MLB Player News

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Alvarez (oblique) will "for sure" head out on a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez doesn't sound like he'll be an option for the Astros' first series of the second half that begins Friday in Anaheim, but if he joins a minor-league affiliate by next weekend and is able to get at least a game or two under his belt, he could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list at some point during the third week of July. The slugger has resided on the IL since June 9 due to the right oblique strain.

Ramirez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Even though the Rays will play without Josh Lowe (personal) for the second straight day to close out their first-half slate, Ramirez will remain relegated to a bench role Sunday. Ramirez has started in only two of the Rays' last six games and appears to be stuck in the short side of a platoon at designated hitter.

Belt is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

The lefty-hitting Belt will bow out of the starting nine in the series finale with a southpaw (Tarik Skubal) on the bump for Detroit. With Belt on the bench, the Blue Jays will have room in the lineup for both of their catchers (Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk), as Jansen will draw the start at designated hitter.

Rooker went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Red Sox on Saturday.

Rooker's 15th homer of the season -- a 375-foot shot to left center in the sixth inning -- marked his second time leaving the yard in July. The 28-year-old has hit safely in six of his last eight games as well, but a massive 42.3 percent strikeout rate has helped lead to just a .250 average and a .269 on-base percent during that sample.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's victory over the Cubs.

Stanton wasted no time getting the Yankees on the board, launching a 447-foot solo home run to left field in his first at-bat. He walked his next time up before coming around to score on a Harrison Bader double, and then added a two-run shot in the fifth to give New York a commanding lead. The outfielder had not homered through his first six games in July and is now up to just long balls on the season following Saturday's performance.

Ohtani went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, a triple and three total RBI in Saturday's 10-5 loss to the Dodgers.

Not only did Ohtani extend his major-league lead in homers with his 32nd of the year, he also took sole possession of first place in triples with his sixth three-bagger. He had just two hits over his first six games in July, though he's been dealing with various finger issues over the last week-plus that have mostly affected his pitching. As a batter, the two-way star concludes the first half with a stellar .302/.387/.663 slash line, 71 RBI, 63 runs scored and 11 stolen bases through 89 games.

Ford will sit Saturday against Houston.

Ford hits the bench after starting seven straight contests, a stretch in which he hit .458 with a pair of homers. Teoscar Hernandez will rest his legs in Ford's usual designated hitter spot Saturday, with Dylan Moore taking Hernandez's place in right field.

Ford went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, two walks, four RBI and three runs scored in Friday's 10-1 win over the Astros.

Ford plated two runs with a double in the fourth inning and tacked on a solo shot in the ninth. It's the second time in the last four games he's racked up multiple extra-base hits. The 31-year-old is batting .282 with eight homers, 17 RBI, 15 runs scored and three doubles over 86 plate appearances, and his strong hitting in July is helping him hold down the designated hitter spot versus right-handed pitchers.

Alvarez (oblique) took on-field batting practice Friday in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The rehabbing slugger will next advance to simulated at-bats this Sunday as he completes his recovery from the right oblique strain that sent him to the injured list June 8. Alvarez seems likely to return to the Astros lineup shortly after the All-Star break.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Turner could play second base, MLB.com reports.

Cora indicated he could deploy some creative alignments with the return of Yu Chang (wrist), who will serve as the team's primary shortstop when activated this weekend. Having Turner play second base would maximize the team's offense by having Turner, Adam Duvall and Jarren Duran in the order. Turner currently rides a six-game hit streak, going 11-for-24 with two home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored during that stretch.