MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that there's a "good chance" Ohtani (knee/biceps) will be activated from the 15-day injured list during next week's series against the Padres, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani ran the bases on the field prior to Saturday's game and also advanced to taking simulated at-bats against the team's Trajekt machine. The Dodgers are seemingly pleased with Ohtani's progress, enough so that he's penciled in to return during the homestand. If Ohtani is activated Wednesday when first eligible, he could make starts at designated hitter in as many as five games before the end of the regular season. Both Ohtani and Roberts have seemingly ruled out the possibility of the two-way player pitching at any point during the postseason, however.

Eldridge (head) is in concussion protocol and won't play Sunday against the Dodgers, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The rookie first baseman/DH reportedly bumped his head at the team hotel, resulting in a laceration and evidently concussion symptoms. He will need to clear protocol in order to play again this year. Eldridge has been a bright spot in a mostly gloomy season for San Francisco, hitting 17 homers with an .825 OPS across 448 plate appearances.

Ohtani (knee/biceps) progressed to taking simulated at-bats off the Dodgers' Trajekt machine Saturday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Ohtani ran the bases on the field Saturday and is also taking simulated at-bats as he gears up for a potential return during the final week of the regular season. It's uncertain whether he will return Wednesday against San Diego when first eligible, but hitting coach Aaron Bates said that Ohtani has looked noticeably less compromised when swinging at full intensity than he did before landing on the 15-day IL.

Ohtani (knee/biceps) did some baserunning during the Dodgers' on-field batting practice Saturday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

This marks the first time Ohtani has worked out on the field in front of the media since he went on the 15-day injured list last week. His stint was backdated to Sept. 8, meaning the Japanese slugger is eligible to return this coming Wednesday, though it's uncertain if he will be ready by then. Ohtani figures to push to play in at least a few more regular-season games as a final tuneup before the playoffs.

Eldridge (head) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Eldridge was scratched from the lineup Friday with a head laceration suffered when he bumped his head at the team hotel, per Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. While manager Tony Vitello said that he expected Eldridge to play Saturday, the rookie slugger will remain on the bench for at least one more game. Victor Bericoto will serve as the designated hitter while Brett Harris mans first base against left-hander Tarik Skubal.

Perez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Perez will take a day to regroup after going 0-for-12 with three strikeouts over his last three games. Jac Caglianone (hand) will work as the DH on Saturday, opening up right field for John Rave.

Pederson (hand) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto.

Pederson will miss a sixth consecutive start as he continues to battle soreness in his fractured left hand. Corey Seager will handle DH duties Saturday, putting Ezequiel Duran at shortstop and Nicky Lopez at second base.

Diaz will sit out Saturday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz was included in the Rays' initial lineup for Saturday's contest before later being removed, though manager Kevin Cash clarified that Diaz is getting a scheduled day off and was never meant to be part of the starting nine. The Rays will use Jake Fraley as their designated hitter while Diaz sits.

Diaz was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Sox, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

It's unclear why the Rays took Diaz out of the starting nine Saturday, but the team should provide more information in the near future. In the meantime, Jake Fraley will fill in as Tampa Bay's designated hitter and bat leadoff.

Rice went 2-for-3 with a home run, a triple, two walks, two RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 9-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Rice has three homers during his seven-game hitting streak, including Friday's solo shot. The slugger has also shown a little speed at times -- he's up to four triples on the year after his three-bagger. On the year, Rice is batting .264 with an .897 OPS, 39 homers, 94 RBI, 100 runs scored, 22 doubles and three stolen bases over 146 contests, building upon his breakout from 2025.