MLB News
Zach Eflin To Start Game 2 For Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin has been named the team's starter for Game 2 in a must-win contest on Wednesday at Camden Yards in the wild-card series versus the visiting Kansas City Royals. Baltimore's backs are against the wall in the three-game series after losing to the Royals 1-0 on Tuesday despite an excellent showing from right-handed starter Corbin Burnes. They'll now turn to Eflin, who allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings for a no-decision in his last start of the year on Sept. 25 against the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old pitched well in nine starts for the O's, though, after being acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline in July, posting a 2.60 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 47 K's and 11 walks in 55 1/3 innings. Eflin's lone start against KC this year while with the Rays didn't go so well, as he allowed six runs (five earned) with a walk and three K's in five innings, although he recorded a win.
1 hour ago
Cole Ragans Pulled Early From Game 1 Start Due To Cramps
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (calf) was pulled from his start early on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards in Game 1 of the wild-card series with left-calf cramps. Ragans said his leg cramped up with two batters left in his final inning and could have gone back out. He will be ready to go in the ALDS against the New York Yankees if the Royals advance past the Orioles this week. Before departing, Ragans threw six shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks and eight strikeouts to pick up the victory in the eventual 1-0 win. The 26-year-old southpaw was on his game on Tuesday and will now hope to pitch again versus the Yankees at some point next week. The former 30th overall pick of the Texas Rangers in 2016 was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and went 11-9 during 32 regular-season starts (186 1/3 innings) with a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a career-high 223 strikeouts as KC's ace.
1 hour ago
Kevin Ginkel Pitches Through Fractured Leg
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed on Tuesday that right-handed reliever Kevin Ginkel (leg) fractured a bone in his left leg after taking a comebacker against the New York Mets on June 1. Ginkel was able to pitch through the injury but had to manage the pain. He was decent pitching through the injury, posting a 2.81 ERA with 16 runs (15 earned) allowed in 48 innings while striking out 57 and walking 10 over 49 appearances out of Arizona's bullpen. It's impressive that the 30-year-old never required a stint on the injured list. Ginkel will now have ample time to recover from his injury this offseason and should be ready to roll for the start of spring training in mid-February. Overall, Ginkel had an 8-3 record, 3.21 ERA (2.85 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP, a career-high five saves, a career-high 77 strikeouts and 15 walks in 70 innings pitched in 72 appearances out of the bullpen.
3 hours ago
Adolis Garcia Undergoing MRI On His Knee
Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia (knee) is undergoing an MRI exam on his left knee, and the Rangers are hopeful he can avoid offseason surgery. A year after leading the Rangers to their first-ever World Series, Adolis is out of the postseason altogether and is now managing a knee ailment heading into the offseason. If the 31-year-old veteran were to go under the knife, it's unknown if it would affect his availability for the start of spring training in February or the beginning of the 2025 regular season. Garcia suffered his knee injury in the final week of the regular season. The two-time All-Star wasn't quite as impressive in 2024 in his fifth year in Texas, slashing .224/.284/.400 with a below-average .684 OPS. After setting career-highs in home runs (39) and RBI (107) in 2023, Garcia produced 25 home runs, 85 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 154 games for the Rangers. He'll be hoping to bounce back in 2025.
3 hours ago
Max Fried Gets Game 2 Nod In Wild-Card Series
Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried has been tabbed to take the ball in Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the San Diego Padres on Wednesday at Petco Park. The Braves decided to go with right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who has made just one start in 2024, for Game 1 on Tuesday night. It will be a full-circle moment for Fried, as he was drafted seventh overall in 2012 by the Padres. The 30-year-old southpaw is now the team's ace with fellow left-hander Chris Sale (back) out for the wild-card series due to back spasms that cropped up on Sunday. Fried made his second All-Star team in 2024 and was solid for Atlanta, going 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 166 strikeouts and 57 walks in 174 1/3 innings over 29 starts. He led the league with two complete games, including one shutout. Fried faced SD once, back on May 17, taking the loss while allowing three earned runs with three walks and two K's in 4 1/3 innings.
