MLB Player News

Brantley was removed from Sunday's game against the Twins for precautionary reasons after being struck in the head when he was involved in a collision while running the bases, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The collision occurred with Andrelton Simmons during the opening frame after Brantley worked a walk in his first plate appearance. The veteran outfielder initially remained in the contest but was pulled for a pinch hitter during the third inning. Brantley should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated.

Brantley was removed in the bottom of the third inning of Sunday's game against the Twins after he suffered an apparent injury when he was involved in a collision on the bases in the bottom of the first inning, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After walking in his lone plate appearance of the day, Brantley looked to be hobbled when he collided with the Twins' Andrelton Simmons while advancing to second base. Though he initially didn't have to exit the contest, Brantley -- who was serving as the Astros' designated hitter -- remained on the bench when his next turn through the batting order came up in the third. Expect the Astros to provide an update on Brantley's condition later Sunday.

Ohtani is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Ohtani remains on the bench for the third straight game with the Angels finishing up a road series versus the Dodgers on Sunday. The 27-year-old has appeared in the outfield a few times this season but hasn't started any contests, so it's not a surprise to see him on the bench with the Halos in a National League park. Ohtani should rejoin the lineup Tuesday for the start of the four-game series against the Blue Jays.

Ramirez is out of the lineup Sunday versus Detroit.

Ramirez started the past three games and will head to the bench after going 2-for-12 with a double. Oscar Mercado will start in left field Sunday for Cleveland.

Martinez (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list and is batting fifth as the designated hitter Sunday against the Blue Jays, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The veteran slugger landed on the COVID list Saturday while feeling under the weather, but he tested negative for the virus and will rejoin the team for the series finale. Martinez is 6-for-41 with a .386 OPS over his past 10 games.

Torrens is out of the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Torrens started the past four contests and will take a seat Sunday after going 1-for-12 with a walk, a run and five strikeouts during that span. Mitch Haniger will serve as the designated hitter while Jake Bauers starts in right field.

Cabrera is out of the lineup Sunday versus Cleveland.

Cabrera will take a seat after starting the past nine games, and he went 2-for-14 with three walks during the last four contests of that stretch. Eric Haase will serve as the designated hitter while Grayson Greiner works behinds the plate.

Alvarez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Twins.

Alvarez slammed a solo home run off Michael Pineda in the fourth inning to give the Astros a two-run lead. He was the only player to hit a homer in the game. The 24-year-old has homered three times in his last five games. On the season, he is slashing .284/.348/.525 with 22 long balls, 65 runs and a team-leading 73 RBI in 396 plate appearances.

Ohtani will be available off the bench for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Ohtani pinch hit in the 10th inning Friday, only to be intentionally walked. It's unclear if the two-way star will be in the starting nine Sunday, or if he'll just get some additional rest before the Angels return home to face Toronto.

Choi will sit Saturday against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Choi's days off typically come against lefties, but he'll sit Saturday even with the Rays facing a righty in Spenser Watkins. Yandy Diaz will start at first base, with Joey Wendle starting at third.