MLB Player News

Ohtani threw a 23-pitch bullpen session Wednesday without a bandage covering his blistered right middle finger, but the Angels have yet to determine when he'll make his next start on the mound, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a light, 10-pitch bullpen session Monday, Ohtani took a step forward in terms of intensity and volume of pitches Wednesday. The Angels will check back in on Ohtani on Thursday before deciding when to reintegrate him into the rotation, but he won't be an option for this weekend's three-game series versus Minnesota, as the Angels have already penciled in other pitchers to start Friday through Sunday. Ohtani -- who is serving as a designated hitter in Wednesday's series finale with the Royals -- could rejoin the rotation as soon as April 19 versus the Rangers. According to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register, manager Joe Maddon said that whenever Ohtani makes his next start on the mound, his pitch count will likely be "dialed back" as a precaution. Maddon also hinted that Ohtani could be piggybacked in that outing by a long reliever.

Buxton isn't in the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Buxton has been on a tear recently, as he went 10-for-18 with five extra-base hits, five RBI and four runs in the past four contests. However, Jake Cave will take over in center field for Wednesday's matinee, batting seventh.

Stanton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The Yankees will have an off day Thursday, so manager Aaron Boone likely just wanted to build in two days of rest for Stanton by having him sit Wednesday. Since swatting a grand slam April 5 against the Orioles, Stanton has been stuck in a power drought with only one extra-base hit (a double) in 28 at-bats over his subsequent seven starts.

Solak went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-3 win over the Rays.

One day after Solak was dropped from the middle of the order to seventh amid a strikeout spree, his bases-clearing double plated the game's deciding runs. The infielder entered Tuesday's contest with just two hits and eight strikeouts over the previous 14 at- bats.

Ohtani went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Royals.

Ohtani tagged Danny Duffy for a 431-foot homer in the fifth inning, marking the only run allowed by the Kansas City hurler in the contest. The two-way star also collected a pair of singles for his third multi-hit game over his past five contests. While Ohtani has been able to make only one start on the mound this season, he has shined at the plate, slashing .364/.391/.795 with four homers and 12 RBI across 46 plate appearances.

Mercedes is not in Tuesday's lineup against Cleveland.

Mercedes has reached base in every game he has played in this season and is just getting a routine day off. Jake Lamb draws the start at designated hitter and will bat seventh.

Manager Scott Servais said that Lewis (knee) could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of the Mariners' upcoming homestand, which begins Friday against the Astros, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Reports on Lewis were positive after he took four at-bats in a simulated game Monday, so he looks to be nearing the finish line in his recovery from a bone bruise in his left knee. Lewis will likely need to play in another simulated game or two before getting the green light from Seattle's training staff, but once activated, he should step back into an everyday role in center field.

Solak batted seventh and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Monday's 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay.

Many of the Rangers' young hitters are having contact issues to start the 2021 season, and Solak is no exception. He had a strikeout rate of 19.2 percent over 2019 and 2020, but that's shot up to 42.5 percent with 17 punch-outs over 40 plate appearances. "He's trying way too hard to make things happen instead of letting them happen," manager Chris Woodward said.

Brantley went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 6-2 loss to the Tigers.

Brantley, who launched his second homer of the season in the eighth inning, was one of the few offensive bright spots for the Astros, who were shut down for seven innings by promising young starter Casey Mize. Brantley has gone 3-for-17 in the four games since returning from a wrist injury.

Canha went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, a steal and two runs scored in Monday's 9-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

Canha reached in each of his first two at-bats, as he doubled down the left-field line in the first and drew a walk in the third. Canha has gotten on at least twice in each of his last four games, slashing .375/.500/.625 with a home run, two RBI and six runs scored over that span. His stolen base Monday was a rarity, as his career high in steals was seven during his rookie year in 2015. Most of his fantasy value is derived from his power and above-average on-base ability.