4 hours ago
AJ Smith-Shawver Starting Game 1 Against Padres
Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has been named the starter for Game 1 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday night. The Braves didn't have ideal options to choose from to start against a strong Padres offense to kick off the three-game series, as Smith-Shawver got the nod over Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder. The 21-year-old made his big-league debut in 2023 but pitched in just six games (five starts). His lone MLB start in 2024 came back on May 23, when he threw 4 1/3 shutout innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs. The former seventh-rounder didn't do great in the minors, posting a 4.85 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 108 K's and 40 walks in 89 innings over 21 starts with Triple-A Gwinnett and High-A Rome. Needless to say, Smith-Shawver won't be a recommended DFS play for the first day of playoff action.
4 hours ago
Jeff McNeil To Start Ramping Up His Activities
New York Mets infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (wrist) will start ramping up his baseball activities soon and an improved X-ray. McNeil's availability for later in October if the Mets advance past the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round this week is questionable. The 32-year-old former National League batting champion is recovering from a fractured right wrist that has kept him out since Sept. 6. McNeil is not the hitter he once was, as evidenced by his .238/.308/.384 slash line with a below-average .692 OPS, 12 home runs, 44 RBI, five stolen bases and 57 runs scored in 424 at-bats. Veteran Jose Iglesias will most likely see most of the starts at second base for the Mets as long as they remain in the postseason. The 34-year-old Cuban has very little power or speed but is hitting a very strong .337 (91-for-270) in 85 games for the Mets in 2024.
4 hours ago
Kodai Senga Throws Live Batting Practice
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga (calf, triceps) threw a 25-pitch live batting practice session on Monday, but there's no word on his availability for future playoff rounds. Senga is making progress, but he wasn't included on the team's roster for the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres that begins on Tuesday at Petco Park. If the Mets pull the upset and advance past the Padres, the 31-year-old Japanese hurler could have a shot to join New York's bullpen in a relief role for the NLDS versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has made just one start for the Mets this year after recovering from a shoulder injury in the first half of the season. Senga suffered a calf strain in his lone start and later felt tightness in his triceps while making a rehab appearance in late September. His only chance to return in the playoffs will be as a reliever.
4 hours ago
Sean Manaea To Start Game 2 Against Brewers
New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea will get the nod for Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Wednesday. Right-hander Luis Severino will kick off the three-game series on Tuesday. Manager Carlos Mendoza wouldn't commit to left-hander Jose Quintana for a potential Game 3 on Thursday, but he would be on full rest. Manaea deserves the nod for the Mets after really stepping up in their rotation this year. The former first-rounder in 2013 by the Kansas City Royals out of Indiana State went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA (3.83 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP and a 184:63 K:BB in 181 2/3 innings over 32 starts. He only faced Milwaukee once, and it came in his final regular-season start on Sept. 27, when he was hit hard to the tune of six runs (five earned) with one walk and one strikeout in just 3 2/3 frames in Milwaukee. Manaea will be looking for revenge.
4 hours ago
Jesse Winker Starting In Game 1 Against The Brewers
New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (back) was included on the team's wild-card roster this week versus the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field and he's starting in Game 1 versus right-hander Freddy Peralta on Tuesday. Winker had missed the last four regular-season games due to a back issue, but he was feeling good enough to give it a go for the start of the playoffs. The Mets have lefty-hitting Brett Baty on the taxi squad in case Winker has a setback and needs to be replaced on the roster. Winker is serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth, pushing veteran J.D. Martinez to the bench. The 31-year-old lefty-hitting Winker won't be a popular DFS play for Tuesday's slate after hitting .071 (3-for-42) with a homer, four RBI, seven walks and 10 strikeouts in 18 games in the month of September. However, the Mets are going to play the splits, with Winker batting .258 (88-for-341) with 13 of his 14 homers this year against righties.
