MLB Player News

Eldridge went 2-for-5 in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Padres.

Eldridge singled in the first inning and added another base hit in the third, marking his first multi-hit performance since July 18. The 21-year-old is batting .213 with 12 runs scored, 10 RBI, five home runs, a stolen base and 15:35 BB:K in 104 plate appearances in July. Overall, he's slashing .253/.353/.451 with 35 runs scored, 26 RBI, 11 long balls and a stolen base across 275 plate appearances this season.

Manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that he expects Ohtani (knee) to return to the lineup as the designated hitter and leadoff batter in Friday's series opener versus the Red Sox, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani was held out of the starting nine Thursday while tending to soreness in his inflamed left knee, an injury that initially forced him out of a June 11 game. The two-way phenom hasn't made an appearance as a pitcher since July 3 because of the knee issue and, to a lesser extent, a right biceps injury, is still presenting some lingering discomfort when he gets on the mound. Ohtani has continued to serve as the Dodgers' everyday DH and has been performing well at the plate in spite of the knee issue, producing a .265/.326/.518 slash line with five home runs, 15 RBI and eight runs in 21 July games. However, he hasn't attempted a stolen base in July, and his contributions in the running game could remain limited over the final two months of the season.

Ohtani is not in the starting lineup Thursday against Seattle as a result of left knee soreness, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ohtani has been dealing with an ongoing knee issue for over a month, and the Dodgers decided to give their superstar a day off. Manager Dave Roberts is "very confident" that the 32-year-old will be back in the lineup for Friday's series opener at home versus Boston.

Ohtani is not in the lineup Thursday versus the Mariners, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani has appeared in all 11 games as a hitter since the All-Star break despite ongoing soreness in his right biceps and inflammation in his left knee. The issues have caused the superstar to put a pause on pitching, and sitting Thursday is likely just a day for him to rest up. As he sits, Teoscar Hernandez is starting as the designated hitter while Enrique Hernandez is inserted in left field.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reiterated Wednesday that the Dodgers expect Ohtani to pitch again this season, with Friedman noting that the two-way player's right biceps soreness is a lesser concern than his inflamed left knee, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. "If it weren't for the knee, [Ohtani] would be pitching right now," Friedman said.

Per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, Ohtani is throwing plyometric balls to limit the force on his left knee, after the Dodgers decided to postpone his scheduled bullpen session over the weekend. The Dodgers are confident that the four-time MVP will start playing catch again soon, which would put him on track to be ready to pitch by season's end. Ohtani hasn't made a start as a pitcher since July 3 but has continued to handle an everyday role at designated hitter while he recovers from the knee issue.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

After going 5-for-12 with a double, two RBI and a run scored while starting in the Reds' last three games, the left-handed-hitting Lowe will head to the bench while the Guardians send southpaw Joey Cantillo to the bump. Sal Stewart will move across the diamond to replace Lowe at first base while Ke'Bryan Hayes picks up a start at third base.

Tena is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

After starting in each of the Nationals' previous five consecutive matchups with right-handed starters, Tena has now been left on the bench against righties Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage for the final two tilts with Toronto. Rather than leaning Tena as their regular designated hitter, the Nationals may prefer to rotate a number of different players at that lineup spot.

Del Castillo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Pittsburgh.

After making four straight starts against traditional righty starters or righty bulk relievers, the lefty-swinging Del Castillo has now been on the bench for two straight games versus right-handers. Ketel Marte is getting a turn at designated hitter Wednesday, and Ildemaro Vargas will enter the lineup at second base.

Schwarber (illness) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Miami.

Schwarber is battling a gastrointestinal issue and will miss a second straight contest. The Phillies are idle Thursday, so Schwarber will aim to return to action Friday in Baltimore. Trea Turner is in the designated hitter spot Wednesday, and Edmundo Sosa is getting a start at shortstop.

Eldridge went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 8-2 loss to the Brewers.

Eldridge provided the Giants' runs with his blast in the eighth inning. He has gone 7-for-39 (.179) over 11 games since the All-Star break, though three of his hits in that span have been homers. He's batting .256 with an .819 OPS, 11 homers, 25 RBI, 33 runs scored, 14 doubles and one stolen base over 65 contests and continues to occupy a steady spot in the lineup.