MLB Player News

Ohtani (back/finger) is not in the lineup Monday against the Rangers.

Ohtani's return to the mound lasted just 2.1 innings Sunday before he was pulled due to back stiffness and a sore finger. It's unclear whether or not those issues will prevent him from hitting for a few days, as he was always going to sit the day after pitching. The severity of the issue should become clearer once it's known whether or not he'll miss an additional game.

Jimenez will not be called up this season, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

The White Sox refuted reports Sunday that Jimenez wasn't going to be called up, but general manager Rick Hahn confirmed the reports Monday. The team claims that Jimenez's defense is the reason he'll remain in the minors, but it's quite obvious that service-time concerns are the primary reason. That likely means that Jimenez will be held down for the first few weeks of 2019, only for his defense to be suddenly deemed adequate.

Ohtani (elbow) was removed from his start Sunday against the Astros in the third inning after experiencing with back stiffness and a sore right middle finger, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. He had allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while fanning two over 2.1 frames.

Taking the mound for the first time since June 6, Ohtani looked good through one inning, but unraveled afterward. He took a ground ball off his right hand early in the outing before his back acted up, prompting the Angels to pull him after just 49 pitches. After the game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia stated he believed these two issues were the reason for the drop in velocity that Ohtani experienced in the second and third innings, and that his left elbow is fine. The Angels hope Ohtani will be ready to make his next start, which is tentatively set for Sept. 9 against the White Sox, per Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register.

Martinez will receive one or two days off during Boston's upcoming three-game series at Atlanta, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Martinez has started 37 of 39 games since the All-Star break, so manager Alex Cora likely just wants to give him a game or two to rest up for the final month of the regular season. The veteran slugger is slashing .352/.433/.655 with 10 home runs in those games as the Red Sox return to Boston for a series against the Astros next weekend.

Soler (toe) returned from his minor-league rehab assignment Sunday and has been shut down from baseball activities, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Soler started the rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha last Monday but recently suffered a setback, jeopardizing his potential return this season. The Royals were already planning to utilize the 28-year-old exclusively as a designated hitter upon his return, and it would make little sense to rush him back if there is any concern whatsoever. Soler hasn't played a major-league game since mid-June, and he seems unlikely to return in September.

Stanton is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Tigers.

Stanton has been a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as the team has dealt with numerous injuries, starting 84 consecutive games going back to late May. New acquisition Andrew McCutchen grabs the start in right field while Gary Sanchez -- fresh off the disabled list -- will serve as designated hitter. The 28-year-old slugger and his 33 home runs should return to the lineup when the Yankees travel to Oakland on Monday.

The White Sox issued a statement shortly after Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the organization will not be calling up Jimenez. The statement, per Tom Musick of the Chicago Sun-Times, indicated general manager Rick Hahn will meet with the media before Monday's game to discuss the organization's final callup list.

The statement reads as follows: "No final decision has been made on the entire list of Chicago White Sox callups for September. General manager Rick Hahn plans to meet with the media before the game Monday to discuss the final list after all affected players have been informed of the club's plans." It's no secret that Chicago wants to delay Jimenez's service clock as long as possible -- on a performance basis alone, the outfielder would be in the majors by now -- and the White Sox are not the lone organization practicing this strategy. So, we wait until Monday to learn Jimenez's final fate. In the meantime, the player's agents have said they might file a grievance if he's not promoted. The potential exists that this may cause long-term discord in the relationship between the club and player.

Canha went 1-for-2 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Mariners.

Canha got only his second start in the past seven games but took advantage by hitting his first home run since July 30. His 15th home run of the season came against southpaw James Paxton, continuing Canha's season-long trend of hitting well with the platoon advantage. Twelve of his 15 home runs have now come with a lefty on the mound, and he is slugging over .600 against them across 132 at-bats as a result.

Buxton will not be called up from Triple-A Rochester this season, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Twins announced Saturday that they will not activate the talented but embattled outfielder for the remainder of this lost season. This will work toward controlling his service time so that he won't become a free agent after the 2022 season. Those holding Buxton in redraft leagues on the hope that he might provide a late-season boost can cut bait, but keeper-league players looking toward the future who can still make trades could benefit by asking Buxton's shareholder whether he's available.

Choi went 3-for-5 hitting out of the third spot in the lineup in a win over the Indians on Saturday.

Choi's line since being dealt to Tampa Bay for Brad Miller is now up to .284/.368/.480 over 117 plate appearances. If there is a righty starter on the mound, Choi is in the lineup and he continues to keep the offense moving along. Saturday was his fourth multi-hit contest in his last eight games.