MLB Player News

Jimenez went 2-for-4 with a double and four RBI in Wednesday's 10-7 loss to the Cubs.

Despite the overall result, it was a strong individual effort from Jimenez. He hit a two-run single in the first inning and a two-run double in the fourth for his fifth multi-hit effort in the last six games. It was the first time he's logged multiple RBI in a game since July 6. The outfielder is at a strong .286/.330/.485 slash line with 13 home runs, 46 RBI, 33 runs scored and 14 doubles through 68 contests overall.

Alvarez went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 13-5 loss to the Rangers.

Alvarez did fairly well in his return from a right oblique injury that sidelined him for over six weeks. He batted fifth as the designated hitter, which will likely be his primary position initially, though he could also challenge slumping rookie Corey Julks -- who is 0-for-24 over his last eight games -- for time in left field. Alvarez is slashing .279/.394/.593 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 41 runs scored and 13 doubles through 58 contests, so he should provide a power boost from the heart of the Astros' lineup.

The Angels took Ohtani off the trade market Wednesday, Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated reports.

After weeks of speculation ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, it appears Ohtani will stay put in Los Angeles as the Angels look to contend for a playoff spot. Although Ohtani is currently having his worst statistical season on the mound (3.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP), he's been a nightmare for opposing pitchers while slashing .299/.398/.668 with 36 homers and 77 RBI.

Rooker (illness) is starting at designated hitter and batting third in Wednesday's game in San Francisco.

It's Rooker's first start in a week. He was scratched from one start during that time due to illness, although it's not clear whether that's the full reason for his lack of playing time recently. Between promotions and the Athletics getting guys back from injury, Rooker isn't assured of regular at-bats in the second half.

Pederson is not in the lineup Wednesday versus the Athletics.

Wilmer Flores will take a turn as the Giants' designated hitter as they face off against A's left-hander Hogan Harris. Oakland is actually starting right-hander Freddy Tarnok, but Harris is set up for bulk relief. Pederson has batted just .120 with a .513 OPS in 34 plate appearances this year versus southpaws.

Ohtani will start the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani had been lined up to work Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays, but the Angels will move him up a day following Wednesday's rainout in Detroit. It's a far more favorable matchup for the two-way superstar. Patrick Sandoval will work the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill at Comerica Park.

Houston optioned Madris to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Madris had been up with the Astros since June 22, but he played in only 12 games and slashed .154/.267/.192 across 30 plate appearances. Yordan Alvarez (oblique) and Jose Altuve (oblique) are both back from the injured list ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Rangers.

The Astros reinstated Alvarez (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Now that he's been activated, Alvarez will presumably return to the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers for what will be his first game with the Astros since June 8. Alvarez has taken longer than expected to heal up from the right oblique injury, but the Astros are hopeful he'll be able to shake off any rust quickly to provide a much-needed boost to the lineup. Prior to being activated, Alvarez made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land last week, going 3-for-9 with a double and two walks.

Vientos is starting at third base and batting second Wednesday versus the Yankees.

This is the highest major-league lineup spot of the year for Vientos, who has gone 4-for-10 with a double since being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse last Thursday. Brett Baty continues to struggle offensively and the underperforming Mets might move some parts at the trade deadline, so Vientos could perhaps be in for an elevated role down the stretch between the hot corner and DH.

Canha will start in left field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Despite going hitless in the Mets' last three games to bring his batting average down to .235, Canha will stick in the lineup for the eighth time in nine contests. With Starling Marte (migraines) hitting the injured list last week, Canha looks like he'll be locked into a near-everyday role for the time being.