MLB Player News

Ohtani hit a two-run home run in an intrasquad game Sunday, Trent Rush of Angels Radio Network reports.

Judging by Ohtani's offensive output this weekend -- he also hit a double Saturday -- the two-way star's back stiffness is mostly a thing of the past. Any lingering concern about the issue could be erased altogether if Ohtani gets through his scheduled pitching appearance Monday without incident.

The Astros placed Alvarez on the 10-day injured list Sunday due to an unspecified issue.

Alvarez and starting pitcher Jose Urquidy were both moved to the IL with the two having yet to arrive at summer camp due to what manager Dusty Baker called " a condition that prevents them from reporting to the field," per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The vagueness of Baker's explanation makes it difficult to predict when Alvarez might be ready to join the Astros for workouts, leaving the slugger's status for the July 24 season opener versus the Mariners up in the air. If Alvarez is still sidelined when Opening Day arrives, Kyle Tucker would likely be the primary beneficiary of a regular spot in the Houston lineup.

Martinez launched a home run Sunday, his second in four intrasquad games during summer camp, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

In a normal 162-game season that would begin during cooler months in the northeast, Martinez's power would not be as dialed in as it appears to be now leading up to the 2020 season. "J.D.'s not a traditional fast starter so he's always telling me, 'I need as many at-bats as I can get because in spring training, it just takes me a long time,'" manager Ron Roenicke said Sunday. "I'm not seeing that right now. He's really good. He's going the other way. The offspeed, he's pulling. He's hit a couple home runs on them." Since joining Boston in 2018, Martinez has slugged .534 with nine home runs in 54 games during March/April. Those metrics get better in the warmer months: May (.645, 20 HR in 51 games), June (.611, 14 in 49), July (.564, 12 in 46) and August (.726, 17 in 52). The lesson here is that Martinez should be hitting for power early in the season.

Ohtani will pitch in Monday's intrasquad game, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It sounds like the stiff back that bothered him earlier this week is a thing of the past. It's unclear if Ohtani will start or work in relief in Monday's outing, but he is on track to be ready for his first start of the season.

Alvarez (undisclosed) remains absent from the Astros' summer camp as of Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros ended up cancelling their workout Saturday for the second time in six days due to COVID-19 concerns, but Alvarez's ongoing absence from camp has created some doubt about his availability for the team's July 24 season opener versus the Mariners. Houston has been mum on Alvarez's absence thus far, with manager Dusty Baker merely stating that a "condition" has prevented him from reporting to camp. Though the status of Alvarez's health won't be known until he reports, the assumption is that he's at least moved past the knee soreness he experienced in spring training.

Ohtani's stiff back has been improving, allowing him to throw a bullpen session and take some at-bats in an intrasquad game Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

News of a back issue was a potential worry for Ohtani, especially as his pitching appearance in an intrasquad contest Tuesday went quite poorly. It doesn't appear as though the Angels are particularly concerned, however, so Ohtani should be set to fill his two-way role once the season begins.

Ohtani is experiencing back stiffness that isn't believed to be serious, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani experienced back stiffness after pitching Tuesday, and the team has limited his workload over the past several days. However, manager Joe Maddon doesn't believe that the issue is serious and expects Ohtani to make his next outing in camp. Barring any setbacks, it wouldn't be surprising to see the right-hander fully ready for Opening Day.

Solak started in left field and went 2-for-3 in Friday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He's 7-for-20 during intrasquad play.

Look at any position on the Rangers' depth chart and you'll find Solak's name, many of which he's the top backup. Rangers manager Chris Woodward wants to find an everyday spot for his bat, but he's blocked at his best positions -- second and third base. The latest project is to have him get time at first base.

Lewis hit two home runs during Friday's six-inning intrasquad game at T-Mobile Park, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The pair of blasts added to the already strong impression Lewis already has made during the first week of summer camp. The outfielder's first homer of the day, a solo shot, came off rookie Justin Dunn and caromed high off the out-of-town scoreboard in left-center field, while the second was an opposite-field bomb off Nick Margevicius. Justus Sheffield, who drew the start for Lewis' team and pitched two scoreless innings, was the latest to extol the virtues of the 24-year-old. "The dude is locked in right now," Sheffield said. "On and off the field. I feel like he's going to have a really big year for us. He's always had the talent, and he's really starting to put it together. Hopefully, he can keep it going through this summer camp and push it through the season."

Lewis is a candidate to shift over to center field on occasion early in the season if Mallex Smith (undisclosed) remains away from the team, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "I love what Kyle Lewis has done since he's been here, on both sides of the ball," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "I think he looks tremendous running around in the outfield and is giving us every opportunity to put him out there in center field on occasion, if not more than occasionally, and see what the future holds for him."

Lewis worked diligently during the shutdown, particularly on his speed, which he's been flashing since summer camp began. The promising outfielder is currently projected to serve as the everyday right fielder, but he logged 111 games at center in the minors and certainly appears to have the agility to man the position effectively.