MLB News

Edgardo Henriquez  • SP  •  Dodgers

Dodgers Call Up Edgardo Henriquez

The Los Angeles Dodgers called up pitching prospect Edgardo Henriquez from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, according to sources. Henriquez had been on the Dodgers' radar for pitching help at the big-league level despite starting the 2024 season at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. His fastball has been clocked at up to 104 mph this year, so he could become an option out of the bullpen to close out the final week of the regular season and for the playoffs in October when they're looking for a key late-inning punchout. The 22-year-old Venezuelan right-hander has posted a 2.72 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 88 strikeouts and 29 walks in 53 innings over 43 appearances (five starts) at four minor-league levels in 2024. The team's No. 15 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, obviously has swing-and-miss stuff at all levels, but his command could get him in trouble quickly.
0 hour ago   
Clayton Kershaw  • SP  •  Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw In "A Holding Pattern"

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that left-hander Clayton Kershaw (toe) is in "a holding pattern," and there are currently no plans for him to face live hitters. "I'll pitch when I can pitch," Kershaw said. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer threw a 30-pitch bullpen session last Friday, but the fact that there are no plans for him to progress to the next step of his throwing progression likely means that he isn't going to be an option for LA's pitching staff once the playoffs begin. There's a good chance the Dodgers will have a first-round bye, but even then, Kershaw needs more time to build his arm up. Kershaw's injured big left toe -- he was dealing with a bone spur in it -- isn't 100% healed and he hasn't started a big-league game since Aug. 30. After recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Kershaw has managed to make only seven starts in 2024 for the Blue.
0 hour ago   
Yordan Alvarez  • LF  •  Astros

Yordan Alvarez Hopes To Get Some At-Bats This Weekend

Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (knee) said he's able to put more weight on his leg on Tuesday but still isn't able to turn his knee at all. Alvarez said he's hoping to get some at-bats this weekend in the final series of the regular season against the Cleveland Guardians, but that will be contingent on the swelling in his knee. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger was diagnosed with a right-knee sprain after undergoing an MRI exam on Monday. It's the worst possible time for the Astros to lose one of the best all-around hitters in baseball with the playoffs beginning next week. If he is unable to get some at-bats this weekend against the Guardians, there's no guarantee that Alvarez will be ready to go for the start of the postseason. Jason Heyward is going to benefit from extra playing time in the outfield in Houston with Alvarez dinged up.
0 hour ago   
Francisco Lindor  • SS  •  Mets

No Structural Damage For Francisco Lindor But Still Feeling Discomfort

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) had a bone scan of his back on Monday that confirmed he doesn't have any structural damage. Lindor said he could pinch hit as soon as Tuesday's series opener against the division-rival Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The bad news, though, is that Lindor is still feeling discomfort and was wearing a heavy heat wrap around his back while doing some running before the game on Tuesday. The 30-year-old missed his eighth straight game on Tuesday due to a back injury but is still hoping to return at some point in the final week of the regular season to try and get his team into the playoffs next month. Lindor is having a fantastic season in 2024, but this is the worst possible time for New York to be without its best player. Rookie Luisangel Acuna has looked great early on since his call-up, but the Mets would surely prefer if Lindor could overcome his back injury.
1 hour ago   
Ezequiel Duran  • 3B  •  Rangers

Ezequiel Duran Resting On Tuesday

Texas Rangers infielder Ezequiel Duran is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Oakland Athletics. Duran will get a breather after going 6-for-13 at the plate over the weekend series against the Seattle Mariners. The 25-year-old is hitting .253 with three home runs and 20 RBI over 89 games this season. Jonathan Ornelas will cover the hot corner and bat ninth versus right-hander Mitch Spence on Tuesday. The rookie infielder hasn't done much in his short time with the team and can be avoided for fantasy purposes.
2 hours ago   
Darell Hernaiz  • SS  •  Athletics

Darell Hernaiz Recalled, Playing On Tuesday

Oakland Athletics infielder Darell Hernaiz has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday. Hernaiz was optioned towards the end of August after struggling with a .193 batting average across 44 games with the A's. The 23-year-old was hitting better in the minors, so the A's are ready to give him another look. Hernaiz will cover third base and bat ninth versus right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on Tuesday. Fantasy managers can ignore Hernaiz, but it's nice to see the A's giving their young hitters more chances.
2 hours ago   
Austin Hays  • LF  •  Phillies

Austin Hays Officially Returning On Tuesday

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Austin Hays (kidney) has been activated off the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. This was expected to happen after Hays missed about a month of action due to a kidney infection. He'll cover left field and bat sixth against left-hander Justin Steele on Tuesday. Hays has been on a tear at the plate against left-handed pitching this season. He's hitting .350 with one home run and eight RBI across 48 games versus the southpaw. That being said, Hays is looking like a viable fantasy option for Tuesday's slate.
3 hours ago   
Max Muncy  • 3B  •  Dodgers

