MLB Player News

The procedural move theoretically adds some financial flexibility for the Padres since Darvish will not be paid his $15 million salary for 2026. The 39-year-old veteran strikeout artist, who holds a career 3.65 ERA across 297 starts over a 13-year career in the big leagues, has yet to announce his retirement and is currently recovering from an elbow injury. The restricted list is used for players that are unavailable for a variety of reasons, which seems to indicate that Darvish isn’t rehabbing with the Padres, who would retain his contractual rights in the event that he returns. At this point, it seems unlikely that Darvish will be a relevant fantasy contributor in the future.

Zastryzny was on the 60-day injured list with a left trapezius strain, but his time on his rehab assignment elapsed, and the Brewers had to activate him. They didn’t have a spot for him on the active roster, so they let him go but could re-sign him to a minor league contract.

The Dodgers are home from Friday through next Wednesday, so Pages could be activated at any time during that stretch. The season ends for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, so if Pages is coming back without playing in rehab games, our best guess is that he returns early next week. Considering the 25-year-old fractured his hand on August 21st and will not have any rehab games before returning, it’s going to be tough to trust him in fantasy leagues for the final week of the season.

Díaz was placed on the injured list on August 18th with neck inflammation. His minor league rehab assignment has been a mixed bag, with a couple of poor outings last week and then a scoreless inning on Wednesday night. The Dodgers want the 32-year-old to get MLB innings before the postseason begins, but he will have to pitch his way back into the ninth-inning role, which means Tanner Scott will remain the closer for the time being.

Knack has a 2.08 ERA in 34 2/3 innings in Triple-A this season. He has allowed five runs on eight hits in 7 2/3 innings for the Dodgers and will likely serve in bulk relief.

Miller has allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings out of the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. His first outing was fine, but he allowed two runs on three hits in 2 1/3 innings on Wednesday, so the Dodgers will send him down to bring up a fresh arm in the bullpen.

Madrigal was 3-for-10 with two walks and two strikeouts in four games for the Rays. He was hitting .318/.410/.408 in 47 games at Triple-A Durham with two home runs and eight steals.

Walls was put on the injured list on September 8th and said it would be a minimum stay. He wound up being right. He should return to his role as the regular shortstop for the Rays.

It seemed like the Nationals prospect was destined to be called up in September when CJ Abrams was moved to second base; however, he has hit just .242/.309/.399 in 62 at-bats in September with a 20/5 K/BB ratio. It has still been a good year for King, who is hitting .291 with an .859 OPS, 15 home runs, and 45 RBI. There is still a good chance he opens up 2027 as the Nationals’ starting shortstop.

The hard-throwing right-hander had been on the minor league injured list since July 2nd with a right shoulder strain. He averaged 100.3 mph on his four-seamer during his inning of work, touching 102.1 mph. He struck out two and allowed one hit while throwing 12 of his 19 pitches for strikes. It’s unlikely the Yankees would rush him back to make his MLB debut in the postseason, but it’s possible.

Sears has now made five starts in Triple-A, posting a 1.73 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 34/8 K/BB ratio in 26 innings. On the season, Sears has a 2.90 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 31 percent strikeout rate in 124 1/3 innings across three minor league levels. That comes with a 15 percent swinging strike rate and 32 percent CSW. The 26-year-old sits just 91 mph on his four-seamer, but he pounds the zone consistently, mixing in a sinker and slider to righties and a curve and changeup for lefties. He could emerge as an option for the Braves in 2027.