MLB Player News

After going 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in his return to the lineup Monday against the Reds, Ohtani said he's "most likely" not going to be pitching again this season and will be "focusing on hitting moving forward," SportsNet LA reports.

The two-way superstar's return to the lineup Monday was a welcome sight after he sat out four contests due to lingering right biceps soreness and left knee inflammation, but it appears his return to the mound will be put on hold for now. Ohtani hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since July 3 versus San Diego due to the injuries, which also appear to have affected his bat given that he has a .122/.295/.184 slash line and 34.4 percent strikeout rate in his past 13 contests. The Dodgers haven't officially ruled out a return to pitching for Ohtani this season, and the club may hold out hope for his availability off the mound in the playoffs, even in a limited capacity.

Mountcastle (foot/oblique) has resumed a hitting progression, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mountcastle initially went down with a left foot fracture in mid-April, but it's an oblique strain he suffered in late July that's been the more recent cause of his continued absence. A return before the end of the month remains possible, but even if that happens, Mountcastle's role could be relatively limited.

Franklin (hand) has begun a hitting progression, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Franklin landed on the 10-day injured list one week ago with left hand inflammation, so it's a good sign that he's been cleared to hit again already. It's seems unlikely that he'll be ready for activation when first eligible Friday, but he should return sometime this month if he continues to progress.

Helsley (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

It will be Helsley's first time facing hitters since he went down with right elbow inflammation in late June. If things go well Tuesday, Helsley's next step could be a rehab assignment. The veteran reliever is tracking toward a return later this month, though the Orioles could opt to shut him down if they fall out of the wild-card race.

The Royals released Drury on Monday.

Drury inked a minor-league deal with the Royals just before spring training and slashed only .226/.354/.362 with five home runs in 53 games with Triple-A Omaha. The 34-year-old infielder hasn't seen any action at the big-league level since 2024.

Strzelecki (forearm) has been sent to Triple-A Memphis to begin a rehab assignment, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Strzelecki landed on the 15-day injured list nearly two weeks ago with right forearm extensor inflammation. Because his absence has been brief, the reliever shouldn't require many rehab appearances. He's eligible for activation Friday and has a chance to be ready by that date.

Devers went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two walks, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Cardinals.

Devers hit an RBI double in the first inning and added another two-bagger in the fifth before coming around to score. The veteran infielder has chipped in at least one hit in 14 of his last 15 games, batting .421 with 22 RBI, 17 runs scored and nine home runs in 69 plate appearances over that stretch. On the campaign, he's up to a .260/.342/.522 slash line and has added 92 RBI, 86 runs scored and 35 long balls across 620 plate appearances.

Eldridge went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI in Monday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Cardinals.

Eldridge drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the third inning, hit an RBI double in the fifth and added a game-tying RBI single in the 10th. The 21-year-old has reached base safely in each of his last 16 appearances, slashing .356/.452/.508 with 15 RBI, six doubles, five runs scored and a home run in 73 plate appearances during that time. On the year, he's slashing .265/.359/.451 with 48 RBI, 46 runs scored, 15 long balls and a stolen base across 412 plate appearances.

Wetherholt (wrist) took swings at Oracle Park on Monday and is aiming to be activated from the 10-day injured list during the Cardinals' upcoming homestand, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wetherholt was shut down for three days after being administered an anti-inflammatory shot to combat right wrist tendinitis. He's since been cleared to ramp up baseball activities. The rookie infielder could be ready to return as soon as Friday when the Cardinals return home to host the White Sox, though it will depend on how Wetherholt's wrist responds.

The Padres released Leclerc on Monday.

Leclerc inked a minor-league contract with the Padres in March as he continued to work his way back from right shoulder surgery. The 32-year-old reliever returned to game action in July but posted a 7.77 ERA and 26:12 K:BB over 24.1 frames between three minor-league affiliates.