MLB Player News

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.

Buxton was activated from the paternity leave list Thursday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The Twins are off Thursday, but Buxton will be back in action this weekend in Kansas City. He's just 3-for-33 with 17 strikeouts at the plate so far in the second half.

Ohtani will serve as the Angels' starting pitcher in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Tigers, MLB.com reports.

Heading into the week, Ohtani was lined up to take the hill for Friday's series opener in Toronto, but the Angels opted to move him up a day in the pitching schedule after Wednesday's postponement created a twin bill for the series finale in Detroit. Ohtani will bat second for the Angels in Game 1, and manager Phil Nevin already indicated that the two-way superstar will serve as the Angels' designated hitter in Game 2. Ohtani should have a busy day ahead of him Thursday, and expect the Angels to get everything they can out of the pending free agent over the next two months after Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday that the Halos have elected to take the 29-year-old off the trade market.

Rooker (illness) went 1-for-4 with a strikeout in Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Giants.

Rooker was back in the starting nine for the first time since last Wednesday. With right fielder Ramon Laureano back from the injured list and Tony Kemp holding down a starting job in left field, Rooker's likely to be limited to designated hitter in the near term. That may not result in an everyday role for the 28-year-old, who is slashing .239/.331/.464 with 16 home runs, 44 RBI, 33 runs scored and two stolen bases over 84 contests this season. He's hitting a modest .233 in July, but he may have to settle for short-side platoon duty.

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.