MLB Player News

Ohtani (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five in 3.2 innings in a 10-5 loss in Texas.

Ohtani's biggest foe of the game was catcher Jonah Heim. Heim was involved in all six runs credited to Ohtani as he hit a grand slam in the second inning and tacked on a RBI single in the fourth, later scoring after Ohtani was removed from the game. The reigning American League Most Valuable Player now has one good and one very bad start on the season. At the plate, the 27-year-old went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a walk. His next start will likely be next Wednesday in Houston.

Jimenez (ankle) isn't starting Thursday's game against Seattle but is available as a pinch hitter, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Jimenez said prior to Thursday's matchup that his ankle feels "much better" after receiving treatment, so he'll be an option off the bench if needed. In spite of his bruised left ankle, the 25-year-old is optimistic that he'll be back in the starting lineup Friday against the Rays.

Choi is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With southpaw Cole Irvin on the bump for Oakland in the series finale, the lefty-hitting Choi will retreat to the bench. Yandy Diaz will move across the diamond to replace Choi at first base.

Choi went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's loss to the A's.

Tampa Bay wasn't able to produce much offense Wednesday, but Choi kept his hot start to the campaign going with his second homer. The first baseman extended his hitting streak to five games, during which he has gone 9-for-16 (.563) with four extra-base hits and six RBI. Choi has also walked five times in 21 plate appearances this season.

Manager Tony La Russa said Jimenez (ankle) won't be in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

La Russa added Jimenez could talk his way into the lineup Thursday morning, so there doesn't appear to be significant concern for the bruised ankle. The 25-year-old already had X-rays come back negative after fouling a pitch off himself, and he should be back on the field within a few days.

Harper went 1-for-3 with two walks, a solo home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 9-6 loss to the Mets.

His ninth-inning shot off a 100 mph Edwin Diaz fastball, sent the other way down the left-field line to clank off the foul pole, didn't impact the final result but did give Harper his first homer of the year. The reigning NL MVP has had a bit of a slow start to 2022, but Harper is more than capable of going on a tear at the flip of a switch.

Hummel served as the designated hitter and went 1-for-2 with four walks and a stolen base in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over Houston.

Hummel batted leadoff, as he's done in two previous starts, and extended rallies in the second and 10th innings that produced all of Arizona's runs. He showed a knack for working counts during spring training, drawing eight free passes in 32 plate appearances. While his .167 batting average doesn't spark interest, there are several Diamondbacks struggling throughout the order. If Hummel continues to generate offense, he could work his way into more regular playing time.

Jimenez underwent X-rays and was diagnosed with a bruised left ankle after exiting Wednesday's game against the Mariners.

It's good news for Jimenez after he fouled a ball off his ankle during the third inning Wednesday. The 25-year-old attempted to remain in the contest and went 1-for-2 with solo home run prior to being replaced by a pinch hitter. Jimenez appears to have avoided a serious injury, though his availability for Thursday's series finale against Seattle remains up in the air.

Jimenez was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mariners with left ankle soreness, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Jimenez crushed a 449-foot solo homer to left during the second inning, but he fouled a pitch off his ankle the following frame. The 25-year-old initially remained in the contest but was lifted for a pinch hitter during the fifth. Jimenez should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Wednesday that Lewis (knee) has been taking live BP at the team's player development complex recently, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Lewis is on the 10-day injured list to begin the season as he continues to recover from a procedure to repair a torn meniscus that he underwent in May 2021. While it's encouraging that he's been facing live pitching, he hasn't yet been cleared to play in extended spring training games. A better timetable for the 26-year-old's return will likely come into focus once he's able to get some game action under his belt.