MLB Player News

Martinez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

The hot-hitting Martinez has started each of the Red Sox's past 28 games, delivering an incredible 1.173 OPS over that span. He'll be given a breather in the series finale and benefit from two full days of rest with the Red Sox off the schedule Monday before kicking off a two-game set with the Marlins on Tuesday. Steve Pearce will serve as Boston's designated hitter in Martinez's stead.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in Saturday's 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

Martinez was reported to be given the day off Saturday, but manager Alex Cora gave Jackie Bradley the day off instead. Martinez's two hits raised his season batting average to a league-high .337, two points higher than teammate Mookie Betts. The slugging outfielder/DH leads baseball with 110 RBI and is second with 38 home runs, one behind Oakland's Khris Davis.

Ohtani went 2-for-3 with a double and two-run homer against the Astros on Saturday.

Ohtani took Justin Verlander deep in the fourth inning to record his 14th home run of the season. While much of the news surrounding Ohtani is in regards to his efforts to return to the mound, he has acquitted himself well at the plate by slashing .274/.354/.540 across 226 at-bats. He has seen the lineup less frequently while he ramps up his throwing program, so Ohtani may see less frequent at-bats the closer he gets to returning to the hill.

Ohtani (elbow) will throw 45-50 pitches in a simulated game Monday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani completed a 21-pitch bullpen session Saturday and Monday's game will mark a significant uptick in pitch count compared to his previous throwing sessions. The 24-year-old still doesn't have an official timetable for his return to game action, but he appears to be on track to pitch again in 2018. Ohtani, who will continue to serve as designated hitter in the meantime, is batting cleanup against the Astros on Saturday.

Ohtani (elbow) completed a 21-pitch bullpen session prior to Saturday's game against the Astros, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Next up for Ohtani is likely to be a simulated game early next week as he continues to rebuild his arm strength from a UCL sprain. The 24-year-old has no official timetable for his potential return to the mound as the Angels remain cautious in the rehab effort.

Choi went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, a stolen base and three runs in a win over the Red Sox on Friday.

Choi was outstanding while hitting out of the heart of the lineup, extending what has been an impressive stretch of hot hitting. The 27-year-old has now hit safely in 10 straight starts, boosting his season average a full 50 points to .263 in the process. Choi continues to enjoy regular playing time, and his current .263/.341/.474 line that's partly comprised of seven extra-base hits (five doubles, two home runs) and six RBI is indicative of the well-rounded production he's offering.

Martinez is not expected to be in the lineup Saturday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Martinez might be due for a day off, as he's played 27 consecutive games. There's nothing about his performance, however, to suggest he needs a break. Martinez has a 1.160 OPS with seven home runs and 25 RBI since his last day off.

Ohtani (elbow) will toss a bullpen session Friday, and he's slated to pitch a simulated game sometime next week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Ohtani threw a successful simulated game Monday as he continues to rehab from a UCL sprain. If he manages to complete both throwing sessions without issue, expect Ohtani to toss a longer sim game or embark on a minor-league rehab stint in the near future.

Ohtani isn't in Friday's starting lineup against the Astros, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani will get another day to rest as he was out of the lineup Wednesday and the team had a scheduled day off Thursday. Albert Pujols is slated to serve as the designated hitter with Ohtani on the bench.

Soler (toe) took some at-bats against Ian Kennedy in a simulated game Friday, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

Soler has been shut down since June 17 with a left toe fracture. It's positive news that he's hitting against live pitching, as this likely means he's almost ready for a rehab stint. More news on his progress should surface as Soler nears a return from the disabled list.