MLB Player News

The right-hander did manage to record five strikeouts on the night while issuing a pair of walks. The Marlins scratched out a run against in him in the second inning, then tacked on another pair in the fourth as they chased Davies from the ballgame. It’s been a rough go for him overall this spring, sporting a 5.06 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and an 8/4 K/BB ratio over 5 1/3 innings.

Musgrove was removed from his Wild Card series start on Wednesday with right elbow tightness. He’s undergone testing on the elbow and has now been ruled out for the Division series. Padres manager Mike Shildt wouldn’t speculate about Musgrave’s potential availability if the Padres advance. Adrian Morejon or Martin Perez could pick up a playoff start in Musgrave’s absence.

David Peterson will likely also be involved. Senga has made just one major league start this season because of arm woes, that coming on July 26. He pitched one inning in a rehab start Sept 1, and it seems unlikely that he’ll work more than a couple of innings tomorrow. Still, it’s great to have him back.

Sánchez ahead of Aaron Nola is a surprise, but he’s proven to be a tough matchup against the Mets, going 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts against them this year. The Phillies will presumably use Nola in Game 3 and Ranger Suárez in Game 4.

Skubal will be on four days’ rest Sunday. The Tigers will be well rested for the Guardians after using Brant Hurter for just 29 pitches on Wednesday and not needing to turn to Reese Olson at any point.

That the A’s were so hesitant to use Rooker in the outfield this season probably had something to do with this. He’s expected to be ready for spring training.

Ward spent one year as the Cardinals’ assistant hitting coach before taking over the primary role in 2023. He’s also served as a hitting coach with the Dodgers, D-backs and Reds.

Ozuna’s $16 million option had become an easy call, and expectations were always that d’Arnaud would be back, whether it was through the $8 million option year or not. Bummer was the tougher call at $7.25 million. He pitched 55 1/3 innings with a 3.58 ERA this year.

Long one of Japan’s best pitchers, Sagano was posted by Yomiuri after the 2020 season and had several suitors, but he wound up signing a four-year, $40 million deal to stay put. That contract had a clause that allowed him to explore international free agency after the 2021 season, but following something of a down year, he declined to exercise it. Even accounting for the low offense environment in Japan right now, Sagano has had a terrific 2024, going 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA and a 111/16 K/BB in 156 2/3 innings. He turns 35 later this month, and his fastball sits in the 90-93 mph range, so he probably won’t land a huge contract an MLB team this winter. There will be significant interest, though.

Levine spent eight years as Twins GM, working under president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. He interviewed to become the head of Boston’s baseball operations last year, only to remove himself from the process before a choice was made. Long well thought of around the game, it’s unlikely that he’ll be a free agent for long, unless maybe he wants a break.

Francona took 2024 off after 11 years managing the Guardians. The Reds will be his fourth stop as a manager. Francona takes a 1950-1672 career record, two World Series and three Manager of the Year awards to Cincinnati.