MLB Player News

Buxton (illness) entered Tuesday's game against the Tigers as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the fifth inning.

He is apparently over the bug that kept him out for half of Sunday's game, all of Monday's game and half of Tuesday's contest. He replaces Brent Rooker while Jake Cave slides over to left field.

Brantley (wrist) will remain on the bench Tuesday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley was hit by a pitch Saturday against Oakland and has yet to return to the field. Previous reports indicated that the Astros were hopeful he could return Tuesday, but the chances of that decreased after he was unable to take batting practice Monday. Brantley still appears in good shape to avoid a trip to the injured list, as manager Dusty Baker said that the veteran may be available off the bench to pinch run and play defense, according to Rome. With an off day coming Wednesday, Brantley will turn his focus to rejoining the lineup Thursday against Oakland.

Ohtani (ankle) will bat second as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Astros.

Ohtani left his start Sunday against the White Sox after a somewhat scary collision at the plate, but the Angels clarified after the game that he was going to exit the contest anyway and wasn't dealing with any serious injury. He got a bit of rest Monday, though he did appear as a pinch hitter, reaching base after getting struck by a pitch. He'll be involved from the start Tuesday and shouldn't face any restrictions going forward.

Buxton (illness) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

He'll take a seat for a second straight game while he continues to recover from the non-COVID-19-related bug he developed in Sunday's win over the Brewers. Jake Cave will pick up another start in center field in place of Buxton, who manager Rocco Baldelli said could be available off the bench, according to Park. Baldelli's comments would seemingly bode well for Buxton's chances of returning to the starting nine for Wednesday's series finale.

Brantley (wrist) did not take batting practice Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley reportedly improved Monday after a taking a pitch off his right wrist during Saturday's game in Oakland, but he still wasn't well enough to take BP. The Astros are holding out hope that he can play Tuesday, but manager Dusty Baker acknowledged they won't "force it." With a day off coming Wednesday, Baker may hold out Brantley until Thursday's home opener against Oakland. Aledmys Diaz started in left field Monday after Chas McCormick filled in Sunday.

Mercedes went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs scored in Monday's 6-0 win over the Mariners.

The Cinderella start continued for Mercedes, who penned his name into MLB and White Sox history books once again. Among several esoteric benchmarks, his 12 hits are the most by any player in the modern era over his first four career starts. This entirely unexpected hot streak has resulted in Mercedes getting more plate appearances than planned over the first week of the season. He's now seemingly locked him in as the team's top DH, for now at least.

Lewis (knee) started hitting in the batting cages under Safeco Field on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

The slugging outfielder is still expected to remain out until the latter part of April, but Monday's developments are another important step for Lewis' recovery. Manager Scott Servais was cautiously optimistic about the news, noting the team still wants to be "careful in how quick we ramp him up" but adding that he sees Lewis "moving in the right direction."

Canha went 2-for-5 with a home run in Monday's loss against the Dodgers.

Canha, who launched his first homer of the season in this game, continues to work as the Athletics' leadoff hitter, and while he's not a prototypical fit at the top of the order, the experiment has worked thus far -- he has reached base safely in every single game while recording back-to-back multi-hit appearances. In fact, he was the only Oakland player who recorded two or more knocks in this game.

Martinez went 2-for-3 with two walks, a three-run home run and a second run scored in Monday's 11-2 win over the Rays.

His eighth-inning blast off 2020 teammate Chris Mazza came when the game was well in hand. Martinez has an extra-base in all four games to begin the season and has already racked up two homers and six RBI after managing a disappointing seven home runs and 27 RBI in 54 games last year.

Rooker started in left field and went 1-for-6 in Monday's win over Detroit.

It was curious that Rooker got a start in left field before Kyle Garlick, who initially beat him out for a reserve outfield spot in spring training. It was likely a spot start for Rooker, but there is a chance that he could platoon in left field with Jake Cave when Byron Buxton returns from an illness.