MLB Player News

Vogelbach will sit Friday against Atlanta.

With lefty Max Fried on the mound for Atlanta, it's no surprise to see Vogelbach hit the bench. Francisco Alvarez will make his MLB debut in the designated hitter spot.

Ruf was placed on the 10-day injured list with a neck strain Friday, retroactive to Sept. 27.

Ruf has had limited playing time over the last few weeks, but he's apparently been dealing with a neck injury that has kept him off the field recently. Although the move was backdated, the 36-year-old will be forced to miss the rest of the regular season. It's not yet clear whether he'll be healthy in time for the postseason.

O'Keefe is expected to be called up by the Mariners on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

O'Keefe slashed .253/.330/.449 with 13 homers, 42 runs, 40 RBI and a stolen base over 83 games at Triple-A Tacoma this season and should provide additional depth behind the dish in the coming days since Curt Casali is expected to be placed on the paternity list. O'Keefe was a Rule 5 pick out of the Cardinals organization in 2019 and hasn't yet made his major-league debut.

Harper went 3-for-4 in Thursday's loss to the Cubs.

Harper recently went through a 1-for-16 stretch over five games but has broken out of it with five knocks in his last three contests. In addition, the outfielder has tallied seven RBI during his last six games.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run and two runs scored Thursday against the Orioles.

Martinez took Dillon Tate deep in the eighth inning to provide the game-winning runs and his 14th homer of the season. He has a modest four-game hitting streak, though his production in that span is notable as he's smacked three doubles and two homers. Despite the recent hot stretch, Martinez has only a .169 ISO across 577 plate appearances this season -- his lowest mark since 2013.

Winker went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Thursday's 10-9 extra-innings win over the Rangers.

The 29-year-old drew a walk in the fourth inning and scored on a Jarred Kelenic home run. Later in the contest, Carlos Santana pinch hit for Winker. It's been a rough September for Winker, as he's gone just 8-for-47 (.170) with a 12:13 BB:K through 18 contests. He's at a .218/.343/.339 slash line with 13 homers, 50 RBI, 49 runs scored and 15 doubles through 134 games overall.

Ohtani (15-8) earned the win Thursday against the Athletics with eight shutout innings. He recorded 10 strikeouts while surrendering two hits and one walk.

Ohtani was masterful Thursday and came four outs away from recording his first career no-hitter before a base hit from Conner Capel spoiled the bid. His 10 strikeouts on the night were the highest he's recorded since July 28, and the win gives him five in his last six starts. He has a 2.35 ERA and 213 strikeouts on the season, and when considering his strong offensive season, he should challenge Aaron Judge for the AL MVP.

Turner (lower leg) isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Turner continues to deal with swelling on his left shin after fouling a ball off his leg last week and making a rough slide Tuesday. He'll be sidelined for a second consecutive game while Max Muncy starts at the hot corner and bats fifth.

Brantley (shoulder) said Wednesday he should be ready to resume full baseball activities by spring training, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Though Brantley is set to become a free agent this winter, is turning 36 years old in May and is working back from August surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder, he isn't yet ready to retire. Brantley's power production has trended down in recent seasons, and he's probably a better fit at designated hitter than in the corner outfield at this stage of his career, but his elite contact skills should be enough for him to secure a one-year deal on the open market.

Winker (wrist) is starting Thursday against the Rangers.

Winker sat out the last two games due to a bruised left wrist, but he'll serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth Thursday. Over his last five games, he's gone 3-for-11 with two runs, two RBI, two walks and four strikeouts.