MLB Player News

Espada noted that he’s growing more optimistic that Alvarez will be able to work in the Wild Card series against the Tigers beginning Tuesday, but there are still some boxes to check off. The 27-year-old will likely DH in those games if he can play, but obviously the offensive prowess in his left-handed bat can make an impact from the designated hitter position.

McCormick will get the start in center against right-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.

Chourio scored when Rhys Hoskins was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the first inning. In the fourth inning, he tied the game with an RBI single. Chourio also made an impressive catch in left field. Not a bad playoff debut for the 20-year-old rookie.

Martinez started the game on the bench, but pinch hit for Jesse Winker in the fifth inning. His pinch-hit two-run single gave the Mets an 8-4 lead. Martinez has been a great hitter over the course of his career, but had his worst season yet with a .235/.320/.406 line and 16 home runs in the regular season. He heads into free agency once again this offseason.