MLB

We discussed this as a possibility yesterday, and now it’s official. The Guardians have the lowest team batting average for a postseason team in MLB history with a .226 mark, so it makes sense that they’re trying to bring some offensive upside onto the roster. If DeLauter gets into a game in the series, it will be his MLB debut, so this is certainly a unique move for Cleveland.

Crismatt passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment last week. The 30-year-old journeyman recorded a serviceable 3.71 ERA across 34 innings over eight appearances (five starts) this season for Arizona. He’ll head to the open market in search of a new opportunity at the start of the offseason.

Francona added that they’re going to be cautious with Nick Lodolo after he pitched in relief during Sunday’s regular-season finale which is why Littell and Abbott will draw the starting assignments after ace Hunter Greene kicks off the three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The expectation is that Lodolo will be available in relief, if needed, at some point during the series.

Bochy has been offered a front office role with the club in an advisory capacity, according to a team statement. His likely departure comes after just three seasons in Texas after leading the franchise to a World Series title back in 2023. Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young told reporters Monday that while the club isn’t rebuilding, they plan to focus on youth amid “financial uncertainty,” and the sides decided to part ways due to the lack of a “clear picture” for next season. The latest development comes just a few hours after San Francisco fired manager Bob Melvin, seemingly paving the way for the veteran skipper to return to the Bay Area where he guided the franchise to three championships and spent 13 seasons at the helm.

Herget went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. The well-traveled 34-year-old figures to elect free agency after compiling a respectable 3.00 ERA across 12 innings over six appearances this season for the Mets.

Sasaki looked sharp in a pair of scoreless relief appearances during the final week of the regular season and will have a role during Los Angeles’ postseason run. The 23-year-old phenom figures to pitch in low-leverage spots during the playoffs, but it wouldn’t be a total shock if he got some chances in critical spots, especially if he continues to excel in shorter bursts out of the bullpen.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it official that Yamamoto will get the ball for Wednesday’s critical showdown at Dodger Stadium. He also added that Shohei Ohtani would probably start Thursday’s decisive Game 3 matchup, if necessary. The 27-year-old fantasy ace wrapped up his second season in Los Angeles with a stellar 2.49 ERA and 201/59 K/BB ratio across 173 2/3 innings over 30 starts. He was phenomenal down the home stretch with a microscopic 0.67 ERA across 27 innings over four starts in September.

“I’m feeling better. Every day, I’m feeling better,” Bichette said during Sunday’s postgame celebration after Toronto clinched their first AL East division title since 2015. “I don’t know. I don’t have a date, but I will be doing everything that I possibly can to get back.” The 27-year-old shortstop, who is working his way back from a knee sprain, would’ve missed a Wild Card Series matchup this week, but it sounds like he’s optimistic that he’ll be ready in time for Toronto’s ALDS matchup against either New York or Boston.

Muncy missed Los Angeles’ final four regular-season contests due to a non-disclosed lower body injury. The 35-year-old veteran third baseman should be a full-go for the postseason after getting some extra time off to rest and recover.

Offensive coordinator Grady Sizemore is being offered a role within the organization for next season. Katz and Thames are the big names here as the White Sox begin a full-scale makeover of manager Will Venable’s staff heading into his second season at the helm. Katz served as Chicago’s pitching coach for the last five seasons while Thames was with the organization for two seasons as their primary hitting coach.