MLB Player News

Alvarez was placed on the injured list for an unspecified reason Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez was one of five Astros who were placed on the injured list Wednesday. While the team hasn't specifically stated that the players have been placed on the COVID-19 injured list, it appears as though the players are currently in MLB's health and safety protocols. It's not yet clear whether Alvarez has tested positive for COVID-19, but he'll be able to return as soon as he's clears the protocols that pertain to his specific situation. Aledmys Diaz could serve as the team's primary designated hitter in Alvarez's absence.

Ohtani threw a 23-pitch bullpen session Wednesday without a bandage covering his blistered right middle finger, but the Angels have yet to determine when he'll make his next start on the mound, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a light, 10-pitch bullpen session Monday, Ohtani took a step forward in terms of intensity and volume of pitches Wednesday. The Angels will check back in on Ohtani on Thursday before deciding when to reintegrate him into the rotation, but he won't be an option for this weekend's three-game series versus Minnesota, as the Angels have already penciled in other pitchers to start Friday through Sunday. Ohtani -- who is serving as a designated hitter in Wednesday's series finale with the Royals -- could rejoin the rotation as soon as April 19 versus the Rangers. According to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register, manager Joe Maddon said that whenever Ohtani makes his next start on the mound, his pitch count will likely be "dialed back" as a precaution. Maddon also hinted that Ohtani could be piggybacked in that outing by a long reliever.

Vogelbach will start at first base and bat second Wednesday against the Cubs.

Kolten Wong's (oblique) recent move to the injured list appears to have indirectly opened up a regular spot in the lineup for Vogelbach versus right-handed pitching. In place of Wong, Keston Hiura will pick up his second start at second base in three days Wednesday, allowing Vogelbach to pick up his third start in four days at first base. With his playing time on the rise, Vogelbach could make for an intriguing short-term pickups for fantasy managers looking for power production.

Buxton isn't in the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Buxton has been on a tear recently, as he went 10-for-18 with five extra-base hits, five RBI and four runs in the past four contests. However, Jake Cave will take over in center field for Wednesday's matinee, batting seventh.

Stanton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The Yankees will have an off day Thursday, so manager Aaron Boone likely just wanted to build in two days of rest for Stanton by having him sit Wednesday. Since swatting a grand slam April 5 against the Orioles, Stanton has been stuck in a power drought with only one extra-base hit (a double) in 28 at-bats over his subsequent seven starts.

Ozuna went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 14-8 loss to the Marlins.

Ozuna finally got his bat going with his first multi-hit performance of the season, and he showcased his power after clubbing a low changeup to open up the scoring with a two-run homer in the first. Prior to Tuesday, the 30-year-old had struggled mightily with a 5-for-36 start and a 5:15 BB:K through his first 10 games. Perhaps his most recent performance is a sign of better things to come, as fantasy managers drafted him for his elite power and run-producing abilities.

Solak went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-3 win over the Rays.

One day after Solak was dropped from the middle of the order to seventh amid a strikeout spree, his bases-clearing double plated the game's deciding runs. The infielder entered Tuesday's contest with just two hits and eight strikeouts over the previous 14 at- bats.

Ohtani went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Royals.

Ohtani tagged Danny Duffy for a 431-foot homer in the fifth inning, marking the only run allowed by the Kansas City hurler in the contest. The two-way star also collected a pair of singles for his third multi-hit game over his past five contests. While Ohtani has been able to make only one start on the mound this season, he has shined at the plate, slashing .364/.391/.795 with four homers and 12 RBI across 46 plate appearances.

Carpenter went 1-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Tuesday against the Nationals.

Carpenter started his second consecutive game at second base, with Tommy Edman shifting to right field to cover for several injuries. He made his one hit count, taking Stephen Strasburg yard in the third inning for a two-run homer. It was Carpenter's first long ball of the season and his first real production at the plate, as he entered the game having collected just one hit in his first 14 at-bats of the campaign.

McCutchen is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets.

The 34-year-old went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts during the matinee, though he did score a run. He'll take a seat for the nightcap while Matt Joyce starts in left field and bats leadoff.