MLB Player News

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees.

Heading into the week, Alvarez's status was in question after he picked up a hand injury in a July 18 loss to the White Sox, but he returned from a one-game absence to start in each of the Astros' subsequent five contests while going 6-for-19 with four home runs, seven RBI and six runs. The 24-year-old will temporarily put his bid for American League MVP Award on the back burner Sunday while he hits the bench in what looks to be a routine maintenance day.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 5-3 victory versus the Dodgers.

After the Dodgers tied the score 3-3 in the top of the eighth inning, Ozuna responded with a two-run shot off Brusdar Graterol in the bottom of the frame to provide the winning margin. The long ball was Ozuna's 14th of the campaign, tied for 12th-most in the National League. The veteran's .227/.280/.416 season slash line is somewhat disappointing, however.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's victory over the Blue Jays.

McCutchen sent Willy Adames home on a second inning home run Saturday. The hit extended his hitting streak to four games, two of which have been two-hit games. The veteran is slashing .320/.420/.480 in June and has raised his season batting average to .249 after he started the month with a .214 average.

Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Mariners.

Ohtani tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning with a moonshot -- it went 462 feet with an exit velocity of 118 mph, per Statcast. That's his second-hardest hit ball of the year, and it counted as his 16th homer. Five of those long balls have come in the last 14 games. The two-way star is slashing .261/.339/.493 with 47 RBI, 45 runs scored, seven stolen bases, 13 doubles and a triple through 307 plate appearances.

Harper suffered a fractured left thumb in Saturday's game against San Diego after getting hit in his left hand by a pitch in the fourth inning, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

He'll undergo further examination in coming days. Given the nature of his injury, Harper's recovery time is expected to be measured in weeks, not days, though a specific timeline is not yet available. The star outfielder will likely be placed on the 10-day injured list soon to free up a spot on the 26-man roster.

Pederson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 9-2 win over the Reds.

Pederson doesn't play a ton against southpaws, but he made the most of his opportunity against Reds lefty Mike Minor. The outfielder went deep in the fifth inning for the Giants' sixth run. With four homers and two multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games, a span in which he's gone 10-for-34 (.294), Pederson is in a groove at the plate. He's up to a .270/.344/.573 slash line, 17 homers, 39 RBI, 32 runs scored, two stolen bases and five doubles across 209 plate appearances.

Harper left Saturday's game against San Diego in the fourth inning after getting hit in his left hand by a pitch, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Harper was in serious pain after taking a 97-mph pitch directly on his hand. It looks like it could be a serious injury, but we'll know more after he is examined.

Belt isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Reds, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt has started against just three left-handed pitchers this season, and he'll take a seat with southpaw Mike Minor on the mound for Cincinnati on Saturday. Darin Ruf is starting at first base and batting cleanup.

Collins was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Collins has spent the past couple weeks in the minors but will join Toronto after Alejandro Kirk suffered a bruised left hand Friday. Kirk is in the lineup Saturday as the designated hitter, but Collins will provide depth at catcher behind Gabriel Moreno.

Buxton (knee) is starting in center field and batting second Saturday against the Rockies, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton was held out of the lineup the past three games due to chronic tendinitis in his right knee, but he appeared as pinch hitter Friday and will rejoin the starting nine Saturday. The fact the 28-year-old will immediately play center field rather than be limited to serving as the designated hitter is an encouraging sign for his availability going forward.