MLB Player News

The timing is bit surprising on the demotion for Harris, as he’s been having a terrific spring (four scoreless innings with a 6/2 K/BB ratio) and he recorded a save in Cactus League action on Sunday. He and Bido will almost assuredly see time with the big league club during the 2024 campaign, but there were no huge surprises among this first large batch of cuts from the Athletics.

Cousins followed Clarke Schmidt, but his velocity was down upon entering the game. The Yankees decided to remove him after only two batters. New York is hoping for the best with one of its most trusted relievers this season. Cousins had a 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 38 innings this year.

Guerrero has reached 30 homers for the third time in his career. He had eight in his first 75 games and now 22 in the last 75. One more RBI will get him to 100 for the second time. His OPS+ this year is a tad better than it was in 2021, when he placed second to Shohei Ohtani in the AL MVP balloting. Still, he’s not going to finish in the top five this time around.

It would have been a save, but the Jays scored one run in the top of the ninth. This makes two positive outings in a row for Green after he gave up 11 runs in his first five appearances of September. He remains the clear favorite for saves in Toronto.

Rocker struck out five and gave up only two hits, but the walks, plus a HBP, resulted in an early exit for the 24-year-old making his second big-league start. His velocity was down some from his first start; he averaged 95.4 mph with his fastball today, compared to 96.7 mph against the Mariners. Assuming that the Rangers weren’t too discouraged by the outing, Rocker should make one more start next week against the A’s.

Duran is getting some extra playing time for the Rangers with Corey Seager hurt, but he’s not taking advantage of the opportunity. He’s currently at .242/.285/.320 in 260 plate appearances. He’s still just 25, he’s versatile and he was pretty good in hitting .276/.324/.423 in 439 plate appearances last year, but it’s easy to imagine him getting tossed into a trade this winter.

It’s just a routine day off as Altuve isn’t feeling any lingering impact from Tuesday night when he claimed to have hit a ball off his toe. Expect him back in the Astros’ lineup for Friday’s game.

Merryweather didn’t get over the hump to merit pitching again this season after multiple rehab appearances, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell. The team anticipates that Merryweather will be ready for spring training next year.

Woodford was signed by the Pirates in June. He was booted off the 40-man roster to make room for Isaac Mattson. Woodford had a 7.09 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings for the Pirates.

Mattson hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2021. He had a 3.17 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 71 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this year. He’s a fresh arm for the bullpen. Jake Woodford was designated for assignment as the corresponding move.

The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Guardians. The game-winner was a hard shot to right that plated automatic runner José Ramírez from second base. Giménez also had a double in the contest. He’s been very steady in recent months, though not really in such a good way. His OPS currently stands at .638. He finished June at .644, July at .631 and August at .632.