MLB Player News

Ohtani threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani began incorporating breaking pitches into his throwing sessions last weekend and threw more sliders and curveballs Saturday. He is not yet throwing splitters, but everything seems to be going according to plan for the two-way star in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and his throwing work doesn't seem to be affecting him plate. The 25-year-old is batting .338/.373/.521 this month.

Buxton (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment and DH on Sunday before playing in the field Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The speedy center fielder could return to the big-league roster during the Twins' upcoming road trip. Buxton participated in full baseball activities Friday and is ready for game action. Although it is unclear how many minor-league games the 25-year-old will need before rejoining the Twins, he is scheduled to come off the injured list before the end of August.

Jiminez returns to the lineup Saturday against the Rangers after having missed the past two games with hip soreness.

The rookie outfielder will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against left-hander Kolby Allard. Jimenez is slashing .267/.292/.500 with five home runs, 13 RBI and 11 runs scored in 21 August games. The right-handed power hitter has homered 22 times in his first 91 big-league games.

Martinez went 3-for-4 with a pair of three-run home runs and another RBI in Friday's 11-0 rout of the Padres.

Martinez socked a three-run home run in the first inning off Chris Paddack, then cranked another three-run shot in the sixth off Eric Yardley to make it an 11-0 game. He also hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning en route to his career-high seven RBI night. Through 117 games this season, the 32-year-old is slashing .308/.384/.557 with 78 runs scored, 75 RBI and a team-leading 30 home runs.

Jimenez (hip) could be available to pinch hit Friday if needed, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Both Jimenez and manager Rick Renteria indicated the rookie could be available Friday in a pinch, but given that the White Sox are well out of the playoff race at this point, it seems pretty unlikely Jimenez will be an option until the White Sox are confident that having him hit won't aggravate his sore hip.

Buxton (shoulder) is on the verge of beginning a rehab assignment, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

Buxton participated in full baseball activities Friday, and the report suggests he will be ready to begin a rehab stint as long as he does not feel any abnormal soreness Saturday. It's not clear how many minor-league games Buxton will need before rejoining the Twins, but if he heads out on his assignment in the next day or two, he should have a chance to come off the injured list before August comes to a close.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez will take a seat for the series opener after starting the last 23 contests and posting a 1.149 OPS with eight homers, 22 RBI and 18 walks. George Springer will serve as the designed hitter Friday while Jake Marisnick starts in center field.

Choi is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Choi will take a seat Friday with southpaw Ty Blach on the mound for the Orioles. Jesus Aguilar will start at first base in his stead.

Jimenez (hip) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.

Jimenez was scratched from Thursday's starting nine with hip soreness and will sit out his second straight contest, though he may be available to pinch hit if needed, per James Fegan of The Athletic. Manager Rick Renteria said the team was simply being cautious with his absence, so there's a chance he could return for one of the final two games of the series. Leury Garcia will slide over to left field while Adam Engel starts in center.

Solak is working out at third base and first base, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers are eager to evaluate Solak's ability to play multiple positions. Since joining the Rangers four games ago, he's started twice at second base and twice at DH. The 24-year-old also played both corner outfield positions at Triple-A Nashville. Solak has a hit in all four games (4-for-14) with two doubles and a home run.