MLB Player News

O'Hearn hit a two-run homer as a pinch hitter in Thursday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

As usual, O'Hearn started the game on the bench with the Orioles facing left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. O'Hearn entered in the ninth inning and delivered a homer to cut the Orioles' deficit to one run, but they couldn't tie it up. The 30-year-old is up to eight homers over 48 contests this season, and he's added a trusty .280/.343/.471 slash line with 20 RBI, 22 runs scored and one stolen base over 172 plate appearances. O'Hearn continues to be in the lineup versus nearly every opposing right-hander.

Machado (hip) entered Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks as a pinch hitter and grounded out to the pitcher, AJ Cassavell of MLB.comreports.

Machado was held out of Thursday's lineup after suffering a hip flexor strain Wednesday. He is considered day-to-day and was expected to be unavailable Thursday. The fact that he was able to pinch hit is a positive sign, though it's still unclear when he'll be able to rejoin the lineup.

Manager Pedro Grifol said Thursday that Jimenez (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment next week, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Jimenez was initially given a one-month return timeline when he landed on the IL on May 22 with a left hamstring strain, but he appears to already be approaching a return to game action. It's unclear exactly when the 27-year-old will head to the minors or how long he'll remain there, but the White Sox will likely be eager to return him to their lineup as soon as possible given their offense's poor performance to start the year.

Machado (hip) is not in the Padres' lineup versus the Diamondbacks on Thursday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Machado suffered the hip flexor strain during the fourth inning of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Angels as he hustled to first base in an effort to beat out a double play. The 31-year-old is considered day-to-day, and it seems he has avoided any significant damage. Tyler Wade will start in his place at third base and bat eighth.

O'Hearn isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game in Toronto.

Southpaw Yusei Kikuchi is drawing the start for the Blue Jays, which means the lefty-hitting O'Hearn will head to the bench for the series finale. Adley Rutschman will get a start at designated hitter while James McCann handles the catching duties.

Velazquez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians.

With Hunter Renfroe occupying right field and Salvador Perez getting a day off from catching and serving as the Royals' designated hitter, Velazquez's primary two avenues to playing time are closed off Thursday. Velazquez still looks to be a near-everyday player for Kansas City, as he had started in 11 of the team's previous 12 games.

Soler went 2-for-6 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Soler's Giants career has gotten off to an unremarkable start, but he's showing signs of finding a groove in June. He's gone 7-for-20 (.350) with three extra-base hits over his first five games this month after batting just .164 in May, though he was hampered by a shoulder injury. For the season, Soler has seven homers, 18 RBI, 24 runs scored, no stolen bases and a .215/.288/.376 slash line over 51 contests.

Turner went 3-for-4 with a double and a run, reaching 1,500 career hits in Wednesday's 3-2 win against the Orioles.

Turner scored after doubling in the second inning, and he singled in his next at-bat for the 1,500th hit of his major-league career. The veteran has posted a modest .225/.307/.354 slash line through 202 plate appearances in his first campaign with Toronto, though he's maintained his usual solid contact skills with a 16.3 percent strikeout rate. Turner has added four homers, 20 RBI, 19 runs and a 10.1 percent walk rate.

Manager Mike Shildt said that Machado is day-to-day with a mild right hip flexor strain after exiting in the fourth inning of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Angels, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. He went 0-for-2 prior to leaving the game.

Machado suffered the injury while hustling to first base in an effort to beat out a potential double play in the fourth inning. Though he was able to reach base on a fielder's choice, Machado was forced from the game, with Donovan Solano coming off the bench to pinch run for him. Fortunately, Machado appears to have avoided any significant damage, but it's possible the Padres hold him out of Thursday's series opener against Arizona to aid his recovery. The 31-year-old has gone 8-for-22 with four RBI and two stolen bases across his last seven games.

Ohtani went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run during Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the Pirates.

Ohtani plated Mookie Betts in the second inning on a 415-foot homer off Paul Skenes. While Ohtani isn't quite hitting with the power he did a season ago, he owns a .322 batting average -- which would be a career best if it stands. The 29-year-old is one of nine players with 15 long balls this season and he's also tied for the ninth-most stolen bases in MLB at 14.