4 hours ago
Sal Frelick In Game 1 Lineup For Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (hip) was included on the team's roster for the wild-card series against the New York Mets at American Family Field this week and is starting in Game 1 on Tuesday. Manager Pat Murphy said the team will keep a close eye on Frelick, though, and if he's having trouble moving, they'll adjust. Frelick is in right field for Milwaukee and will hit eighth against Mets right-hander Luis Severino. The 24-year-old Frelick is returning to the lineup after suffering a bone bruise in his left hip last Saturday against these same Mets. He doesn't really scare opposing pitchers with a bat in his hand, as the former first-rounder hit .259 (123-for-475) with only two home runs and 32 RBI in 475 at-bats this year. Frelick is mainly a speed guy (18 steals) and is valuable to the Brewers for his ability to handle all outfield positions and even play some infield in a pinch. His presence on the playoff roster is bad news for Blake Perkins.
4 hours ago
Chris Sale Officially Out For Wild-Card Series
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale (back), the favorite to win the National League Cy Young award in 2024, is officially out for the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park this week, as he was left off the team's playoff roster. Sale was scratched from Game 2 of the doubleheader against the division-rival New York Mets in a must-win game on Monday. If the Braves pull the upset over the Padres in the wild-card series and advance to the NLDS to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, it's unknown if Sale would be able to make a return. Atlanta is going with AJ Smith-Shawver to start Game 1 against SD on Tuesday evening. Losing the NL's best pitcher at the most important time of the year is obviously really bad news for the Braves. Sale went 18-3 in 2024 with a 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 225 strikeouts and only 39 walks in 177 2/3 innings over his 29 starts in his first year with Atlanta.
5 hours ago
Albert Suarez Not Included On Wild-Card Roster
The Baltimore Orioles left right-hander Albert Suarez off the roster for the wild-card series this week against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards. During a three-game series, the O's won't need Suarez. But if they advance past the Royals and to the ALDS versus the division-rival New York Yankees, Suarez could be called upon as a starter. The 34-year-old Venezuelan hurler made a career-high 32 appearances (24 starts) for the O's in 2024, going 9-7 with a 3.70 ERA (4.24 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, a career-high 108 strikeouts and 43 walks in 133 2/3 frames. The Orioles are starting right-hander Corbin Burnes in Game 1 on Tuesday, and Colin Selby and Cade Povich were chosen as the last two pitchers for Baltimore in relief roles. Suarez has been impressive this year, considering 2024 was his first year in the big leagues since 2017.
5 hours ago
Ryan O'Hearn, Austin Slater Not Starting In Game 1
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and outfielder Austin Slater are not included in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the wild-card series against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards on Tuesday. In addition, catcher James McCann will be behind the dish and will hit ninth against Royals left-hander Cole Ragans. Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter and is batting fifth, while Colton Cowser starts in left field and bats sixth. O'Hearn ended the regular season on a tear with the bat but did not have a single one of his 15 home runs on the year against left-handed pitchers. With veteran righty Seth Lugo set to start for KC in Game 2 on Wednesday, expect the lefty-hitting O'Hearn to be back in at DH for the O's. Slater has hit just .209 combined in 2024 with two homers and 18 RBI in 177 at-bats with the Orioles, San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds.
5 hours ago
Jackson Holliday Not In Game 1 Lineup
Baltimore Orioles rookie infielder Jackson Holliday is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards with a lefty on the mound. Jordan Westburg is starting at the keystone and is hitting second, while Ramon Urias will play third base and hit seventh against Royals left-hander Cole Ragans. While Holliday has a bright future, the O's are going to shield him from facing southpaws in the postseason, and for good reason. The 20-year-old former first overall pick in 2022 had his moments in his rookie season in 2024, but he finished by hitting just .189/.255/.311 with a .565 OPS, five home runs, 23 RBI, four steals and 69 strikeouts in 208 plate appearances and 60 games. He went 4-for-40 (.100) with one of his five home runs and 16 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances against lefties. Holliday finished off September with a .218 average, no homers, three RBI and 17 K's in 21 games.
