MLB Player News

Ohtani (finger) will bat second as the designated hitter Friday versus the Blue Jays, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old was ruled out for his next start Sunday against Toronto due to a blister, though the issue won't prevent him from serving as the designated hitter to open the weekend. It's unclear if Ohtani will be able to pitch in the following series against the Royals, which begins Monday, but he's cleared to continue hitting in the meantime.

Ford was recalled from the alternate site prior to Friday's game against the Rays, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

This will likely be a short stay in the majors for Ford, as this was the corresponding move to Gio Urshela landing on the COVID list due to side effects from the vaccine. Ford will serve as a left-handed bench option for manager Aaron Boone.

Canha went 1-for-3 with two walks in a loss to the Astros on Thursday.

The Athletics' season is off to a nightmarish start, but Canha's work out of the leadoff spot has been encouraging. The veteran has a .361 on-base percentage and 11.1 percent walk rate through his first 36 plate appearances. Three of Canha's seven hits -- a double, a triple and a home run -- have gone for extra bases as well, making him a well-rounded option atop the order.

Torrens went 3-for-4 with a double and a run in a loss to the Twins on Thursday.

Torrens' second two-bagger of the season helped push his season average to .333, with the 24-year-old having hit safely in three of his first four starts. Torrens and Tom Murphy project to continue splitting time behind the dish fairly evenly, with each logging the same number of starts thus far.

Mercedes went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the 6-0 win Thursday over the Royals.

Mercedes keeps stealing the show in his astonishing and unexpected start to the season. After resting Wednesday, the rookie slammed a 485 foot home run in the first inning off Brad Keller. While Mercedes won't be able to keep up this hitting pace (15-for-27) all season, it is quite the start for a player who wasn't expected to get everyday at-bats.

Brantley went 1-for-4 in Thursday's 6-2 win over Oakland.

This was Brantley's first appearance since last Saturday when he was hit by a pitch on the wrist. He was back in a familiar spot, batting second between Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman.

Ohtani will not make his next start Sunday against Toronto due to a blister, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani survived an injury scare in his last start but will now be skipped in the rotation. The team is still assessing whether he will be able to pitch in the team's series with the Royals beginning Monday. The news shifts the Angels' rotation, with Jose Quintana taking the mound Saturday and Alex Cobb on Sunday.

Alvarez went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer in Thursday's victory over the Athletics.

Alvarez cracked his second homer of the season in the sixth inning against Cole Irvin. The 23-year-old is slashing .333/.364/.667 in the heart of a dynamic Astros lineup, and if he can stay healthy, he should be in line for a huge campaign.

Buxton went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and another run scored during Thursday's victory over Seattle.

After doubling in the first inning, Buxton extended Minnesota's lead with his solo shot off Marco Gonzales in the fifth. The long ball was No. 4 of the year for the 27-year-old outfielder, who is off to a strong start, batting .421 with five RBI.

Brantley (wrist) is starting Thursday's game against Oakland, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley sat out the last three games after he was hit by a pitch Saturday, but he'll play left field and bat second for Thursday's series opener against the Athletics. The veteran went 6-for-9 with a home run, four doubles, two RBI and five runs in the first three games of the year.