Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Chicago Cubs infielder Alex Bregman is successfully avoiding the injured list and could return during the final weekend of the regular season despite suffering multiple facial fractures from a foul ball. After being struck by a check-swing foul ball in Cincinnati, Bregman has made swift progress through light workouts. The three-time All-Star is batting .262 with 26 homers and 89 RBIs over 153 games in his debut season with Chicago.
Cal Quantrill was moved from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, officially ending his 2026 season and ruling him out for any potential playoff series. Quantrill had been sidelined with a lat strain, an injury that typically sidelines a pitcher for a couple of months. The roster move cleared a 40-man spot for Michael Helman, who was activated from the 60-day injured list following hand and finger fractures.
The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Joc Pederson on the 10-day injured list due to a broken bone in his hand suffered on September 12. It ends a solid season where he slashed .235/.329/.487 in 432 plate appearances as the primary DH against right-handed pitching. The Rangers delayed the IL move hoping he could resume hitting, and they hope he could return on a potential playoff roster if the team advances.
The Atlanta Braves optioned right-handed pitcher Owen Murphy following a roster shuffle that included activating reliever Robert Suarez from the 60-day injured list. Murphy logged 5.1 innings during his latest major league stint, concluding his overall season with a 3.61 ERA across 117.3 frames in Triple-A Gwinnett alongside 12 innings in Atlanta, positioning himself as a strong starting pitching depth candidate for next year.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo has been placed on the 7-day injured list, ending his 2026 season due to a concussion. Basallo sustained the head injury after taking a foul tip off his mask on Monday against the Blue Jays. The 22-year-old finishes the campaign with a .222/.291/.406 batting line and 18 home runs across 112 games, while also battling a nagging right shoulder injury in the second half. Carlos Narvaez will handle primary catching duties.
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips has fully recaptured his elite form following a recovery from June 2025 Tommy John surgery. After a spotty return in July, Phillips has allowed runs in only three of his last 21 appearances, compiling 28 strikeouts to just three unintentional walks over 28 games. Manager Dave Roberts has deployed the veteran right-hander more aggressively since August, cementing him as a trusted high-leverage piece for October.
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Brock Stewart has bounced back from multiple injury stints this year to post a 2.45 ERA and 2.53 xERA across 27 appearances. Stewart tossed a scoreless first inning in Tuesday's bullpen shutout against San Diego, reinforcing his status as a high-leverage option alongside Evan Phillips. Despite missing significant time due to various physical ailments, Stewart's dynamic five-pitch mix gives manager Dave Roberts reliable closing options.
Roki Sasaki returned from a month-long IL stint for a blister and pitched out of the bullpen in a 7-0 win over San Diego. After going 5-5 with a 4.56 ERA in 23 starts, Sasaki requested the bullpen role to help the Dodgers' four-man rotation and secure a postseason roster spot. Manager Dave Roberts noted closing is an option.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar has shown marked improvement at the plate since August 1, slashing .279/.325/.404 with 29 hits after a difficult season. Tovar has corrected his over-aggressive tendencies by reducing chases outside the zone and dramatically improving his in-zone contact rate to 86.9%. While the Rockies' campaign has been disappointing, Tovar's late surge provides a positive baseline to build upon heading into the 2027 season.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns worked on incorporating a sinker during his September outings before landing on the 15-day injured list to conclude his season. Burns utilized the sinker nine times in his final start against the Cubs to give hitters a different look compared to his normal cut-carry fastball. He noted the pitch's heavy movement as an effective addition to his repertoire.
Brett Bateman is day-to-day after an MRI on his right hip returned negative, revealing only inflammation. Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted that Bateman has a chance to return to action later this week if he responds well to rest. In his absence, Myles Straw is covering center field for Toronto in the opening game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.
Chris Bassitt is slated to start game one of Wednesday's crucial doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The game carries massive playoff implications, as the losing team will face elimination. Bassitt takes the mound alongside Max Scherzer as the Blue Jays navigate a must-win situation to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday is scheduled to undergo left wrist surgery later this week or next week. Holliday hopes the procedure can be arthroscopic, and current estimates project a 10-week rehab timeline, putting him on track to be ready for spring training. He was limited to just 98 games this season due to injuries, slashing .229/.300/.340.
Cristian Javier exited Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners after just two innings due to a worsening groin injury. Despite the setback, Javier plans to make his next scheduled start. The Astros are managing multiple critical injuries in the final week of the regular season as they battle the Texas Rangers for the AL West title and a playoff berth.
Jeremy Peña underwent negative X-rays after taking a fastball off his forearm during Tuesday's 7-0 win over the Seattle Mariners. Although initially staying in to score on Yordan Alvarez's 41st homer, Peña was replaced defensively by Nick Allen. The Astros are battling multiple late-season injuries with five games remaining, holding a 78-79 record and trying to secure their playoff spot.
Ryan Rolison earned Superhero honors in the WPA scores during the Cubs' 8-2, 12-inning loss to the Marlins, retiring four of five batters faced with two strikeouts over 1.1 innings. Rolison has been surprisingly effective out of the Chicago bullpen, giving the team encouraging signs that they can hold leads as they chase a top Wild Card spot during the final stretch of the regular season.
Texas Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk with two strikeouts over five innings Tuesday, not factoring into the decision. This outing was a positive step after he had given up three or more runs in his previous three starts. Gore currently holds an elevated 5.91 ERA since the beginning of September.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Tuesday's 3-1 win, providing all of the team's offense. This was his third multi-homer game this season, and he has now homered three times in as many games. Abrams holds an impressive .835 OPS with 33 steals, 33 home runs, and 102 RBI in 2026.
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm returned to the lineup in Tuesday's doubleheader, going 1-for-3 with a walk after being activated from the IL for a thumb injury. With the Yankees securing a wild-card spot, his focus is on playoff readiness, potentially limiting his regular season playing time. Chisholm needs one more home run to achieve his second career 20-40 campaign.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler made history by striking out his 2,000th career batter and setting a franchise record with seven consecutive strikeouts to start a game. He finished with 11 Ks, allowing three runs over 5.2 innings. Wheeler holds a 13-5 record, 3.06 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts over 156 innings this season. He's slated to start this weekend, with his role potentially adjusted based on the Phillies' playoff status.
