MLB Player News

Blackburn was recovering from a right hand contusion when his back locked up during a minor league rehab assignment. Mendoza doesn’t think he’ll be pitching in the last week of the regular season. The manager added that it’s hard to put a timeline on Blackburn, who is throwing from 90 feet. Mendoza said the organization won’t rush the 30-year-old right-hander. It’s unclear if Blackburn will be able to pitch for the Mets if they make the playoffs.

That’s the second homer of the fall for Hope. The 19-year-old was strong in somewhat limited action in 2024 at the lower levels with a .905 OPS, nine homers and eight stolen bases for Rancho Cucamonga, and he’s forged an impressive 1.274 OPS thus far in the AFL. Hope has a chance for four plus tools, and while he’s not going to contribute at the highest level for a few more years, his power/speed combo makes him a player worth rostering now in dynasty or keeper formats.

Cowser’s surgery was deemed successful, and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. The 24-year-old very well could be holding a Rookie of the Year trophy in a month with his non-injured hand, though Luis Gil is considered the favorite in betting circles.

Yoshida was rumored to need the operation, and the 31-year-old outfielder underwent the successful operation shortly after the end of the season. Yoshida doesn’t have a timetable for a return, but it’s at least feasible that the operation will cause him to miss time to begin the season.

McNeil has been limited to just one plate appearance as a pinch-hitter after being added to the roster prior to the start of the NLCS. The 32-year-old missed a month with his wrist injury, and Jose Iglesias has been excellent as the starting second baseman in his absence.

Ramirez’ home run was his second of the playoffs. He hit a solo shot off Luke Weaver in the ninth inning. Ramirez is hitting just .167 in the postseason so far. If the Guardians are going to get back in this series after falling behind 2-0, Ramirez, who has been the catalyst for Cleveland all year, is going to have to be more consistent at the plate.

Torres continues to stay hot in these playoffs. He’s hitting .292 with a .933 OPS and three RBI in six games so far. The Yankees jumped on Tanner Bibee early in Game 2 and Torres’ leadoff double was a big part of the first inning rally. Torres, who is set to hit free agency for the first time this offseason, is certainly playing his best in what could be his last games with the Yankees.

Judge’s home run was his first in the playoffs this year and 14th of his postseason career. He blasted a two-run shot to centerfield off Hunter Gaddis in the seventh inning. Judge only has three hits in six games in the playoffs so far and the Yankees are two wins away from going to the World Series. The obvious advice to Yankees opponents for the rest of the month is don’t let Judge get hot.

Bibee gave up five hits, walked one and struck out two. He was in trouble in both innings that he started. Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto started the game with back-to-back hits before Brayan Rocchio dropped an infield popup to give the Yankees the early lead. Bibee retired the next three hitters without further damage. In the second inning, he allowed an RBI double to Alex Verdugo after back-to-back singles by Anthony Volpe and Anthony Rizzo to start the frame. Torres popped up, but then Bibee was removed after an intentional walk was issued to Juan Soto. With the off day Wednesday, Stephen Vogt wasn’t going to wait around very long for Bibee to find his best stuff. If Cleveland gets back into the series, Bibee is likely to get another start, but if Vogt has his bullpen rested the leash will be short again.

Cole gave up six hits, walked four and struck out four. He got into two big jams and was able to get out of one of them on his own. In the fourth inning, the Guardians had the bases loaded with one out before Cole got David Fry to pop out and struck out Bryan Rocchio. In the fifth inning, Cleveland loaded the bases with no outs. After a Josh Naylor sacrifice fly made the score 3-1, Cole walked Lane Thomas and then was removed from the game. With the way the Yankees bullpen has pitched so far in the playoffs, it was an easy call. Cole could end up making another start in the series, but ideally the Yankees would wrap it up before he’s needed, which would make him available for World Series Game 1.

Roberts added that Jack Flaherty would pitch Game 5 on regular rest, though the pitching plan will depend on the next two games. Yamamoto fired five scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ Game 5 win in the NLDS against the Padres on Friday. This would be the first road playoff start of his MLB career.