MLB Player News

Martinez went 2-for-6 with two doubles and three RBI on Tuesday against the Rays.

Martinez played hero Tuesday night, driving in two runs in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Red Sox a walkoff win. The performance continued what has been a very hot start to the season for Martinez, as he has at least one extra-base hit in every contest while racking up nine RBI and four runs scored across five games. Martinez appears to have put his forgettable 2020 campaign behind him, as he is hitting the ball with authority and has struck out only three times in 23 plate appearances.

Buxton (illness) entered Tuesday's game against the Tigers as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the fifth inning.

He is apparently over the bug that kept him out for half of Sunday's game, all of Monday's game and half of Tuesday's contest. He replaces Brent Rooker while Jake Cave slides over to left field.

McCutchen is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

McCutchen started each of the first four games of the season, going just 2-for-12 at the plate but walking five times. Matt Joyce will make his first start of the season in his absence.

Miller (oblique) will start at first base and bat seventh Tuesday against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

The Phillies limited Miller's exposure to defensive work late in spring training while he battled a right oblique strain, but he was able to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season. Though he didn't start any of Philadelphia's first four games, he received an at-bat off the bench in each contest. He'll now get the opportunity to make his first start with Philadelphia while everyday first baseman Rhys Hoskins gets a rare day off.

Brantley (wrist) will remain on the bench Tuesday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley was hit by a pitch Saturday against Oakland and has yet to return to the field. Previous reports indicated that the Astros were hopeful he could return Tuesday, but the chances of that decreased after he was unable to take batting practice Monday. Brantley still appears in good shape to avoid a trip to the injured list, as manager Dusty Baker said that the veteran may be available off the bench to pinch run and play defense, according to Rome. With an off day coming Wednesday, Brantley will turn his focus to rejoining the lineup Thursday against Oakland.

Winker (illness) will sit for the third straight game Tuesday against Pittsburgh.

Winker left in the middle of Saturday's game against the Cardinals with the illness, and it's apparently bad enough that he's still feeling the effects three days later. Tyler Naquin remains the starter in left field in his absence. Winker is at least back with the team and could appear off the bench, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ohtani (ankle) will bat second as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Astros.

Ohtani left his start Sunday against the White Sox after a somewhat scary collision at the plate, but the Angels clarified after the game that he was going to exit the contest anyway and wasn't dealing with any serious injury. He got a bit of rest Monday, though he did appear as a pinch hitter, reaching base after getting struck by a pitch. He'll be involved from the start Tuesday and shouldn't face any restrictions going forward.

Buxton (illness) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

He'll take a seat for a second straight game while he continues to recover from the non-COVID-19-related bug he developed in Sunday's win over the Brewers. Jake Cave will pick up another start in center field in place of Buxton, who manager Rocco Baldelli said could be available off the bench, according to Park. Baldelli's comments would seemingly bode well for Buxton's chances of returning to the starting nine for Wednesday's series finale.

Ruf went 1-for-1 with a solo home run and a walk in a 3-2 win over the Padres on Monday.

Ruf opened up the second inning by mashing a changeup deep to center field to put the Giants up 1-0. The long ball was his first hit of the campaign. Ruf was lifted in favor of Alex Dickerson in the sixth inning, and the combination of his platoon splits and his defensive limitations will likely continue to limit his at-bats.

Brantley (wrist) did not take batting practice Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley reportedly improved Monday after a taking a pitch off his right wrist during Saturday's game in Oakland, but he still wasn't well enough to take BP. The Astros are holding out hope that he can play Tuesday, but manager Dusty Baker acknowledged they won't "force it." With a day off coming Wednesday, Baker may hold out Brantley until Thursday's home opener against Oakland. Aledmys Diaz started in left field Monday after Chas McCormick filled in Sunday.