MLB Player News

Ohtani is scheduled to make his next start as a pitcher Friday against the Pirates at Angel Stadium, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Ohtani developed a blister and a cracked nail during his most recent outing last Friday versus the Astros, but it hasn't prevented him from serving as the Angels' designated hitter in each of the subsequent five days while going 6-for-17 with three home runs and eight walks. The finger apparently hasn't bothered him during any throwing work he's been able to do over the last few days either, so he's not expected to face any restrictions as he toes the rubber Friday. The upcoming start could be Ohtani's last with the Angels if the team opts to trade the impending free agent ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup Thursday versus the White Sox.

Francisco Alvarez will take a turn as the Mets' designated hitter after Vogelbach went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk in that role Wednesday. The 30-year-old Vogelbach holds an underwhelming .682 OPS in 207 total plate appearances this season with New York.

Jimenez (groin) is in the designated hitter spot and batting cleanup Thursday versus the Mets in his return to the lineup.

Jimenez needed three days and two games to recover from a groin injury but is feeling well enough to serve as the White Sox' DH in this one. He'll carry a .776 OPS with 12 home runs into action Thursday.

Stanton went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Angels on Wednesday.

The Yankees fell behind big early before Stanton put them on the board with a solo shot in the sixth inning. The long ball was his fifth in his past eight games, and he's knocked in 10 runs over that span. However, Stanton hasn't done much aside from the homers recently, as he has only one other hit (a double) and is batting.194 (6-for-31) over those eight games.

Morel (neck) went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Nationals.

Morel sat out Tuesday due to neck tightness. This was his first multi-walk game since June 4 -- the 24-year-old is walking at a 7.8 percent rate while striking out at a 30.1 percent clip this season. Despite those lopsided marks, he's maintained a .273/.330/.551 slash line with 15 home runs, 41 RBI, 38 runs scored and two stolen bases through 54 contests overall. He's played primarily at second base lately, but he could move to third base once Dansby Swanson (heel) returns.

Turner went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBI in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Athletics.

Turner gave the Red Sox an early lead with a two-run homer off Ken Waldichuk in the first inning. The home run extended Turner's hit streak to 15 games -- he's gone 22-for-57 (.386) with four homers and a 1.099 OPS in that span. The 38-year-old Turner has had an impressive debut season with Boston. He's now slashing .289/.358/.478 with 15 homers, 61 RBI and 60 runs scored through 403 plate appearances.

Buxton remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Seattle.

It's the second day off in a row for Buxton, who is in the middle of an 0-for-21 stretch with 13 strikeouts. What's uncertain is whether the mental break he's receiving will extend beyond two games. Matt Wallner is again handling designated hitter duties for Minnesota.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Jimenez (groin) is available to pinch hit Wednesday versus the Mets, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Grifol said the same thing prior to Tuesday's game, but it sounds like that was a bit of gamesmanship on the skipper's part and Jimenez wasn't truly available. "Today he is available," Grifol said Wednesday. "Yesterday it was questionable whether he was available or not. I would have used him if he was available. He is available today. To pinch hit." It seems as if Jimenez could be ready to return to the lineup as soon as Thursday.

Morel (neck) is back in the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals.

Morel was scratched from the Cubs' lineup Tuesday due to neck tightness, but it has proven to be a minor issue. He will start at second base and bat sixth Wednesday versus the Nats and right-hander Trevor Williams.

Carpenter is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Carpenter has survived the Padres' recent roster churn -- while Nelson Cruz and Rougned Odor did not -- but Fernando Tatis is taking a turn as the DH on Wednesday versus the Blue Jays and right-hander Jose Berrios. Juan Soto, Trent Grisham and Taylor Kohlwey will start across the outfield.