MLB Player News

Stanton is healthy enough to play the outfield, but manager Aaron Boone prefers to keep him in the lineup as the designated hitter, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton's DH duties were originally necessitated by his recovery from a calf injury, but his hot start at the plate and the team's considerable outfield depth have given Boone reason to consider keeping Stanton in the role permanently. Through six games, the slugger has racked up two home runs and six RBI while slashing .421/.542/.842.

Mercedes was recalled by the White Sox on Saturday.

The 27-year-old hit a strong .317/.388/.581 across the two highest levels of the minors last season. His path to playing time isn't obvious, as he's primarily a catcher, but the White Sox already have Yasmani Grandal, James McCann and Zack Collins ahead of him at the position. He's made a handful of appearances at all four corner positions throughout his minor-league career but will likely be primarily a bench bat. Tim Anderson (groin) hit the injured list in a corresponding move.

Alvarez (undisclosed) is roughly 10-14 days away from being ready to join the Astros, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez missed the entirety of summer camp for undisclosed reasons and was said to be week away from game action upon his return. He still appears to be on that timeline, giving Kyle Tucker a clear path to the primary designated hitter role for most of the next two weeks.

Choi will not start Saturday against the Orioles, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Choi sits for the third time in four games, though the previous two times were due to a sore shoulder. He returned to the lineup Friday, and there's been no indication that the issue is back, so this appears to be just a routine off day. Mike Brosseau takes over at first base in his absence.

Martinez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Martinez had started in each of Boston's first eight games this season, but he'll take a seat after going 7-for-32 with three extra-base hits, four runs and three RBI to begin the season. Kevin Pillar will serve as the designated hitter and bat second Saturday.

Brantley is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley sits for the first time this season. Kyle Tucker moves out to left field in his absence, with Abraham Toro serving as the designated hitter.

Ohtani is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Angels appear set to continue their plan of resting Ohtani both before and after his scheduled starts. They deviated from that plan Monday, as Ohtani served as the designated hitter that day despite starting the day before, though that exception was likely due to the fact that his start was very abbreviated as he faced just six batters without recording a single out. Albert Pujols will rest his legs as the designated hitter Saturday, with Matt Thaiss starting at first base.

Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 8-7 loss against the Padres.

Blackmon notched his first long ball of the season with a one-out blast off Garrett Richards in the first inning, and he has hit safely in each of Colorado's four games, notching at least two hits in his last three contests.

Lewis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored during Friday's victory over the A's.

Another night, another set of hits for the 25-year-old, who singled and scored in the fourth inning, then added an RBI single in the fifth. Lewis has hit safely in all eight games this season, including six straight multi-hit games.

Ruf went 2-for-3 with three RBI, a run scored and a walk in Friday's 9-2 win over the Rangers.

Ruf got the Giants on the board with an RBI single in the second inning. He later capped off a three-run seventh inning with a two-RBI double to knock in Evan Longoria and Donovan Solano. Ruf has found most of his at-bats versus southpaws, and he's done handsomely with a .385/.467/.462 triple slash, five RBI and two runs scored in 15 plate appearances. With Brandon Belt back from an Achilles injury, it may be harder for Ruf to find consistent playing time at first base.