MLB Player News

Stanton is healthy enough to play the outfield, but manager Aaron Boone prefers to keep him in the lineup as the designated hitter, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton's DH duties were originally necessitated by his recovery from a calf injury, but his hot start at the plate and the team's considerable outfield depth have given Boone reason to consider keeping Stanton in the role permanently. Through six games, the slugger has racked up two home runs and six RBI while slashing .421/.542/.842.

Mercedes was recalled by the White Sox on Saturday.

The 27-year-old hit a strong .317/.388/.581 across the two highest levels of the minors last season. His path to playing time isn't obvious, as he's primarily a catcher, but the White Sox already have Yasmani Grandal, James McCann and Zack Collins ahead of him at the position. He's made a handful of appearances at all four corner positions throughout his minor-league career but will likely be primarily a bench bat. Tim Anderson (groin) hit the injured list in a corresponding move.

Alvarez (undisclosed) is roughly 10-14 days away from being ready to join the Astros, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez missed the entirety of summer camp for undisclosed reasons and was said to be week away from game action upon his return. He still appears to be on that timeline, giving Kyle Tucker a clear path to the primary designated hitter role for most of the next two weeks.

Choi will not start Saturday against the Orioles, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Choi sits for the third time in four games, though the previous two times were due to a sore shoulder. He returned to the lineup Friday, and there's been no indication that the issue is back, so this appears to be just a routine off day. Mike Brosseau takes over at first base in his absence.

Martinez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Martinez had started in each of Boston's first eight games this season, but he'll take a seat after going 7-for-32 with three extra-base hits, four runs and three RBI to begin the season. Kevin Pillar will serve as the designated hitter and bat second Saturday.

Brantley is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley sits for the first time this season. Kyle Tucker moves out to left field in his absence, with Abraham Toro serving as the designated hitter.

Ohtani is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Angels appear set to continue their plan of resting Ohtani both before and after his scheduled starts. They deviated from that plan Monday, as Ohtani served as the designated hitter that day despite starting the day before, though that exception was likely due to the fact that his start was very abbreviated as he faced just six batters without recording a single out. Albert Pujols will rest his legs as the designated hitter Saturday, with Matt Thaiss starting at first base.

Lewis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored during Friday's victory over the A's.

Another night, another set of hits for the 25-year-old, who singled and scored in the fourth inning, then added an RBI single in the fifth. Lewis has hit safely in all eight games this season, including six straight multi-hit games.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics.

Vogelbach served as the designated hitter for the first two games of the season and went 0-for-7 with a walk, but he's started only one of the past five games. Tim Lopes will bat second as the designated hitter Friday.

Choi (shoulder) is starting at first base and batting leadoff Friday against the Orioles, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

The 29-year-old was out of the lineup the past two days with right shoulder soreness, though he did collect an RBI single off the bench Thursday. Choi is 3-for-16 with a home run, a double, three runs scored and four RBI in six games this season.