MLB Player News

Brantley went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Mariners.

Brantley scored the game's lone run in the fourth inning, coming in on a single by Taylor Jones. He's been dropped from second to third in the batting order since Houston placed several regulars, including Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez, on the COVID-19 protocols list. With much of the team's offensive firepower unavailable, Brantley's bat is needed more than ever.

Winker went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI versus Cleveland in an extra-inning win Saturday.

Winker played a key role in the Reds' comeback victory, rapping a single to bring home Nick Senzel with the tying run in the ninth inning. Winker has reached base in all but one of his nine games this season and is slashing .394/.429/.606 through 35 plate appearances.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a walk in Saturday's loss against the Cubs.

Ozuna was unable to replicate his three-hit performance from Friday, but he seems to be leaving his slow start to the season behind after hitting in four of his last six outings. He's still hitting just .211 with a .560 OPS, but the veteran outfielder seems to be trending in the right direction after beginning the season going 4-for-32 over his first nine games.

Belt went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Marlins.

Belt ruined Sandy Alcantara's shutout with a leadoff home run in the seventh inning. This was Belt's second homer this season and his first two-hit game. The veteran finds himself in a platoon, sitting against most lefties. He is batting only .194 in his first 14 games.

Turner went 1-for-4 with a solo shot in Saturday's win over the Padres.

The right-handed hitter provided the Dodgers with more of a cushion following his solo shot off Emilio Pagan in the ninth inning. The red-hot 36-year-old veteran now has five home runs on the year and is currently slashing an impressive .426/.467/.815 in 2021.

Canha went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a walk, a stolen base and three total runs scored Saturday in a win over Detroit.

Canha accounted for one of Oakland's three homers off Detroit starter Casey Mize with a solo shot to left field in the second inning. The long ball was Canha's third this season, tied for most on the team. He is slashing .268/.414/.500 with five RBI and two stolen bases.

Manager Joe Girardi said Harper (back) is considered day-to-day and might play Sunday against the Cardinals, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old was withheld from Saturday's lineup with tightness in his lower back, but it doesn't appear to be a serious issue. Harper also dealt with back problems late last season and had a slow buildup in camp for similar issues. The Phillies figure to remain cautious with their star right fielder, but there doesn't currently appear to be much concern over his long-term status.

Manager Joe Maddon said Ohtani (blister) could start as early as Tuesday against the Rangers without needing another bullpen session, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 26-year-old completed a 30-pitch bullpen session off the main mound at Angel Stadium on Saturday with no issues, which could be his final tune-up before making his return to a game mound. Ohtani hasn't pitched in a game since his season debut on the mound April 4 due to the blister, so he's unlikely to be cleared immediately for a full workload. He's serving as the designated hitter again Saturday in the meantime.

Buxton (hamstring) is starting Saturday's game against the Angels, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain Friday after the injury surfaced earlier in the week, but he'll return to the lineup for Saturday's contest. Buxton is 15-for-32 with five homers, five doubles, nine RBI, one stolen base and a nine-game hit streak to begin the season.

Ohtani threw about 30 pitches off the main mound at Angel Stadium on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani's pitch count crept up during Saturday's side session as he continues to recover from a blistered right middle finger. It's not yet clear when the right-hander will make his return to the mound in a game, but he'll serve as the designated hitter and bat second once again in Saturday's matchup against the Twins if the game is played.