7 hours ago
Jesse Winker Dealing With Back Injury; Brett Baty On Taxi Squad
New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (back) didn't play in the last four regular-season games and had his back taped up on Monday. If he's unavailable to play in the wild-card series this week against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field, the Mets have an opening for a left-handed hitter. As such, third baseman Brett Baty is currently on the taxi squad and could be added to the playoff roster if Winker isn't included. It sounds as though the 31-year-old Winker won't be available against Milwaukee. It would mean more action for veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez against the Brewers, with Baty likely just filling a bench role for the Mets. After being acquired in a trade from the Washington Nationals at the deadline, Winker hit .243 (28-for-115) in New York with three homers, five doubles and 13 RBI in 44 games played.
7 hours ago
Tylor Megill Excluded From Wild-Card Roster
New York Mets right-hander Tylor Megill was excluded from the roster for the wild-card series this week against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. The Mets added right-hander Max Kranick instead. Megill tossed 100 pitches over his 5 2/3 innings during Game 1 of the doubleheader against the division-rival Atlanta Braves on Monday in which the Mets punched their ticket to the 2024 postseason, so he was not going to be available to pitch in the three-game wild-card series this week anyway. However, if the Mets upset the Brew Crew and advance to the NLDS to face the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, the 29-year-old Megill will most likely be added to the roster as a starter. In his 16 outings (15 starts) in his fourth year in New York, Megill went 4-5 with a career-best 4.04 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 91:32 K:BB in 78 innings. Kranick will serve in a long-relief role.
7 hours ago
Hunter Renfroe Starting On Bench In Game 1 Of Wild-Card Series
Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe is not in the team's starting lineup for Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. With Renfroe riding pine, the Royals will roll with Tommy Pham in right field, and he will hit seventh against Orioles right-hander Corbin Burnes. Renfroe's playing time in the postseason might be more spotty now that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) is back from the injured list to take over designated hitter duties, at least for the wild-card series. If the 32-year-old Renfroe does get into a game at any point during the series in Baltimore, it will likely come against a left-handed pitcher. In his first year with the Royals in 2024, Renfroe hit just .229/.297/.392 with a below-average .689 OPS, 15 home runs and 52 RBI in 120 games played. In 23 games with KC, Pham went 23-for-101 (.228) with two homers and eight RBI.
7 hours ago
Vinnie Pasquantino Starting In Game 1 Against Orioles
Not only was Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) included on the team's playoff roster for the wild-card series this week, but he's serving as the designated hitter and batting third in Game 1 on Tuesday versus the Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Corbin Burnes at Camden Yards. Pasquantino was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday after recovering from a fractured right thumb that required surgery in early September. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger healed rapidly to give him a shot to contribute for the up-and-coming Royals in October. However, given the layoff and the nature of his injury, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pasquantino struggle at the plate upon his return. Yuli Gurriel is starting at first base and is batting fifth against Burnes. Pasquantino hit .262 on the year with 19 homers and 97 RBI in his 496 at-bats for KC.
7 hours ago
Chas McCormick Rejoins Astros For Postseason
Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick (hand) was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and has been added to the team's roster for the wild-card series this week at Minute Maid Park against the Detroit Tigers. McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 on Tuesday, but he is back with the team to provide outfield depth after suffering a fractured right hand in the middle of September. The 29-year-old will most likely see at-bats versus left-handed pitching, although he's not starting against lefty Tarik Skubal, who won the American League pitching Triple Crown this year. McCormick had his best year in the big leagues last year but failed to replicate that success in 2024, as he finished the regular season hitting .211 (51-for-242) with a career-low five home runs, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases in a career-low 94 games. In just seven September games, he went 9-for-23 (.391) with a double and three RBI for the 'Stros.
8 hours ago
