MLB Player News

Ohtani (1-1) pitched six-plus innings against Oakland on Friday and took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out five.

Ohtani didn't appear to be phased by pitching a day later than planned after transportation issues caused him to be scratched Thursday. The right-hander kept Oakland off the scoreboard for five innings before allowing a run in the sixth frame. He was chased in the seventh, however, after giving up a pair of walks and a single without retiring a batter. Ohtani ended up with the loss despite notching his second quality start of the campaign. He has pitched to a 2.72 ERA and 50:26 K:BB across 36.1 innings this season while also smashing 15 home runs as a batter. Ohtani's next start will likely come at home against the Mariners next week.

Lewis went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a double, an additional run and a strikeout in a 3-2 win over Texas on Friday.

Lewis doubled and scored in the second inning before lacing a two-run home run just over the right-field fence in the third that gave Seattle an early 3-0 lead. The performance raised the center fielder's slash line to .246/.341/.398.

Ruf was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain Friday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Ruf was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, and he underwent an MRI that revealed a strain. The injury has a 3-to-4 week recovery timeline, so the 34-year-old should spend more than the minimum amount of time on the shelf. A better idea of his return timetable could come into focus once Ruf is able to resume baseball activities.

Brantley was placed on the 10-day injured list with right hamstring tightness Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley was slated to miss a third straight game Friday, so it isn't entirely surprising to see the team place him on the injured list. Chas McCormick and Aledmys Diaz could see increased time in left field in Brantley's absence, while Robel Garcia was called up by the Astros in a corresponding move.

Ohtani isn't in the lineup as the designated hitter for Friday's game against Oakland.

Ohtani is serving as the starting pitcher Friday, but he won't be utilized as a two-way player since the Angels are dealing with a short bench. Phil Gosselin will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth.

Alvarez will sit for the second straight game with right wrist soreness Friday against the Padres, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was scratched with a sore right wrist Wednesday and is evidently still not ready to go following Thursday's off day. Aledmys Diaz will be the designated hitter Friday.

Brantley will sit for the third straight game Friday against the Padres, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley hasn't played since Sunday and hasn't taken the field since Saturday. The Astros made a series of transactions which didn't involve sending the veteran to the injured list Friday, but such a move could still be coming pending further evaluation, McTaggart reports. Chas McCormick will be the left fielder in his absence.

Ozuna (finger) was officially placed on the 10-day injured list Friday.

Ozuna fractured two fingers on his left hand while running the bases Tuesday against the Red Sox. While he won't require surgery, he's expected to miss at least six weeks, meaning he won't be back on the field until shortly before the All-Star break at the earliest. Guillermo Heredia should see time in left field in his absence, with at-bats opening up for Ender Inciarte in center.

Stanton (quadriceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined by a strained left quadriceps since May 13, and he'll rejoin the active roster ahead of Friday's series opener at Detroit. Stanton has a .282/.347/.534 slash line with nine homers and 24 RBI this season, though he was 3-for-22 across his last six games before landing on the injured list.

Mercedes went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's 5-1 win over Baltimore.

Mercedes got the White Sox on the board with a second-inning solo shot, then plated a pair of insurance runs in the seventh with a single. His blistering hot April has cooled off in May, but Mercedes has stayed relevant in the middle of the order, batting .263 (21-for-80) with 13 RBI over 23 games this month.