MLB Player News

Weems started the year in the minors, but had a 6.59 ERA in 40 games for Washington this year. He was mostly used in middle relief. Weems will be on the shelf for at least the next two weeks with shin splints.

Instead, Mattingly will operate as a “more traditional” bench coach. The 63-year-old was in charge of the Toronto offense in 2024, and it didn’t go very well with Toronto ranking among the most disappointing offenses in baseball.

The Astros put out their lefty-killer lineup Tuesday, but with right-hander Hunter Brown on the bump, Carpenter will hit near the top of the lineup with Justyn-Henry Malloy. Zach McKinstry is in the lineup in place of Wenceel Perez, and Colt Keith takes over second for Andy Ibanez. The full lineup for the Tigers as they look to clinch a spot in the ALDS against the Guardians: Parker Meadows CF, Carpenter DH, Matt Vierling RF, Riley Greene LF, Keith 2B, Spencer Torkelson 1B, McKinstry 3B, Trey Sweeney SS and Jake Rogers behind the plate.

McCormick will get the start in center against left-hander Tyler Holton — and then the Detroit bullpen — in a must-win game for the Astros, so Jake Meyers retreats to the bench. Jason Heyward is also in the lineup, replacing Mauricio Dubon. The full lineup for the Astros: Jose Altuve 2B, Kyle Tucker RF, Yordan Alvarez DH, Alex Bregman 3B, Yanier Diaz C, Victor Caratini 1B, Jeremy Peña SS, Jayson Heyward LF, and McCormick in center.

Gerrit Cole is obviously going to be the Game 1 starter, and they’ll go with Rodón in the second game; scheduled for Monday. The left-hander finished 2024 with a 3.96 ERA, but he was better in the second half of the season and excellent in September (2.20 ERA, 34/10 K/BB over 28 2/3 innings). The Yankees haven’t made a decision on a Game 3 starter, and it could be Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt against either the Royals or Orioles.

Kikuchi told reporters that he was told that he could be used in Game 2 if the team needs him, and with Houston losing Game 1, they can’t really afford to hold anything back. The left-hander was excellent after being traded from Toronto, and one way or another he’ll be tasked with keeping Houston’s hopes alive.

With the season on the line, Milwaukee will turn to Montas as they find themselves down 1-0 in the series heading into Game 2 against the Mets. Teams that lose Game 1 are 0-8 in series since the current Wild Card format began in 2022.

Harris II struggled and battled injuries at times this season, but he ended the year with a strong finish. Harris II and the Braves offense as a whole will be a good buy low heading into 2025 drafts.

Higashioka hit a two-run shot off Luke Jackson in the eighth inning. Elias Diaz is the only other catcher on the Padres’ playoff roster so Higashioka should see a good amount of playing time this month as long as San Diego is still playing.

Tatis hit a two-run shot off AJ Smith-Shawver in the first inning and the Padres were on their way to a 4-0 win in Game 1. San Diego has been one of the best teams in baseball since the start of June. Now the Padres are one win away from advancing to the Division series.

King gave up five hits, walked none and struck out 12. He was excellent. The Padres traded Juan Soto last offseason because they needed pitching and payroll flexibility. King was the headliner in the package going to San Diego and he’s delivered in his first season with the Padres and as a full-time starting pitcher in general.