MLB Player News

ESPN’s Jeff Passan adds that the deal includes opt-outs after 2026 and 2027 in addition to an injury clause that can convert the final year of the deal into a club option. Matsui projects as an immediate fantasy contributor as San Diego’s primary closer heading into the 2024 campaign following a 39-save season for the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. The 28-year-old southpaw, who has compiled 326 career saves overseas in Japan over the last decade, represents a savvy late-round selection for fantasy managers in drafts.

The front-runner for the American League MVP Award took a seat for just the third time this season during Friday’s showdown against the Rays. Alvarez twisted his right ankle when he stepped awkwardly on third base during Thursday’s series finale against the Phillies. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Alvarez receive some additional time off this weekend out of an abundance of caution, but the issue doesn’t appear to be a serious concern. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status for the remainder of the weekend.

It sounds like there’s optimism Klassen will make it back after hitting the injured list with lower back inflammation in late August. The 24-year-old’s command was taking a noticeable step forward in recent outings and he’s a name to watch as a potential streaming option in the final two weeks of the year. There should be a definitive outline of his next steps in the near future, but Klassen doesn’t appear to be far off.

The odds of Abel, who remains limited to playing catch for now, returning before the regular season wraps up appear virtually non-existent as he continues his recovery from arthroscopic elbow surgery back in early July. The encouraging news is that he’s resumed throwing and should have a relatively normal offseason. He was showing some extremely encouraging signs before elbow issues sent him to the injured list back in late April.

It doesn’t sound like Pérez is close to returning at all after dealing with recurring vision issues following a training room accident involving a plyometric band that left him with an orbital bone fracture. The greater concern here is that Pérez makes a full recovery and is eventually able to resume his baseball career.

Carpenter has been out with plantar faciitis in his left foot since late July. The 29-year-old corner outfielder is hoping to make it back before the conclusion of the regular season, but he would likely be limited to a platoon role, if that happens.

It’s not hyperbolic to suggest that this bullpen session, in addition to an upcoming minor league rehab start, will go a long way towards determining whether Verlander makes one last start for Detroit before officially hanging up his spikes at the end of the season. The 43-year-old future Hall of Fame starter has been on the shelf with hip and hamstring issues since early April.

Flaherty is aiming to return to Detroit’s pitching equation next week as a piggyback starter. The 30-year-old, who has been out with flexor inflammation since late July, tossed 1 1/3 scoreless frames in a minor league rehab outing for Triple-A Toledo last Sunday.

Omaha on Sunday. Did Peyton Manning come out of retirement? Gonsolin, who was a fixture in Los Angeles’ rotation mix from 2019-2025, figures to make his Kansas City debut at some point later next week. He tossed five shutout innings for Triple-A Omaha earlier this week. He’s in line to face the Pirates in his return to the majors, which would be a decent spot for streaming purposes, even if he doesn’t offer significant strikeout upside.

Caglianone remained on Kansas City’s bench for the fifth consecutive game, but all signs point to him being ready to return at some point this weekend since he’s been able to hit without any real issues. He could wind up being limited to DH to prevent him from having to throw as he recovers from a mild flexor strain in his elbow.

Hoskins would give Cleveland a right-handed option at first base to complement fellow veteran Nathaniel Lowe leading into the postseason. He’s been out with back inflammation since mid-August.