MLB Player News

He’ll take the place of the injured Teoscar Hernandez on the Dodgers’ active roster. Ward is just 2-for-6 (.333) with one RBI during his limited action with the Dodgers this season. He is not in the starting lineup for Friday night’s battle against Zack Wheeler and the Phillies.

Smith came in to protect a 1-0 lead in the ninth inning on the road and wiped the floor with the Red Sox. He struck out the side in order, picking up his 41st save. Smith is the definition of an elite closer.

Suarez gave up three hits, walked one and struck out five. He was essentially as advertised in his first season with the Red Sox. Suarez will finish the year 8-5 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 140 strikeouts in 148 1/3 innings over 28 starts. He turned 31 last month and his 3.68 xFIP suggests he’s not slowing down soon.

Following an opener, Cantillo gave up one hit, walked two and struck out four. Assuming he doesn’t appear again this season, Cantillo will finish 11-9 with a 3.62 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts in 159 innings over 30 starts and 33 appearances. For his first season as a full-time starting pitcher, it wasn’t a bad debut, but he’ll have to cut his walk rate to be more than bordering on viable in mixed leagues.

Chourio’s home run was his 25h of the season. He hit a solo shot off Phillies reliever Tim Mayza in the ninth inning. Chourio is hitting .285 with an .828 OPS and 71 RBI. As consistent as they come, Chourio has hit at least .270 with at least 88 runs scored, at least 71 RBI, at least 21 home runs and at least 21 stolen bases in each of his first three seasons in the major leagues.

Painter gave up five hits, walked three and struck out eight. He’s recorded 15 strikeouts over his last two starts. Assuming he doesn’t appear in the Phillies’ last three games, Painter will finish the season 3-10 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 115 strikeouts in 126 2/3 innings over 23 starts and 25 appearances. His 4.25 xFIP suggests there will be better results in the future for the 23-year-old right-hander.

The 30-year-old slugger has finally turned the corner in his recovery from a left foot sprain and his return is said to be imminent. Sheets has been sidelined since August 29 due to the injury. Before landing on the injured list, he was slashing .211/.313/.388 with 16 homers and 46 RBI in 412 plate appearances.

Contreras admitted that his hand still hurts and that he is unable to hit on consecutive days. While he has shown some improvements, there’s still no clear timetable on when he may be able to return to action. At this point, his availability for the postseason remains in question.

That’s certainly encouraging. He’ll be reevaluated on Friday to determine his availability for the weekend and the postseason. All fantasy managers and Phillies’ fans can do now is wait and hope for the best. Expect another update on his status on Friday afternoon.

The Astros acknowledged on Thursday that surgery could be required to repair the issue, which would cost Varsho the remainder of the season. His potential availability for the postseason will be determined by how that evaluation on Monday goes.

It doesn’t sound like anything overly serious, but with just three games to go over the weekend it’s also no guarantee that the 27-year-old sees the field again this season. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer will start in his place at shortstop and bat eighth against Peter Lambert and the Astros on Thursday evening in West Sacramento.