MLB Player News

Morel went 2-for-4 with a triple and a solo home run in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Morel served as the DH and batted first, and he had a big impact on the game, launching his 21st home run of the season in the third inning. He also added just his second triple of the year. Morel had seen a dip in playing time recently, but with Jeimer Candelario (back) departing Sunday's contest early, there could be a bigger role available for the former in the near future.

Ohtani (oblique) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

It's the seventh consecutive absence for Ohtani as he continues to manage inflammation in his right oblique. The two-way star won't return to the mound this season due to a torn UCL in his right elbow that will eventually require surgery, but manager Phil Nevin indicated Ohtani could return as the Halos' designated hitter as early as Monday in Seattle, per Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times.

Vogelbach is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Vogelbach will typically find himself on the bench against left-handed pitchers, but he's sitting Sunday despite righty Pablo Lopez being on the mound for Minnesota. Mark Vientos will bat seventh as the Mets' designated hitter.

Martinez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Washington, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

Martinez was reinstated from the injured list Friday and started the past two games, but he'll take a seat Sunday after going 4-for-8 with a double, a homer, three RBI and two runs. Max Muncy will receive a turn as the Dodgers' designated hitter with Chris Taylor starting at third base.

Rooker is absent from the lineup Sunday at Texas.

Rooker takes a seat after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the Athletics' loss to the Rangers on Saturday. Seth Brown is occupying the DH role, and Esteury Ruiz will patrol right field in Sunday's series finale.

Cabrera is out of the lineup Sunday versus the White Sox due to a sore knee, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

It's not considered a serious issue, and Cabrera is expected to return to action Tuesday following Monday's scheduled team off day. Javier Baez will serve as the Tigers' designated hitter in Sunday's series finale against Chicago. Zach McKinstry is playing shortstop.

Belt (illness) is out of the lineup again Sunday versus the Royals.

Belt hasn't appeared in a game since Sept. 2, first due to back trouble and then because of an illness. Granted, he probably would have sat Sunday either way with left-hander Cole Ragans toeing the slab for Kansas City. Bo Bichette will take a turn in the DH role as Ernie Clement starts at shortstop.

Alvarez went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, two runs, two RBI and a walk in Saturday's 7-5 win over San Diego.

Alvarez put the Astros on the board in the third inning with his 407-foot solo shot. He added another RBI on a ground-rule double in the fifth and came around to score following that knock. Alvarez has gone deep three times in his past four games, going 7-for-13 with seven RBI and six walks over that stretch. He needs four more homers before the end of the campaign to reach 30 for the third straight season.

Ohtani (oblique) will sit for a sixth straight game Saturday against Cleveland, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani has been absent for the last several days with inflammation in his right oblique, an issue separate from the torn UCL which will eventually require surgery. Between his two injuries and the fact that the Angels are well out of the playoff race, it would hardly be a surprise if Ohtani were to be shut down, but the team still considers him day-to-day.

Meneses isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday against the Dodgers, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Meneses will get a breather Saturday after going 1-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's series opener. Lane Thomas will fill in as the Nats' designated hitter while Jake Alu, Jacob Young and Travis Blankenhorn man the outfield.