seems like he'll be able to avoid the injured list. Jonathan Arauz is covering third base for the Mets on Thursday against the Cardinals. Daniel Vogelbach will fill the DH role.