MLB Player News

Weaver was facing backups at the end of the game, but that’s still a nice way to finish off the spring. Some mid-month neck stiffness cost Weaver a real chance for the fifth spot in the Yankee rotation, but he will have a place in the bullpen. He’ll head into the season with a 3.38 ERA and a 10/2 K/BB ratio in 10 2/3 innings.

Smith-Shawver will get the nod with Chris Sale (back) unable to pitch and the remaining starters not available. It’ll likely be a short leash for the 21-year-old, with Bryce Elder a potential early replacement if things go haywire. Max Fried will start Game 2 for Atlanta.

McNeil received an “improved” X-ray on his fractured wrist, and that means the 32-year-old can start accelerating his return. It seems unlikely that McNeil would be available for the NLCS at this point, but if the Mets can keep their good run going, it’s possible we see him in the lineup at some point.

Senga threw 25 pitches in the bullpen session, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The 31-year-old was left off the Wild Card roster, but Mendoza did say that he was a possibility for the NLDS should the Mets advance. Assuming good health, Senga should pitch near the top of the rotation for New York in 2025 regardless if he returns for the playoffs or not.

Manaea will be on the bump for the Mets with either a chance to win the series for New York or keep their playoff hopes alive. Jose Quintana is the presumed starter for Game 3, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza wasn’t ready to confirm that just yet.

Frelick will get the nod even after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left hip Friday. The 24-year-old will be closely monitored according to Brewers manager Pat Murphy, but all signs point to him being an option for Milwaukee as long as they’re still in the postseason. The full lineup for the Brewers against Luis Severino and the Mets: Brice Turang 2B, Jackson Chourio LF, William Contreras C, Garrett Mitchell CF, Willy Adames SS, Jake Bauers DH, Rhys Hoskins 1B, Frelick RF and Joey Ortiz at third base.

Alvarez was acquired from the Red Sox in September to serve as a platoon man for the final month, and did a solid job. The 34-year-old was ineligible for the postseason because the team acquired him after August 31. Max Kranick had his contract selected in the corresponding move.

There was some concern that Winker’s back issues may have kept him out of the lineup — and potentially off the roster — but the Mets will have the 31-year-old available against Freddy Peralta and the Brew Crew. J.D. Martinez is not in the starting lineup after his atrocious end to the season. The full lineup: SS Francisco Lindor, 2B Jose Iglesias, LF Brandon Nimmo, 3B Mark Vientos, 1B Pete Alonso, DH Winker, RF Starling Marte, CF Tyrone Taylor and catcher Francisco Alvarez.

There was some thought that Pérez could be a lefty reliever for San Diego for that first series, but the Padres will go with Yuki Matsui in that role instead. Pérez could be an option in the NLDS against the Dodgers if San Diego were to advance.

It’s not a huge surprise, as it was announced Monday that Sale was unlikely to pitch in the WIld Card series against the Padres because of his back spasms. It’s still significant, as Sale is going to win the Cy Young this year, and Atlanta’s pitching depth behind the southpaw is questionable. If Atlanta does win the best-of-three series against San Diego, Sale will be eligible to pitch in that series and beyond. AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder are both on the Wild Card roster, and both have a chance to make a start during the series.

The Giants are cleaning house, with Posey the new president of baseball operations and Farhan Zaidi being let go in the process. Posey told reporters that the GIants will begin a search for a new general manager immediately.