MLB Player News

Choi went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI on Friday against the Giants.

Choi belted his fourth home run of the season and second in as many games when he took Ross Stripling deep in the fifth inning. He's had a regular starting role since returning from the injured list July 7, and he's taken advantage by going 4-for-15 with a double in addition to his two long balls. However, he's at significant risk of losing playing time as early as Sunday, when Andrew McCutchen (elbow) is expected to return and will almost certainly resume his duties as the team's primary designated hitter.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Rockies.

The Yankees got off to a hot start with Stanton's first-inning blast, but that was it for their run production in the contest. He's starting to get back on track, going 11-for-38 (.289) with four homers and 11 RBI over his last 11 games. The veteran slugger is at a .211/.281/.454 slash line with 10 long balls, 25 RBI, 19 runs scored and seven doubles through 42 contests on the year.

Ohtani left his start Friday against the Astros with a trainer in the top of the sixth inning, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

While manager Phil Nevin said pregame that he did not expect any more problems with Ohtani's troublesome right middle finger, it was seemingly the culprit behind the megastar's early exit. He's been dealing with a blister and a cracked nail on the finger. Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register notes that Ohtani's velocity was down and his command was off Friday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out seven over five innings.

Ohtani threw a bullpen session Thursday and had no issues with his finger, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani's right middle finger had been giving him trouble over his past couple of starts. Most recently, he exited his start July 4 against San Diego due to a blister after surrendering five runs over five innings. Luckily, it seems the issue has subsided, and Ohtani should be able to return to the mound Friday against Houston.

McCutchen (elbow) said he expects to be activated from the 10-day injured list Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McCutchen landed on the injured list July 7 with right elbow discomfort and seems to be trending toward a minimum stay. The 36-year-old veteran holds an .808 OPS through 316 plate appearances this season and could prove to be a valuable asset for Pittsburgh as the trade deadline approaches.

Turner is starting at second base and batting third in Friday's game versus the Cubs, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Turner entered play Friday having seen only eight innings of action at second base this season, and this is his first start at the position since 2015. The goal of the move is to inject more offense into the Boston lineup, as its allows Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran and Adam Duvall to all start between the outfield and DH, but it's not clear how frequently manager Alex Cora will deploy this lineup -- the team is already struggling to find an adequate defensive option at shortstop.

Alvarez (oblique) will have his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land delayed due to illness.

Alvarez was slated to begin playing for Sugar Land on Friday, but his return to the field will have to wait as he fights off an illness. It's unclear what effect this will have on the timeline for his return to Houston, but the Astros will surely look to get their star slugger back as soon as possible. Alvarez has been on the IL since early June with a right oblique strain.

Winker isn't in the Brewers' lineup Friday against the Reds.

After slashing .200/.324/.253 across 179 plate appearances during the first half of the season, Winker's poor performance will cost him a start against right-hander Graham Ashcraft on Friday. William Contreras will instead serve as Milwaukee's designated hitter, allowing Victor Caratini to start behind the dish and bat fifth.

Harper could play first base as soon as this weekend, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper is at designated hitter Friday against the Padres, but it sounds like he could be at first base during Saturday's doubleheader or Sunday. It would be the first start he's made at the position as a pro, as the Phillies have opted to ease him back into defensive duties at a less strenuous spot rather than right field following last year's Tommy John surgery. Harper missed the final game before the All-Star break after being hit on his surgically repaired elbow by a pitch, but tests came back clean.

Harper (elbow) is starting as Philadelphia's designated hitter Friday against San Diego.

Harper missed the final game before the All-Star break due to right elbow soreness, but he'll return to the Phillies' lineup after an extended rest period. Harper slashed .290/.386/.400 while racking up 23 RBI over 243 plate appearances during the first half of the season.