MLB Player News

Ohtani went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, two additional runs scored and a stolen base in Friday's 5-1 win over the White Sox.

Ohtani took Lucas Giolito deep in the first inning with a 419-foot solo shot, his fourth homer of the year. He reached on a fielder's choice and scored in the sixth before singling, stealing a base and scoring again in the eighth. The reigning AL MVP is 16-for-56 (.286) with six extra-base hits and three steals over his last 13 games.

Manager Dusty Baker said after Friday's game that he is unsure if Brantley (health and safety protocols) will be available for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He was scratched from Friday's lineup, but the Astros have used the "health and safety protocols" as cover for anything from non-COVID illnesses to positive tests this season, so it's possible Brantley could just be day-to-day. Jose Siri entered the lineup in his place.

Soler went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, a strikeout and a walk Friday against the Mariners.

His long ball traveled 468 feet -- the third-longest homer hit by a player this season. Soler also got thrown out attempting a steal for the second time this year.

Belt tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the injured list Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants have been hit hard by COVID-19 related absences this week. Jason Krizan and Ka'ai Tom were promoted from Triple-A to help fill the void in the short term, and LaMonte Wade (knee) is also nearing a return to action.

Brantley was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays due to health and safety protocols, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Chas McCormick will shift to center field while Jose Siri enters the lineup in center field. It's unclear whether Brantley will be day-to-day as he goes through testing or if he will be placed on the COVID-19 injured list.

Choi (elbow) is feeling better and is available off the bench if needed Friday, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

Choi is on the bench for the second game in a row while dealing with a slightly hyperextended left elbow, but it looks as though he could be back in action soon. Yandy Diaz will start at first base Friday against the Twins.

Martinez (groin) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran slugger aggravated an adductor injury Wednesday and will sit out for the second straight game Friday, though he's expected to be back in the lineup for Saturday's contest. Martinez has a modest four-game hit streak during which he's gone 6-for-15 with four doubles, two RBI and a run scored, but he'll need to wait at least another day before attempting to extend it.

Pederson was diagnosed with a Grade 1 adductor strain Friday but will avoid the injured list for now, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Pederson underwent an MRI on Thursday after leaving Wednesday's game against Oakland with right groin tightness. While the test did reveal a strain, it's not a particularly severe one. The Giants will wait to see how the injury responds over the next few days, so he'll likely miss at least two or three games, but he may not wind up missing any more time than that.

Choi (elbow) is not in the lineup Friday against the Twins, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Choi will sit for the second consecutive contest while dealing with a slight hyperextension of his left elbow. The 30-year-old isn't expected to require a stint on the injured list, and he could be available off the bench Friday since he's feeling better, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports. Yandy Diaz will receive another look at first base while Taylor Walls mans the hot corner.

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI during Thursday's 3-2 win over the Pirates. He walked once and struck out once.

McCutchen led off the game with a home run against Jose Quintana and added a game-winning, two-run single in the top of the ninth inning, producing all three runs for the Brewers against his former team. Thursday's performance marked McCutchen's first three-hit game and his first homer of the season. He's currently hitting .250 with nine RBI and three steals.