MLB Player News

Martinez was removed from Thursday's game against the Rangers with migraine-related symptoms, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Martinez went 0-for-1 with two walks prior to exiting the game. It's unclear whether his absence could linger further into the team's weekend series against the Rangers. Christian Arroyo entered the game in Martinez's absence.

Carpenter slugged a pinch-hit three-run home run in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Carpenter turned a one-run deficit into a two-run lead with a long ball off Aaron Nola, the veteran's second homer this season. The batted-ball numbers point to a lot of bad luck for Carpenter early on, but the lack of production has eaten into his time regardless. His last start for St. Louis was back on April 23.

Pederson (wrist) will travel with the Cubs for the start of a three-game road series with the Reds that begins Friday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Though Pederson is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list Saturday, manager David Ross suggested that the outfielder is simply traveling with the team to continue his rehab process. With that in mind, the Cubs may not necessarily be looking to activate Pederson ahead of the final two games of the series with Cincinnati. Before getting shut down due to left wrist tendinitis, Pederson was slashing .137/.262/.235 with a 32.8 percent strikeout rate over 61 plate appearances.

Mercedes isn't starting Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

Mercedes had recorded hits in each of the last four games, but he'll get a breather for Thursday's matinee. Jose Abreu will serve as the designated hitter while Jake Lamb starts at first base.

Alvarez (undisclosed) is undergoing tests Thursday and could return to the team for Friday's game against the Rays, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was placed on the injured list Wednesday after being held out of the lineup due to health and safety protocols. The fact that the Astros remain hopeful that he'll return Friday seemingly indicates that he hasn't tested positive for COVID-19 himself but was merely exposed to someone else who did.

Brantley isn't starting Thursday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley's six-game hitting streak came to an end Wednesday when he went 0-for-5 with a strikeout in a win over Seattle. Aledmys Diaz will take over in left field and bat fifth.

Torrens isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros.

Torrens went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs in Wednesday's loss, but he'll be out of the lineup for the third time in the last five games. Tom Murphy will take over behind the dish and bat ninth.

Lewis isn't starting Thursday's game against the Astros.

Lewis will get a breather after he went 2-for-10 with a pair of solo home runs in the last three games. Taylor Trammell will start in center field and bat eighth.

Harper will sit Thursday against the Cardinals after getting struck in the face by a pitch in Wednesday's contest.

Harper was able to walk off the field under his own power and received good news from a CT scan after the game. He'll sit for at least one game, but it doesn't appear he'll require a trip to the injured list. Roman Quinn starts in right field in his absence.

Ozuna went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 10-0 rout of the Cubs.

The veteran slugger got the ball rolling with a first-inning blast off Kyle Hendricks. Ozuna hasn't has much success at the plate so far, hitting .187 with only two homers and 12 RBI through 24 games, but he does have a modest three-game hitting streak going.