MLB Player News

Winker (back) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Winker returned from a rib injury Friday but failed to complete a full game before getting hurt again, as he exited after getting hit by a pitch on his back. This latest injury presumably isn't a long-term problem, but it will cost him at least one start. Max Schrock starts in left field Saturday, with Delino DeShields starting in center, the spot Winker occupied in his return to action.

Brantley is receiving treatment for his right knee injury but is not yet ready to resume baseball activities.

Per manager Dusty Baker, Brantley's knee hasn't gotten any worse since last Saturday, but because the outfielder missed four games through Sept. 15, the Astros decided it made sense to place him on the injured list. During Brantley's absence, his spot in left field has been occupied by Chas McCormick and Jose Siri.

Choi went 2-for-4 with a run in an extra-inning win over the Tigers on Friday.

Choi had an opportunity to author his second straight two-hit effort before being pinch hit for in the ninth inning. The veteran had been mired in a 1-for-16 funk over the previous five contests after a multi-week stay on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, so perhaps the last pair of contests are a sign he's shaken off whatever rust may have accumulated.

Rooker went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBI in Friday's 7-3 win over Toronto.

The new father showed some dad power Friday. Rooker plated Minnesota's first run with an RBI double in the second inning, and he added a solo shot for insurance in the sixth. The 26-year-old lifted his season slash line to .210/.295/.420 with eight homers, 15 RBI, 22 runs scored and nine doubles through 176 plate appearances. He should see fairly regular playing time in left field over the last two-plus weeks of the season.

Stanton went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 8-0 win over Cleveland.

The 31-year-old has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, going 14-for-41 (.341) in that span. Stanton has three home runs, six RBI and three runs scored during the hot streak. For the season, the slugger is slashing .273/.358/.498 with 29 long balls, 79 RBI, 56 runs scored and 16 doubles across 125 games.

Ohtani threw a successful bullpen session Friday and will start on the mound for the Angels on Sunday against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

There was some concern that Ohtani wouldn't pitch again this season after he experienced arm soreness while playing catch Wednesday. However, manager Joe Maddon clarified that Ohtani did not suffer an injury, but instead that he was just dealing with fatigue. That said, his workload may be monitored carefully when he takes the mound Sunday.

Winker exited Friday's game against the Dodgers after being hit by a pitch in the back, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Friday's contest was Winker's first game back since landing on the injured list with a rib injury Aug. 15. It's unclear how serious the new issue may be, but the fact that he has also dealt with back problems at various points in the campaign raises the level of concern.

Beer was placed on the 10-day injured list with a dislocated left shoulder Friday.

Beer left Tuesday's game against the Dodgers with the injury, though reports from Wednesday indicated that he was feeling better. The Diamondbacks evidently weren't satisfied with his progress, so he'll be out for at least another week. Kole Calhoun (hamstring) returned from the injured list to take his place on the roster.

Alvarez is not in the starting lineup Friday against Arizona, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He'll get his first day off since missing the Sept. 5 game against the Padres with a knee injury. Marwin Gonzalez will handle the DH duties and bat sixth Friday.

McCutchen is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets.

McCutchen started the past three games and will receive a day off after going 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs Thursday versus the Cubs. Matt Vierling will take over in left field and bat eighth.