MLB Player News

Buxton (knee) isn't starting Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Buxton was removed from Friday's win over Boston due to right knee soreness, and he's undergoing further tests to help determine the severity of the issue. He'll be out of the lineup for at least one game, and his availability off the bench remains to be seen. Nick Gordon will take over in center field and bat seventh.

Choi isn't starting Saturday's game against the White Sox, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Even though right-hander Michael Kopech is starting for the White Sox on Saturday, Choi will be on the bench for the second time in the last three games. Harold Ramirez will start at first base and bat fourth.

Beer started at designated hitter and went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Mets.

Beer has hit safely in three straight games and four of six overall. With a batting average of .294, Beer has the distinction of being the lone Diamondback with an average above .200. Arizona is last in MLB with a .135 average, 54 points behind the nearest club (Minnesota, .189). At some point, manager Torey Lovullo may want to get Beer into the lineup every day; the lefty-swinging first baseman/DH has started three of seven games thus far.

Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 9-6 win over Texas.

Ohtani blasted his first homer of the year on the first pitch of the game from opener Matt Bush. He then took Kolby Allard deep for a two-run blast in the fifth. The reigning AL MVP was off to a slow 5-for-29 start at the dish, but Friday's performance could be the momentum boost he needed. Ohtani is now hitting .206 with four extra-base hits this season.

Pederson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 4-1 victory over the Guardians.

Pederson's 410-foot shot off Zach Plesac in the sixth inning was his second long ball of the season. He's picked up multiple hits in each of his last two outings, raising his average to .375 through 16 at-bats. The 29-year-old slugger will continue seeing regular playing time against righties.

Choi went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, a walk and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

Choi smacked an RBI double and came around to score during the sixth inning, but it wasn't enough to complete a comeback. The hot-hitting lefty is now slashing .526/.640/1.000 with five extra-base hits through 25 plate appearances. He's reached base at least twice in six consecutive games.

Alvarez, who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, is not dealing with COVID-19, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The COVID-specific injured list can be used if a player is merely exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, which appears to be the case with Alvarez. The Astros believe he's dealing with a different ailment and could be back as soon as Saturday.

Buxton and the Twins are waiting on the results of an MRI on his sore right knee, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton is already dealing with his first injury of the season after hurting his right knee while sliding into second base in the first inning of Friday's game against the Red Sox. For now, he's only been diagnosed with knee soreness, but it's possible the MRI reveals a more significant issue.

Alvarez was placed on the COVID-19 injured list due to health and safety protocols Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been dealing with an unspecified illness since at least Tuesday. If it turns out that he's tested positive for COVID-19, he could miss over a week, though he can also be placed on the injured list merely due to COVID-like symptoms or due to contact tracing. Joe Perez was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Alvarez (illness) remains out of action Friday against Seattle, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez hasn't played since Sunday while battling an illness. Michael Brantley will again serve as the designated hitter Friday, with Chas McCormick in left field and Jose Siri in center.