MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell will shake things up with veteran Justin Turner leading off, while Michael Busch starts on the bench. Lefty opener Aaron Ashby will take the ball for Milwaukee to kick off the contest before Quinn Priester enters in a bulk relief role. Here’s the full lineup: Turner (1B), Nico Hoerner (2B), Kyle Tucker (DH), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Carson Kelly (C), Pete Crow-Armstring (CF), Dansby Swanson (SS) and Matt Shaw (3B).

Cortes will get an MLB deal, which makes sense considering the deal will be prorated and there’s not much season left. The southpaw has not pitched since 2025 after undergoing surgery in the middle of October that year. While he has a starting background, there isn’t much time for to build into that role. A muti-inning option out of the bullpen for the remainder of 2026.

Polanco was placed on the injured list before Wednesday’s game against the Padres with ankle bursitis. The 33-year-old has had a disastrous first season with the Mets that has seen him deal with injuries and ineffectiveness when available. If he does undergo the operation, it will all but assuredly mean he’s played his last game in 2026. That may be true, either way.

Bellinger will play Thursday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If that game — and likely at least one more contest — goes well, the 31-year-old could be back for the series finale Sunday against the Blue Jays. Even Bellinger needs a day or two more in the minors, it’s a positive development for the Yankees and fantasy managers.

Robert will get a break for the series finale against San Diego. Brett Baty will play in left field with Robert out, and A.J. Ewing will get the start in center.

Cortes has been out for all of 2026 while recovering from surgery on his left arm. There’s no guarantee that the 31-year-old will be able to pitch in 2026, but he could be a potential multi-inning option for the final month — and potentially the postseason — for Philadelphia.

McDermott gives the Mets a multi-inning option out of the bullpen. He takes the roster spot of Jack Weisenburger, who was optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding transaction.

Wagaman is up with Jorge Polanco (ankle) once again being placed on the injured list due to his ankle issue. Wagaman will likely see some time over the final month-plus, but it’s hard to see much fantasy significance in his profile.

Weisenburger threw 1 1/3 innings during Tuesday’s game against the Mets, so New York will bring up a fresh arm for the bullpen. Weisenburger seems to be a likely candidate for promotion when rosters expand.

Lower body issues have plagued Polanco throughout the season — and really, for much of his career — and the 33-year-old will once again hit the shelf due to the ankle troubles. The 33-year-old could return at some point near September, but this is a lost first season for Polanco with the Metropolitans.

Newcombe has a starting background and has worked multiple innings several times in 2026, but he will give way to Jose Urquidy as the bulk reliever after throwing just an inning or two against the Pale Hose.