MLB Player News

Buxton was removed from Monday's game against the Rangers after appearing to tweak his right knee on a swing, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Buxton remained in the game after the swing as he tried to play through the issue, but he was ultimately taken out. The star outfielder struggled with his health since the start of the 2022 campaign, as he needed a few days off at the beginning of the month due an undisclosed injury. Buxton also dealt with a right knee issue earlier in the year, missing time in June due to soreness.

Ohtani (illness), who isn't serving as the designated hitter Monday against the Rays, is on track to make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Blue Jays, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani was removed from Sunday's start due to a stomach virus and is getting a breather for Monday's series opener against Tampa Bay. However, the 28-year-old is slated to serve as the designated hitter for the remainder of the series and should be back on the mound this weekend, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Harper (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Harper is expected to appear in Triple-A games through Saturday before resting Sunday. If he feels good throughout his rehab assignment, it's possible that he'll be cleared to rejoin the Phillies as early as Aug. 29, when the team begins a three-game series in Arizona. Before he underwent surgery on his left thumb in late June, Harper hadn't made a start in the outfield since April 16 while recovering from a UCL sprain in his right elbow. He had his throwing program shut down earlier this month after experiencing renewed soreness in his elbow, so he's expected to serve exclusively as a designated hitter for the Phillies when he eventually comes off the 60-day injured list.

Ohtani (illness) isn't starting Monday against the Rays.

Ohtani served as the starting pitcher Sunday against the Tigers but was removed from the game due to a stomach virus. He won't start as the designated hitter Monday, as Mike Trout is taking over the DH while Magneuris Sierra starts in center field. It's not yet clear whether Ohtani will be available off the bench if needed.

Miller went 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBI and a run in Sunday's 7-0 win over the Twins.

The three-RBI performance exceeded Miller's output (two) from his previous 24 games combined, a drought that extends back nearly two months. Even though he's holding down a mediocre .584 OPS for the season, the lefty-hitting Miller appears to have at least resolidified himself as a strong-side platoon player at designated hitter. He'll start at DH in Monday's series finale and will bat eighth.

Choi will sit Monday versus the Angels.

Choi will be on the bench for a third consecutive contest Monday. Isaac Paredes will take over at first base and bat third in the series opener.

Atlanta designated Goins for assignment Monday.

As anticipated, Goins' stay on the 40-man roster was a brief one, as he lost his spot Monday with Atlanta bringing back Ehire Adrianza (illness) from the 10-day injured list. While serving as a utility man during his six-day stint with Atlanta, the 34-year-old Goins didn't see any game action.

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Royals.

Ramirez enjoyed a big weekend against Kansas City, starting in three of the four games of the series while going a collective 7-for-12 with two RBI and two runs. Even with Manuel Margot's recent return from the injured list making the Tampa Bay lineup more crowded these days, Ramirez should have a clear path to a near-everyday role at first base, designated hitter or in a corner-outfield spot.

Canha went 3-for-5 with two homers and five RBI in Sunday's 10-9 win over the Phillies.

Canha came up clutch for the Mets on Sunday; he belted a game-tying, three-run shot in the seventh inning followed by a go-ahead, two-run homer in the ninth. After opening the month in a 4-for-25 (.160) skid, the 33-year-old has gone 11-for-25 (.440) with nine RBI over his last eight games. Canha's season slash line is up .275/.374/.410 with 25 extra-base hits and 47 RBI.

Blackmon went 2-for-5 with two RBI and one run scored in Sunday's extra-innings loss against the Giants.

Blackmon notched two singles, his first in the eighth to score Ryan McMahon to move the game to 6-4. He then recorded another base knock in the 10th, which also scored McMahon and tied the game at eight, after which he was removed for a pinch runner. Blackmon has a modest five-game hitting streak and is slashing .266/.317/.436 on the season.