MLB Player News

Pederson isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against Arizona.

Pederson will once again take a seat Thursday with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound for the Diamondbacks. A.J. Pollock is starting in left field, batting fifth.

Ohtani went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners.

Ohtani has struggled both on the mound and at the plate to begin the campaign, but he provided reason for optimism with a 402-foot, three-run blast in the fourth inning. He has three hits and six strikeouts through his first 19 at-bats.

Belt (Achilles) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Belt was working his way back from an Achilles injury during the majority of camp. He'll be eligible to make his season debut against the Padres on Thursday, along with teammate Evan Longoria (oblique). With Belt available again, Pablo Sandoval will likely retreat to a bench role. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Giants limit Belt's workload as he makes his return to the field.

Choi (shoulder) is not starting Thursday against the Braves, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Choi will stick on the bench for a second straight game as he continues to nurse a sore right shoulder. Per Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network, the first baseman reportedly "feels great" and will be available off the bench if needed. In his place, Mike Brosseau is starting at first base and hitting sixth.

Dickerson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a triple, a walk and two additional runs Wednesday in the Giants' 7-6 win over the Padres.

Dickerson's sixth-inning long ball off David Bednar was one of four home runs on the night for the Giants. The two extra-base hits, three runs and RBI were the first of the season for Dickerson, who had gone 2-for-10 with a pair of singles over his first three starts.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler reiterated that Belt (Achilles) remains on track to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Padres, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Evan Longoria (oblique) is also expected to return from the IL, providing the Giants with both of their primary starters at the corner-infield spots. Pablo Sandoval had served as the team's starting first basemen against right-handed pitching for the Giants' first six games, but he'll likely move into a full-time bench role with Belt back in the fold.

Cespedes went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox.

He socked his second homer of the year off Matt Barnes in the eighth inning but missed a chance to play hero in the ninth, striking out with the bases loaded in a one-run game. Cespedes is flashing his power but otherwise looks very rusty at the plate, slashing .211/.286/.526 through five games with a 1:10 BB:K.

Lewis went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-7 win over the Angels.

Lewis has undoubtedly been Seattle's best player in the first week of action, as he has hit safely in every single game while posting multi-hit efforts in each of his last four contests. As a result, he is slashing a robust .458/.519/.708 in his first 27 plate appearances.

Ohtani's next start will come Sunday despite the fact that he threw only 30 pitches in his season debut, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani struggled mightily in his first start of the season Sunday, failing to record an out while allowing five earned runs. The short outing won't result in an adjustment to his pitching schedule, however, as the Angels will stick to the every-Sunday routine they set up prior to the start of the season. That puts Ohtani in line for a tough matchup against Houston on Aug. 2.

Jimenez went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Cleveland.

Jimenez returned to action after missing two games due to lightheadedness. He delivered a run on a sacrifice fly in the White Sox's four-run ninth inning; it was his second RBI of the season.