MLB Player News

Solak started in left field and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to Seattle.

Solak made a fourth consecutive start in left field. That's by design whenever the Rangers are facing lefty starters, as they were in three of those four contests, but he also started against a righty because primary left fielder Brad Miller dealt with back tightness over the weekend. Miller returned to action Tuesday as a pinch hitter and played three innings at third base, which suggests he could be ready to go in the outfield Wednesday against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert.

Miller (back) entered Tuesday's game as a pinch hitter for Charlie Culberson in the seventh inning and singled in his one at-bat, subsequently remaining in the game at third base.

Miller was shelved over the weekend, missing two games with tightness in his back, and he was not in Tuesday's starting lineup against left-hander Robbie Ray. He normally sits against lefties, so it was unsurprising to see him open on the bench, but his appearance as a pinch hitter and a fielder in the game suggests good health. The Mariners are scheduled to throw right-hander Logan Gilbert on Wednesday, so expect Miller to return as the left fielder.

Ford had his contract selected by the Mariners on Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Ford joined the Mariners on a minor-league deal in mid-March and was unable to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. He'll take the place of Luis Torrens (undisclosed), who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Miller (back) remains on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

Miller was scratched from the lineup Saturday against the Angels and has yet to return to action, though that does not necessarily mean he's still hurt. He's yet to start against a lefty this season, so he probably would have been on the bench both Sunday and Tuesday regardless, with the Rangers facing Jose Suarez and Robbie Ray in those two contests. Nick Solak remains the left fielder Tuesday.

Torrens (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Torrens was absent from Tuesday's lineup and is now away from the team. It's unclear whether or not the 25-year-old tested positive for the virus, but he won't be back until he clears the COVID-19 protocols. Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy should continue to split work behind the plate for the Mariners in his absence.

Choi is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cubs, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Choi started the past two games and will take a seat Tuesday with southpaw Justin Steele on the mound for Chicago. Harold Ramirez will take over at first base for Tampa Bay.

Buxton (knee) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Royals, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Buxton hasn't played since leaving Friday's game against the Red Sox with right knee soreness. Initial estimates were that he'd miss about a week, and the fact that he's yet to be placed on the injured list suggests he's still on that schedule. Nick Gordon will be the center fielder Tuesday.

Alvarez went 3-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs scored in Monday's 8-3 win over the Angels.

Making his first appearance since April 10 after landing on the COVID-19 list, Alvarez wasted no time making an impact, crushing a two-run homer in the first inning off Michael Lorenzen. He later singled and scored in the fourth before hammering another two-run shot in the seventh. The lefty slugger hadn't gone deep since Opening Day and he's now slashing .263/.364/.789 with six RBI.

Alvarez (illness) is starting Monday's game against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez missed several days due to the league's COVID-19 protocols, but he reportedly didn't test positive for the virus. He rejoined the team Saturday and has now been reinstated from the COVID-19 IL prior to Monday's series opener against the Angels. In his first four appearances of the season, Alvarez went 2-for-14 with a home run, a double, two runs, two RBI and three walks.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that Buxton is "optimistic" about how he's progressed since suffering a right knee injury in Friday's 8-4 win over the Red Sox, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. "He's very optimistic about how he's feeling right now," Baldelli said of Buxton, who remains out of the lineup for Monday's series finale in Boston. "I think we're going to get to the point in the next day or two where we're talking about a specific plan for getting him back out there."

Buxton will miss his third straight game Monday and seems unlikely to be available for Tuesday's series opener in Kansas City, but the Twins appear to be encouraged that his absence won't extend much longer beyond that. A recent MRI already ruled out any structural damage to his knee, so at this stage, Buxton may just need some extra time for the pain and soreness to subside. Nick Gordon picked up the first two starts in center field sans Buxton, but Gilberto Celestino receive the starting nod Monday while Gordon heads back to the bench.