Josh Naylor collects two hits, steals base

Thomas got an injection for his strained left intercostal muscle last week. He’s been shelved with the injury since Sept. 11.

A final-week start here always seemed kind of iffy for Scott, who pitched just nine times prior to Tommy John surgery in 2024 and then missed all of 2025. He ends a successful year having thrown 123 2/3 innings in 26 starts and having gone 4-5 with a 3.85 ERA and a 134/47 K/BB in 110 innings in the majors. If the Mets can improve this winter, it would go a long way towards making Scott a better fourth or fifth starter in mixed leagues next year.

Williams ended up missing six weeks with a shoulder strain. He figures to make a couple of structured appearances this week, likely prior to the ninth inning. Kodai Senga is likely still the favorite for saves in the Mets pen.

Rodón also picked up his 1,500th strikeout along the way, so it was quite the milestone day for him. The left-hander allowed only three hits and walked none in the 96-pitch outing. It’s his first time this year completing eight innings and second time in his four seasons with the Yankees. Rodón is now 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA for the year. Manager Aaron Boone said after the game that Rodón won’t start Sunday’s finale, but he didn’t rule out having him pitch in relief. It’s unclear if Rodón will have the chance to start against Boston next week; it’ll probably come down to him or Gerrit Cole in a potential Game 3.

Bednar took a blown save last time out, but that was because of an automatic runner scoring in the 10th. He’s allowed one earned run in 10 innings this month. The Yankees figure to avoid Bednar in the second game tonight, perhaps leading to a save chance for Paul Blackburn or Brent Headrick. Blackburn warmed up in the first game today, but he wasn’t used with Carlos Rodón getting through eight innings.

Martinez allowed two runs or fewer for the 21st time in his 30 starts this season. He might log a few more innings in Sunday’s season finale against the Phillies in order to keep him sharp for a likely Game 2 ALDS start.

Bellinger homered off Nick Martinez after Ben Rice doubled to begin the fourth inning. Those were two of just the eight hits for either team in the game and the only ones to go for extra bases. Bellinger has 17 homers in 129 games on the season.

“I felt like, with the way that went, I could go get outs,” Crochet said. Things sound more encouraging today than they did a few days back, as reports mostly had him in the low-90s while not facing hitters.

Verlander’s final major league start will be his first action since making a second rehab start for Triple-A Toledo in June. He’ll be facing the Pirates on Saturday after missing most of the year with hip and hamstring injuries.

Friedl would have lost a few bucks by declining the assignment, so he’ll remain in the Reds organization for now. Once the season is over, he’ll be waived again or non-tendered.