MLB Player News

Ohtani won't be on an innings restriction this season even in the case of a potential playoff run, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani did not pitch at all last season following 2018 Tommy John surgery, so he would likely be handled carefully in a typical season. The 60-game 2020 campaign is far from typical, however, so the Angels have no plans to limit his season workload even if the team goes deep into the playoffs. As it stands, Ohtani is slated to pitch on a once-per-week schedule throughout the campaign, so he's unlikely to make more than 10 regular-season starts.

Buxton (foot) could be ready for game action for the Twins' homestand early next week, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Buxton traveled to Chicago on Friday, fueling speculation that he could be available for the team's series against the White Sox. However, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Friday that the team hopes he'll be ready when the Twins return home early next week. Although the 26-year-old avoided the injured list to begin the season, Friday's update indicates that he could miss the entire opening series.

Lewis went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 8-2 loss to the Astros.

Batting cleanup, Lewis belted a long ball off of Astros ace Justin Verlander in the second inning. In 18 games last season, Lewis hit .268/.293/.592 with six homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored through 75 plate appearances. With a lack of natural outfielders on the Mariners' roster, the 24-year-old Lewis should find regular playing time in 2020.

Brantley went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in Friday's 8-2 win over the Mariners.

Brantley went deep against Mariners reliever Zac Grotz to complete a five-run surge from the Astros in the fifth inning. The 33-year-old left fielder knocked a career-high 22 homers in 2019 and picked up right where he left off to start the abbreviated 2020 season. Brantley will likely maintain a role in the top half of the Houston lineup.

Martinez went 3-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI, two runs scored, and a walk during Friday's 13-2 win over the Orioles.

Martinez created havoc hitting in front of Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts, but the entire Red Sox lineup produced at a high level -- Martinez was one of four Boston players to record three or more hits. The veteran slugger kicked off the season in style after hitting for .304 with 36 home runs and 105 RBI in 2019.

Alvarez (undisclosed) isn't close to being ready for game action, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez missed the entirety of camp for undisclosed reasons and was only just cleared to join his teammates for workouts Friday. He was reportedly unable to do any baseball activities while away from the team, so he needs to undergo a full preseason buildup process before appearing in a game. In theory, serving as a designated hitter could shorten that process somewhat, but it nevertheless sounds as though it will be a matter of weeks, not days, until Alvarez is back on the field. Aledmys Diaz will serve as the designated hitter in his absence on Opening Day, though Kyle Tucker could also spend time in the role against righties.

Buxton (foot) is not in Friday's starting lineup against the White Sox.

Buxton suffered a left mid-foot sprain during a July 13 workout and has been working his way back to the field. He was included in the 30-man active roster to begin the season and avoided the injured list. However, it's not clear when he'll return to the starting lineup or if he will be used off the bench. Jake Cave gets the start in center field Friday.

Soler (personal) is batting third as the designated hitter for Friday's season opener at Cleveland, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old stepped away from the team earlier this week due to a family matter, but he's back for Opening Day as expected. Soler had a .265/.354/.569 slash line with 48 home runs and 117 RBI in 2019, and he'll look to build on that success in the shortened season.

Choi isn't in the lineup for Friday's season opener against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is on the mound for Toronto, so Yandy Diaz is receiving the start at first base while Jose Martinez serves as the designated hitter. Choi should be in Saturday's starting nine since righty Matt Shoemaker is the Blue Jays' probable starter.

Alvarez (undisclosed) was cleared to begin participating in baseball activities Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old remains on the injured list and was absent from the entirety of summer training for undisclosed reasons, but he may be able to join the team in the near future. Alvarez will report to the Astros' alternate training site to begin his preparations for the season, though it's unclear when he may reach game readiness. Aledmys Diaz and Kyle Tucker are expected to split time at designated hitter until the young slugger is activated off the IL.