MLB Player News

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Friday's 10-7 win over the Brewers.

The veteran slugger hadn't had a multi-hit performance since July 5, slashing a brutal .082/.132/.143 in the following 14 games with a 3:19 BB:K, but Ozuna appeared to find his stroke again Friday. Atlanta could pick up another bat at the trade deadline to work into the corner outfield/DH mix, but the streaky 32-year-old likely still has some job security after his rampage through May and June. On the season, Ozuna sports a .746 OPS with 19 homers and 44 RBI in 85 contests.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Red Sox.

Pederson kept the game close with his eighth-inning blast, but the Giants couldn't find the tying run. The 31-year-old has homered three times and added two doubles over his last seven contests. The power appears to be back for the slugger, who is now at a .245/.371/.466 slash line with 11 homers, 36 RBI, 39 runs scored, eight doubles and two triples through 248 plate appearances. He hit leadoff Friday with LaMonte Wade (back) out, and Pederson could continue to be atop the order versus righties until his injured teammate returns.

Ohtani was lifted from Friday's 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays in the ninth inning after experiencing cramping in both of his calves, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports. He went 2-for-4 with a solo home run -- his 39th of the season -- before exiting.

Before exiting the second game of the Angels' doubleheader with the Tigers on Thursday due to cramping, Ohtani slugged home runs in his final two plate appearances of the day. After being cleared to serve as the Angels' designated hitter Friday, Ohtani took Kevin Gausman deep in the first inning to bring his streak to three consecutive plate appearances with a long ball. Ohtani couldn't finish the game, however, as he was pulled in favor of pinch hitter Michael Stefanic in the ninth even though the bases were loaded. Angels manager Phil Nevin said Ohtani will be re-evaluated Saturday, but the skipper noted that at this stage, he's "not even thinking" about the possibility of the two-way superstar going on the injured list, per the Associated Press. Even if Ohtani's re-evaluation reveals nothing concerning, it wouldn't be surprising if he received a day off Saturday after exiting early in each of the past two games. Nevin has already noted that Ohtani will make his next start as a pitcher this coming Thursday at home versus the Mariners, allowing the 29-year-old to get six days' rest rather than his usual five after he tossed a season-high 111 pitches in his one-hit shutout of the Tigers in Game 1 of this past Thursday's doubleheader.

Morel isn't in the Cubs' lineup Friday versus the Cardinals.

Morel will get a breather Friday after putting together a five-game hitting streak, during which he's gone 8-for-20 with a homer, six RBI and six runs scored. Yan Gomes will take over as Chicago's designated hitter, allowing Miguel Amaya to start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Buxton is absent from the lineup Friday at Kansas City.

Buxton is back from paternity leave, but he'll be on the bench as the Twins open a three-game series against the Royals. Matt Wallner is taking a turn at designated hitter and hitting sixth.

Meneses is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

It looks to be a rare day off for Meneses. The Nationals are giving Jeimer Candelario a start in the designated hitter spot and covering third base with Ildemaro Vargas.

Ohtani (cramps) is serving as the Angels' designated hitter and batting second Friday at Toronto.

Ohtani was pulled from the second half of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers due to cramps, but all is well leading into the Angels' three-game weekend set versus the Blue Jays. The two-way superstar has posted a sensational 1.070 OPS with 38 homers, 80 RBI, 12 steals and 79 runs through 101 games this season. He's also pitched to a 3.43 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 156:50 K:BB in 20 starts covering 120.2 innings.

Morel went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored in Thursday's 10-3 victory over the Cardinals.

Morel gave Chicago a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run double, extending his hit streak to five games. He's gone 14-for-41 (.341) with 10 RBI and an .877 OPS in 12 games since the All-Star break. Overall, Morel is slashing .281/.343/.891 with 16 homers, 48 RBI, 44 runs scored and four steals through 246 plate appearances this season.

Ohtani (cramping) is expected to be in the lineup to serve as the designated hitter Friday against Blue Jays, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani exited the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers with cramping, but the issue doesn't appear to be serious. He had an incredible day, pitching a complete-game shutout in the first contest before blasting two homers in the latter matchup before his exit.

Ohtani was removed from Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against Detroit due to cramping, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani put up a performance for the ages Thursday, pitching a complete-game shutout in Game 1 and blasting two homers during the nightcap. He seemed to be grabbing at his back while rounding the bases after his second home run and was later pinch hit for. Fantasy managers should consider Ohtani day-to-day for now.