Max Muncy Returning To The Lineup

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (side) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the San Diego Padres. The left-handed slugger was scratched from Sunday's game due to soreness in his side. The Dodgers had a scheduled off day on Monday, which appears to have been enough for Muncy to get fully healthy. He'll cover third base and bat sixth versus right-hander Michael King. Muncy has been limited to 68 games this season, but he does have 15 home runs to his name. His ability to go deep gives him viable fantasy value.
3 hours ago   
Hunter Goodman  • RF  •  Rockies

Hunter Goodman Gets A Breather

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Goodman will get a night off after recording only one hit over the weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies are hopeful that Goodman can be a key piece to this offense long term. However, the 24-year-old has struggled to the tune of a .190 batting average with 13 home runs and 36 RBI in 68 games. Jacob Stallings will do the catching and bat seventh versus right-hander Michael McGreevy. Stallings is having a surprisingly solid season at the plate with a .261 batting average and nine home runs with 36 RBI across 79 contests.
3 hours ago   
Nolan Jones  • LF  •  Rockies

Nolan Jones Taking A Seat On Tuesday

Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This appears to be a routine rest day for the young slugger who has been in a slump at the plate lately. Jones is hitting .209 with three home runs and 25 RBI in 74 games this season. Sam Hilliard will cover left field and bat sixth while Jordan Beck takes over right field against right-hander Michael McGreevy. Hilliard could be a low-end streaming option as he's posted a .254 batting average with nine long balls this season.
3 hours ago   
Ian Happ  • LF  •  Cubs

Ian Happ Back In Cubs Lineup On Tuesday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (back) has returned to left field and will bat leadoff on Tuesday in Game 2 of the series at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies and left-handed opener Tanner Banks. Happ is returning to the lineup after missing the last two games due to tightness in his lower back, but apparently he's feeling good enough to go on Tuesday. The 30-year-old switch-hitter has hit .250 (35-for-140) with seven of his 25 home runs on the year against southpaw pitchers. He's batting .284 (23-for-81) with two home runs, a double, a triple, nine RBI and two stolen bases in 19 games in the month of September, but he's also gone hitless in three of his last four games before sitting out a few games with his back injury. Happ will be a nice DFS target against a Phillies team expected to be hungover on Tuesday after celebrating winning the National League East on Monday night.
3 hours ago   
Brenton Doyle  • CF  •  Rockies

Brenton Doyle Back In Action On Tuesday

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (knee) is starting in center field and is batting third for the Rockies on Tuesday at Coors Field against the St. Louis Cardinals and rookie right-hander Michael McGreevy. Doyle will return on Tuesday after missing the three-game series over the weekend versus the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers due to right-knee soreness. The 26-year-old will now hope to finish off the 2024 season on a strong note in the final few days. Even if he doesn't, it's been a standout year for Doyle, who comes into Tuesday's contest with a .264/.321/.449 slash line, .770 OPS, 22 home runs, 71 RBI, 29 stolen bases and 81 runs scored in 145 games in just his second year in the majors. Doyle's power-speed combination at Coors Field will make him a popular fantasy outfielder heading into 2025 drafts.
4 hours ago   
Michael Lorenzen  • SP  •  Royals  |  Alec Marsh  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Lorenzen To Start On Wednesday, Alec Marsh Heading To Bullpen

Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (hamstring) will make the start for the team on Wednesday at Nationals Park against the Washington Nationals, with right-hander Alec Marsh moving to the bullpen to close out the 2024 regular season, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Lorenzen will come off the 15-day injured list to make his first start since late August due to a hamstring strain, so don't be surprised if he doesn't go very deep into his start after the long layoff. It is an enticing matchup for fantasy managers still playing for something in the final week of the season. The 32-year-old veteran will be hoping to pick up where he left off after being acquired by the Royals, as he's pitched to a 1.85 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 1/3 innings over his first five starts in KC. Lorenzen began the year in Texas.
4 hours ago   
Chris Paddack  • SP  •  Twins

Chris Paddack To Throw Again On Thursday

Minnesota Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (forearm) faced live hitters on Monday and plans to throw again on Thursday, with a decision point possibly coming after that this weekend as to whether the team will activate him from the 15-day injured list. The 28-year-old has been out since late July with a strained right forearm, though, so he would almost certainly return in a relief role for Minnesota at the tail end of the regular season. The Twins are currently on the outside looking in for a wild-card spot in the American League, so they have work to do this week if Paddack wants to pitch at all in the postseason. Before his injury earlier this year, Paddack was inconsistent as a starter for the Twins, posting a 4.99 ERA (4.18 FIP), a 1.39 WHIP and a 79:21 K:BB in his 17 starts covering 88 1/3 innings pitched. He also had a career-low 20.6% strikeout rate.
4 hours ago   
Max Kepler  • RF  •  Twins

