MLB Player News

Locastro will head to free agency in short order after being jettisoned from New York’s 40-man roster. The 31-year-old speedster got into 41 games this past season for the Mets, compiling a respectable .731 OPS with two homers and six steals in just 67 plate appearances.

Daniel Schneemann is playing left field in his place. Kwan had been showing signs of pulling out of his slump in recent down, going 5-for-13 with six walks in his previous four games. Of course, three of those games were against the White Sox.

Núñez looked great for the Mets in the first half of the year, but he got hurt in late July, returned to make one appearance a month later and was forced back to the IL with the same problem. He ends the year with a 2.31 ERA and a 48/8 K/BB in 35 innings out of the pen.

The Yankees are probably hoping for a little Verdugo magic against his former team; he has gone 13-for-42 with two homers and four doubles in nine games against the Red Sox this season. Still, this usage just makes all of the Domínguez-everyday player talk out to be a lie.

Nasim Nuñez has replaced him at shortstop against the Marlins, but he’s batting ninth. Abrams had been set to lead off, so now everyone has moved up one spot in his absence.

Edwards came off the bench the last two games, going 2-for-2 with a double and a steal last night. We’re not sure what the Marlins are trying to do here with one of their key players, but we’re guessing Edwards isn’t quite 100 percent after returning from back soreness last week. Because if he is 100 percent and they just didn’t start him three games in a row anyway, that would be criminal.

Gomber will face the Cubs tonight in his first start in eight days.

Gordon was lit up for seven runs in 3 1/3 innings by the Tigers in a start Wednesday. He’s 0-6 with an 8.65 ERA in eight starts for the Rockies this season.

Albies is working out and hitting, but he’s still dealing with soreness, particularly when he tries to hit left-handed. It’s unclear if the switch-hitter is considering trying to return as a right-handed batter only. It sounds like the Braves would let him try it if he wants. It’s typically been far and away his better side anyway. He’s even gone 5-for-14 with three homers on the very rare occasions when he has hit right-handed against a righty.

Skubal was hit on the glove hand by a liner during Thursday’s game. He’s currently lined up to pitch Sept. 18, 24 and 29, with the last of those being the season finale. There’s a good chance he’ll be scratched from that one unless it proves playoff relevant.

Martinez is currently in a 3-for-25 slump. Also likely factoring in here is that he’s 3-for-19 with no extra-base hits and 10 strikeouts lifetime versus Nola. Plus, the Mets’ defense is quite obviously improved with Jesse Winker and DH and Tyrone Taylor starting in the outfield. Martinez should be back in the lineup against Kolby Allard on Saturday.