MLB Player News

Kloffenstein was part of the Jordan Hicks trade with the Blue Jays a couple months ago, so there was no way the Cardinals were going to expose him in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. The 23-year-old righty could be ready to make it to the big leagues at some point in 2024.

Jhoan Duran pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Twins and was tasked with getting a two-inning save, but he allowed a double to Jose Ramirez and, after striking out Josh Naylor, issued a walk to bring the tying run to the plate, so Rocco Baldelli brought in Jax. The 29-year-old would allow an infield single but get a strikeout and a groundout to secure the win and his ninth save of the season.

Thomas hit a solo shot off Zebby Matthews for his 13th home run on the season. After struggling when he was first traded to the Guardians, Thomas has woken up in September, hitting 19-for-60 (.317) in 16 games with five home runs, nine runs scored, and 16 RBI.

Wallner had two RBI singles off of Gavin Williams but was lifted from the game when the Guardians brought in a left-handed reliever because the Twins use a rigid platoon system. You’d think being one of only two hitters in the game to have multiple hits would earn you more at-bats in a game, but that’s not the case in Minnesota. That kind of strict platoon is part of the reason Wallner hasn’t been added in many fantasy leagues, but the 26-year-old has been solid since being called up by the Twins at the end of the summer, hitting .261 in 49 games with 10 home runs, 22 runs, 28 RBI, and three steals. The Twins have only one left-handed starter scheduled to face them the rest of the week, so Wallner should be added in more leagues.

The 25-year-old allowed only one extra-base hit while posting a 36 percent whiff rate and 33 percent CSW. He continues to lean on his cutter, which used to be a hard slider, and it’s working well for him. He didn’t earn the win on Tuesday, but he struck out seven and walked just two and is ending the season on an intriguing note. He’s a fine option to start in fantasy leagues against the Cardinals this weekend.

The rookie was solid through four innings, allowing only a solo home run to Lane Thomas. He allowed a lead-off single in the fifth inning, got a double play, but then allowed another single, and Rocco Baldelli went to the bullpen. Matthews struck out five on the night and only walked one, posting a 23 percent whiff rate but just a 24 percent CSW. His slider remains a really solid pitch, but he’ll need the rest of his arsenal to take a small step forward to be more consistent in 2025. He’ll take a 6.30 ERA into a start against the Red Sox this weekend.

Williamson felt some discomfort after a pitch to Michael Harris II in the second inning. He’s just four games back from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the first five months of the season. While it’s unclear exactly what Williamson injured, an elbow or forearm injury could be significant.

The Phillies hope to get Turnbull into a minor league game by the end of this week. If Turnbull returns to the major leagues this year, it’ll be as a reliever. Thompson didn’t indicate that a return is imminent. Turnbull would have a better chance at returning to a major league mound if the Phillies advance to the second round of the playoffs.

It’s unclear when Kepler might return from his injuries, but surely the team would like him back ahead of the playoffs if the Twins get there. Kepler hit .253 with eight home runs and 42 RBI this year.

Hays is set to meet the Phillies in New York for the weekend series against the Mets. It’s unclear when he might be activated, but the club is hoping to get him going ahead of October. Hays figures to be a short side platoon outfielder for Philadelphia once he’s healthy.

Salazar is coming up to take Ben Gamel’s spot after the outfielder was placed on the injured list with a fibula fracture. The Astros are opting to carry three catchers now with Gamel out. Salazar is 7-for-23 (.304) with no home runs and eight RBI for Houston this year.