Randy Arozarena hits another leadoff homer in loss

Jiménez looked sharp while pitching in a game setting for the first time since 2024. It seemed like there was a strong possibility his career was over after a series of knee surgeries and several setbacks during his rehabilitation process. It would be surprising to see him back with Atlanta in the postseason, but the fact that he’s back pitching in a competitive setting at all is the biggest positive development.

The Orioles weren’t going to take any chances after Baz was struck on his pitching arm by a 105.1 mph comebacker from Bo Bichette in the fifth inning. The 27-year-old was charged with three runs on seven hits over four innings. He struck out two and also handed out a pair of free passes. He’ll undergo further evaluation, and possibly imaging, to determine whether he’ll take the ball for his next start against the Blue Jays on Monday.

It seems unlikely that Early, who threw 35 pitches (23 strikes) in his first rehab outing, will make his Nationals debut during the final week of the season, but the fact that he’ll enter the offseason with a clean bill of health is the best-case scenario. The 24-year-old southpaw came over from the Red Sox in the Curtis Mead trade back in late July. He figures to open next season in Washington’s rotation.

Houck figures to make it back to Boston in a relief role before the regular season wraps up. The 30-year-old former starter has made three rehab outings in the minors over the last few weeks and should be close to returning to the majors for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery last year.

Yesavage didn’t make it out of the opening frame in his first rehab outing, averaging 93.3 mph on his fastball and topped out at 94.4 during the abbreviated 34-pitch start. He allowed two hits and also issued a walk before being lifted for pitch count reasons. He presumably got the rest of his work done out in the bullpen afterwards. The 23-year-old is attempting to make it back in time for Toronto’s postseason run, assuming they make it there, after undergoing knee surgery last month.

Taillon is scheduled to meet with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to determine his next steps. He expressed optimism that he won’t require a major surgical procedure, but there won’t be a clearer idea of his outlook until he’s evaluated.

Slaten’s season is officially over after he experienced a setback in his recovery that required a PRP injection. The positive news is that he’s dealing with a flexor issue and doesn’t appear to have any UCL damage in his elbow. The 29-year-old’s absence figures to show up in the postseason where he would’ve been part of Boston’s high-leverage mix.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters Mead will progress to hitting off a tee on Wednesday. It doesn’t seem like Mead is going to make it back before the regular season concludes, but the fact that he’s resumed swinging means he could be an option during the postseason. The 25-year-old infielder suffered a fractured left wrist during his Red Sox debut back in late July.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters it was the most Crochet has thrown from a volume standpoint so they’ll wait to see how he’s feeling before determining his next steps. The 27-year-old ace is ramping up his throwing progression in advance of the postseason where he’s expected to pitch either as an opener or out of the bullpen as a multi-inning weapon.

It sounds like there’s optimism Weathers will make it back before the end of the regular season after hitting the shelf with a flexor strain earlier this month. There should be an update regarding his next steps in the coming days. He’ll most likely operate out of New York’s bullpen for the postseason.