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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Stepping up as the de facto ace following Garrett Crochet's early-season injury, 36-year-old veteran Sonny Gray finished the regular season with career highs in wins (18) and ERA (2.72). Acquired last winter, Gray proved doubters wrong and anchored the rotation to help Boston clinch a postseason berth, solidifying his role as a crucial part of the team's miraculous midseason turnaround and championship aspirations.
Kyle Stowers is absent from the Miami Marlins' starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Although Stowers homered in each of the first two games of the series, manager Skip Schumaker opted to give him a day off with a left-hander on the mound. Deyvision De Los Santos will cover first base and Agustin Ramirez will slot in at designated hitter as the Marlins pursue a series sweep.
Xavier Edwards remains out of the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs, marking his fourth consecutive absence. He is dealing with lingering left thumb discomfort, an aggravation of an injury that previously sidelined him for the first two weeks of September. It remains uncertain if Edwards will recover in time to return to action before the conclusion of the regular season, with Jared Serna filling in at second base.
Milwaukee Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski concludes a dominant season as an NL Cy Young favorite, leading MLB in ERA, strikeouts, and a .159 opponent batting average. After dedicating the offseason to strengthening his lower body and adding 30 pounds, he averages an unprecedented 100.6 mph with his fastball while sharply reducing his walk rate to 6.6%. His mental maturity, improved arsenal, and elite stuff anchor Milwaukee's rotation heading into October.
Josh Naylor has embraced a mentorship role in his first year with the Seattle Mariners, focusing on supporting younger players like Colt Emerson and Cole Young. Despite a challenging team season, Naylor has enjoyed integrating into the Seattle community and continues his charity work. He credits his brothers, Bo and Myles, for helping him refine his swing. Naylor also improved his stolen base output, crediting coaches for teaching him mechanics and scouting. He looks forward to continued growth with the Mariners.
The Kansas City Royals placed pitcher Steven Cruz on the paternity leave list Thursday. Cruz is expected to miss the next 1-to-3 games while welcoming a new baby, with a potential return for Sunday's season finale. He has registered three of the Royals' last four saves, including his eighth of the season on Wednesday. Nate Pearson is a likely candidate to handle save chances during Cruz's absence.
Dansby Swanson was a 'Superhero' for the Chicago Cubs, driving in both of their runs in a 3-2 loss to the Marlins. He went 1-for-3 with a walk and a crucial two-run single in the sixth inning to tie the game. Despite the loss, Swanson's performance highlighted his importance to the Cubs' offense. He also ranks negatively in the 'Rizzo Award Standings' (-14), indicating a mixed season performance according to WPA scores.
Bryce Harper's approach at the plate has shifted, with a noticeable increase in swings in September after a highly productive August where he swung less and chased fewer pitches. While he was in 'god-like mode' in August with a 194 wRC+, his September production (.278/.346/.375) has been merely 'fine.' Pitchers have adjusted their approach against him, throwing more fastballs and fewer breaking pitches, leading to more swings and misses. For the Phillies' playoff hopes, Harper needs to regain his August approach.
Maikel Garcia is absent from the Kansas City Royals' lineup for Thursday's contest against the White Sox. The Royals have been giving Garcia one day off per series since his return from the injured list last week. After reaching base seven times in the first two games of the set, he will sit out Thursday's matinee. Nick Loftin will play third base in Garcia's stead.
Jac Caglianone is not in the lineup for the Kansas City Royals' game on Thursday against the White Sox. Caglianone had started the previous four contests, going 7-for-15 at the plate. The team has opted to give him a breather during Thursday's afternoon tilt. John Rave will patrol right field and bat seventh in the Royals' lineup in Caglianone's absence.
Pete Alonso launched his 41st home run of the season in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader sweep of the Blue Jays. The Baltimore Orioles first baseman went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run homer, taking Max Scherzer deep in the fifth inning. This marks his ninth homer in September and continues a strong year for Alonso, who boasts an .871 OPS, tied for the second-best mark of his career. He has reached the 40-homer mark for the fourth time and is on pace for his second 100-RBI season.
Abimelec Ortiz is struggling to secure the Washington Nationals' first base role against right-handed pitching, hitting just .194 with a .592 OPS in 42 games. Despite promising batted ball data, his recent performance has been poor, with a .143 batting average and .390 OPS in his last 28 games. Pitchers have seemingly figured out how to attack him, exposing his swing decisions. While he remains the only left-handed bat in the mix, his struggles put his role in question for 2027.
Yohandy Morales is making a case for a 2027 roster spot with the Washington Nationals, showing impressive raw power since his September call-up. In 15 games, he's hitting .279 with 4 homers and a .930 OPS, backed by elite metrics like a 92.5 MPH average EV and 64.5% hard hit rate. Despite concerns about his chase and ground ball tendencies, his power has been productive. Morales' emergence creates a dilemma for the Nationals, potentially leading to a crowded corner infield.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer teased an imminent announcement regarding his future after pitching five innings in a doubleheader against the Orioles. The 42-year-old three-time Cy Young winner holds a 6.14 ERA this season while battling injuries and hopes to make a final regular-season start on short rest Sunday against the Reds. Scherzer ranks ninth all-time with 3,550 strikeouts across 19 seasons as a two-time World Series champion.
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells got engaged to his girlfriend Caroline Nielson during a beachside proposal on a September 3 off day, alongside their daughter Lucy. On the field, the 27-year-old has rebounded from a .150 July batting average to .185, earning praise for his defensive work. Wells looks to build on past postseason clutch moments as the Yankees prepare for a likely wild-card series matchup against the Boston Red Sox in The Bronx.
Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen is on the verge of a historic achievement, needing just three more saves to become only the third pitcher in MLB history to reach 500 career saves. He has been playing with a heavy heart since the loss of his mother in 2025, adding a personal dimension to his pursuit of this rare milestone.
Athletics catcher Brian Serven left Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Angels mid at-bat after fouling a 94-mph changeup directly into his face. Manager Mark Kotsay noted that Serven underwent a CT scan revealing a good amount of swelling under the eye, aided by a deflection off his earpiece. The 31-year-old catcher's availability for the team's final four games remains uncertain as the Athletics await further updates on his status.
Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, sidelined since April 25 with shoulder inflammation and a lat strain, is nearing a return. He's ramping up, throwing his sweeper off a mound on Sept. 11, and will skip a minor league rehab assignment, aiming for live batting practice in the season's final week. The plan is to utilize him in short relief during the playoffs, not as a starter.
Marcus Semien, in a homecoming game against his former team, the Texas Rangers, hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning to help the New York Mets secure a win. Semien, who spent four years with the Rangers before a trade to the Mets, described his first season with 15 homers and a .625 OPS as a 'roller coaster' and is focused on finishing strong.
Brett Baty, playing near his hometown, delivered a dagger pinch-hit grand slam to help the New York Mets spoil the Rangers' night. After an up-and-down start, Baty has found his groove since late June, hitting .282 with 21 extra-base hits and an .850 OPS. Manager Andy Green praised him as 'a weapon,' noting his confident at-bats and power.
