MLB Player News

Ford went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

His fifth-inning blast off Chris Stratton was Ford's first career homer, and first RBI, in the majors. The 26-year-old is slashing only .176/.364/.412 through his first five games, but with the injury-wracked Yankees looking for offense from any source, Ford should continue to get regular chances to produce until someone like Giancarlo Stanton (bicep) comes off the IL.

Ohtani (elbow) is still expected to take live batting practice this week but he won't be activated before the end of April, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani expressed optimism at the start of April he would be ready to play by the end of the month, but the fact he has yet to face live pitching makes this news relatively unsurprising. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the 24-year-old has also progressed to throwing from 95 feet as part of his throwing program.

Vogelbach is not starting Tuesday against lefty Nick Margevicius and the Padres.

There isn't room for both Vogelbach and Edwin Encarnacion in the lineup with the series being played in a National League park. Vogelbach could play first base Wednesday with righty Chris Paddack on the mound, but he's been strictly a designated hitter so far this season, so it's possible the Mariners will prefer Encarnacion's defense over Vogelbach's platoon advantage.

Choi (calf) will be back from attending to a personal matter Wednesday but may not be activated from the restricted list right away, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Choi had also been battling left calf tightness prior to being placed on the restricted list. Brandon Lowe starts at first base in his absence Tuesday against the Royals.

Choi (calf) was placed on the restricted list for unspecified personal reasons Tuesday.

Choi had already been questionable for Tuesday's game after missing the two previous contests with left calf tightness. He's expected to return within a day or two, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Austin Pruitt was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

Soler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Rays.

After a brutal 0-for-5, five-strikeout game Sunday. Soler bounced back with his sixth homer of the year. The 27-year-old's .227/.284/.489 slash line likely won't improve substantially until he solves his contact woes -- his 37.9 percent K-rate is more than 10 points worse than last year's performance.

Stanton (biceps) has continued to make solid progress, although he'll likely need to complete a rehab assignment prior to returning and could be out for another 10 days, SNY reports.

Stanton still hasn't played in the month of April due to a biceps strain, but he's trending in the right direction. "He's swinging the bat, he's having great batting practice sessions," stated general manager Brian Cashman. "He is responding well and feeling stronger." When asked if Stanton is at least 10 days from returning, Cashman responded with "maybe." Though this statement from the team's GM is vague, it sounds unlikely that the slugger will be back with the team before proving his health on a rehab stint. According to SNY, Stanton could be headed to Florida for more rehab later in the week before embarking on a minor-league assignment.

Ohtani (elbow) is expected to take part in live batting practice at Angel Stadium sometime this week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

While Ohtani has been taking batting practice with the team and running the bases, he's yet to see live pitching. That's slated to change later in the week, as he could begin live batting practice as soon as Wednesday according to skipper Brad Ausmus. Ohtani's return date remains up in the air, although his activation from the injured list figures to depend on how he looks and feels against professional pitchers.

Manager Kevin Cash said Choi (calf) is "totally available" if needed Monday against the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Choi exited Saturday's game against the Red Sox with left calf tightness, and while he's out of the lineup for a second straight game Monday, the slugger is apparently feeling much better. The Rays would like to give Choi another day off if possible, though the fact that he's available off the bench suggests he's nearing a return.

Miller signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Monday.

The veteran infielder became a free agent after he was designated for assignment by the Indians on Wednesday, clearing the way for the Yankees to pick him up on a minor-league deal as a depth move with the team currently depleted by injuries. Miller slashed .250/.325/.417 in 13 games with Cleveland, and could get called up at some point in the event of another injury or if Tyler Wade continues to struggle at the plate.