Max Kepler Not Expected To Return This Week

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (hip, knee) isn't expected to return from the 10-day injured list in the regular season, which ends this Sunday, according to manager Rocco Baldelli. Knee tendinitis sent Kepler to the IL at the beginning of the month, and he also received a cortisone injection for his hip pain last week. If the Twins secure a spot in the postseason this week, the 31-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder could rejoin them for a playoff run in October. The Twins probably aren't banking on Kepler being a big part of their offense if they are playing in October, though, as he battled injuries all year long and has hit a very mediocre .253/.302/.380 with only eight home runs, 42 RBI and 43 runs scored in 368 at-bats over 399 plate appearances. Since the All-Star break, Kepler has hit .246 (30-for-122) with two homers, 10 RBI and 28 K's in 33 games.
4 hours ago   
Reynaldo López  • SP  •  Braves

Reynaldo Lopez Could Be Activated This Week

Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) threw a side session on Tuesday, and it sounds like there's a chance he could be activated off the 15-day injured list to work as a reliever or starter in the final week of the regular season as the Braves try to secure the final wild-card spot in the National League. Lopez is eligible to come off the 15-day IL on Thursday as he works his way back from inflammation in his right shoulder. It would be a pretty big surprise if the 30-year-old returned in a starting role this weekend despite the fact that he's been excellent for Atlanta this year with an 8-5 record, 2.03 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings over his 24 starts in a return to a starting role in 2024. If Lopez does start this weekend against the Kansas City Royals, he'll surely be on a limited pitch count.
4 hours ago   
Andrés Chaparro  • 3B  •  Nationals

Andres Chaparro Placed On Paternity List

The Washington Nationals placed rookie infielder Andres Chaparro on the paternity list on Tuesday and recalled outfielder Stone Garrett from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. Chaparro will almost certainly be away from the team for the entire three-game series against the Kansas City Royals this week before returning to the club for the final series of the season this weekend against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. The 25-year-old has hit just .215 (26-for-121) with four home runs, 12 doubles, 15 RBI, one steal, seven walks and 24 strikeouts in 132 trips to the plate in his first 33 major-league games for the Nats in 2024. Juan Yepez is making the start at first in D.C. on Tuesday against Royals left-hander Cole Ragans and could play regularly this series with Chaparro away from the team to welcome a child into his family.
4 hours ago   
Jakob Junis  • RP  •  Reds

Jakob Junis Moved Back To Wednesday

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Jakob Junis (personal) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field due to personal reasons and is now expected to start on Wednesday. Right-hander Carson Spiers will make a spot start on Tuesday in Cleveland as a result. Junis will now have an extra day of rest before facing the Guardians on the road in the final week of the 2024 regular season. The 32-year-old has been great all year, but especially of late, allowing only three earned runs on eight hits while walking just one and fanning 15 over 19 2/3 innings in his last four starts against the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. Junis has only thrown 62 innings in 2024 due to injury, but he's posted a nice 2.61 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 23 outings (five starts) when healthy.
4 hours ago   
Austin Riley  • 3B  •  Braves

Austin Riley Done For The Season

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (hand) will not return this season, according to manager Brian Snitker. Riley's hand simply was not healing fast enough after he had a CT scan on Monday. Even if the Braves sneak into the postseason in a wild-card spot, Riley will not be able to help them out in October. It's a big blow to a team that basically needs to win each game this week to have a shot at getting into the playoffs. The 27-year-old right-handed slugger is out with a fractured hand and will finish a disappointing year after making the All-Star squad in both 2022 and 2023. In 110 games played in 2024, he slashed .256/.322/.461 with a .783 OPS, 19 home run, 56 RBI and 63 runs scored. Riley had clubbed 30-plus homers in each of the previous three seasons. The slick-fielding Gio Urshela should be Atlanta's primary third baseman the rest of the way.
4 hours ago   
Gabriel Moreno  • C  •  Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno Returns For D-Backs

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (groin) is doing the catching and is hitting eighth in the batting order on Tuesday versus the division-rival San Francisco Giants and right-hander Logan Webb at Chase Field for the second game of the series. Moreno didn't play in the series-opening loss to the Giants on Monday after he was removed from Sunday's contest against the Milwaukee Brewers with left-groin tightness. The Diamondbacks need all hands on deck as they try to secure a wild-card spot in the National League in the final week of the regular season, so the 24-year-old backstop is back in action. The Venezuelan catcher has gone 6-for-15 (.400) with an RBI and four walks in six games since returning from the IL, but he faces a tough matchup against Webb on Tuesday. In 11 career at-bats against Webb, Moreno is hitting .364 with a .728 OPS.
5 hours ago   
LEGEND