MLB Player News

Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 9-6 win over Texas.

Ohtani blasted his first homer of the year on the first pitch of the game from opener Matt Bush. He then took Kolby Allard deep for a two-run blast in the fifth. The reigning AL MVP was off to a slow 5-for-29 start at the dish, but Friday's performance could be the momentum boost he needed. Ohtani is now hitting .206 with four extra-base hits this season.

Choi went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, a walk and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

Choi smacked an RBI double and came around to score during the sixth inning, but it wasn't enough to complete a comeback. The hot-hitting lefty is now slashing .526/.640/1.000 with five extra-base hits through 25 plate appearances. He's reached base at least twice in six consecutive games.

Alvarez, who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, is not dealing with COVID-19, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The COVID-specific injured list can be used if a player is merely exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, which appears to be the case with Alvarez. The Astros believe he's dealing with a different ailment and could be back as soon as Saturday.

Buxton and the Twins are waiting on the results of an MRI on his sore right knee, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton is already dealing with his first injury of the season after hurting his right knee while sliding into second base in the first inning of Friday's game against the Red Sox. For now, he's only been diagnosed with knee soreness, but it's possible the MRI reveals a more significant issue.

Alvarez was placed on the COVID-19 injured list due to health and safety protocols Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez has been dealing with an unspecified illness since at least Tuesday. If it turns out that he's tested positive for COVID-19, he could miss over a week, though he can also be placed on the injured list merely due to COVID-like symptoms or due to contact tracing. Joe Perez was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Alvarez (illness) remains out of action Friday against Seattle, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez hasn't played since Sunday while battling an illness. Michael Brantley will again serve as the designated hitter Friday, with Chas McCormick in left field and Jose Siri in center.

Miller is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Miller has started four of six games this season and will take a seat with southpaw Reid Detmers pitching for the Halos. Charlie Culberson will receive the start in left field Friday, batting eighth.

Buxton was diagnosed with right knee soreness after leaving Friday's game at Boston, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Buxton suffered the injury while sliding into second base on a double during the first inning, and he was able to leave the field under his own power. The 28-year-old continues to be evaluated, and the Twins could provide additional updates following Friday's contest.

Jimenez (ankle) is starting in left field and batting fifth Friday against the Mariners.

Jimenez sat out Thursday's contest after fouling a pitch off his left ankle Wednesday, but he was available as a pinch hitter and is now back in the lineup. The 25-year-old is 4-for-17 with a home run, seven RBI and two runs scored through five games this season.

Buxton exited Friday's game against the Red Sox with an apparent injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old led off the game with a shallow pop fly that the Red Sox mishandled, and he appeared to injure himself while sliding into second base with a double. He walked off the field under his own power and the specifics of the issue remain unclear, but any injury is a significant development for Buxton given his problems staying healthy throughout his career.