MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that he’ll play third base against the Rockies against southpaw Kyle Freeland. Hernández has been out for all of 2026 while recovering from the elbow injury he suffered back in 2025. The 34-year-old is a versatile option who can play in the infield and outfield, and will see some playing time against southpaw pitchers.

He’ll make one final minor league rehab appearance at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday and if all goes well, he’ll rejoin the Dodgers’ bullpen early next week. Tanner Scott will get a few additional days to hold down the closer’s role in his absence.

It remains to be seen whether Barger will get the full Tommy John procedure or the internal brace procedure instead. Either way, he’s going to miss the remainder of the 2026 season and most of the 2027 season as well while recovering.

It’s a rare off-day for the versatile 30-year-old who has become a fixture in the middle of the Twins’ lineup this season. Royce Lewis will slide over and cover second base in his place on Friday night while Victor Caratini starts at first base and will bat sixth for the Twins.

Jung was pulled from Tuesday’s battle against the White Sox due to tightness in his left calf and hasn’t played since. There haven’t been rumblings about the oft-injured third baseman requiring a trip to the injured list just yet, but if this lingers for another couple of days the Rangers may be forced to rethink that. Ezequiel Duran will start in his place at third base and bat third for the Rangers against Mariners’ right-hander Bryce Miller.

Mangum was a late scratch from the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader due to soreness in his right foot. It appears to have been just a minor issue though and he’s right back in center field and batting atop the Pirates’ lineup on Friday evening against Cubs’ left-hander Matthew Boyd.

The Pirates needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to make room for Shawn Ross on Friday and unfortunately Urquidy drew the short straw this time around. The 31-year-old hurler has made five appearances with the Pirates this season, posting an uninspiring 8.53 ERA, 2.68 WHIP and a 6/2 K/BB ratio over 6 1/3 innings of work. Even with his struggles this season, there’s a chance that he could generate interest on waivers.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 26-year-old backstop, who earns an opportunity with Rafael Flores Jr. (concussion) landing on the injured list on Friday. Ross was hitting just .181/.325/.432 with 10 homers and 25 RBI in 193 plate appearances at the minor league level this season. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

No word yet from the Pirates on how long Flores will be shelved for, but he’ll need to pass through the concussion protocol before he’s cleared to return. Shawn Ross was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move to provide depth behind the plate for the Bucs.

It’s the fourth consecutive game that Crawford has missed due to soreness in his left wrist. If it lingers much longer into the weekend, the M’s may be forced to make a move rather than continuing to play short-handed. Weston Wilson will man third base in his absence and will bat eighth for the M’s against Rangers’ left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

Kwan will get a breather with tough left-hander Shane McClanahan on the hill for the Rays. David Fry will mat left field in his place and will bat fifth on Friday night at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.