MLB Player News

The Pirates signed Ramirez to a minor-league contract on Oct. 13.

Ramirez, 29, made a total of 32 appearances during stints with the Mets, Orioles, Dodgers and Red Sox in 2024, accumulating a 6.20 ERA and 45:17 K:BB over 45 innings. The right-hander will give the Pirates some organizational relief depth.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday in his end-of-season media session that Nunez (forearm) is progressing well and the hope is he will be ready to throw off a mound in November, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Nunez missed most of the second half with a right forearm injury, but there's optimism from the team that he could have a relatively normal offseason. The 28-year-old was an unsung hero out of the Mets' bullpen in 2024, collecting a 2.31 ERA and 48:8 K:BB over 35 innings.

Vesia (ribs) will throw against hitters Tuesday or Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Vesia has been dealing with a rib cage injury since his early departure from Game 5 of the NLDS, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. How he feels following his upcoming throwing session will likely determine whether he is included on the Dodgers' roster for the World Series -- a decision that is expected to be made as late as possible.

Romero (forearm) is slated to begin a throwing program next week, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Romero landed on the 15-day injured list during the final week of the regular season due to left forearm inflammation. However, as long as he can avoid setbacks, it would appear he is in line for his normal offseason routine. Romero held a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB over 59 innings for the Cardinals during the 2024 regular season.

Kopech will serve as the Dodgers' opening pitcher for Game 6 of the NLCS against the Mets on Sunday, Noah Camras of DodgersNation.com reports.

Ryan Brasier served as the opener the last time the Dodgers went with a bullpen day in Game 2, but after suffering a 7-3 loss in that contest, Los Angeles will go a different route Sunday. Kopech's lone appearance in the NLCS came in Game 3 on Wednesday, when he scooped up a win while striking out one batter over one scoreless inning. He's appeared in five postseason games this season, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out six batters across 4.1 scoreless innings.

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Hudson will be available for Game 3 of the NLCS against the Mets on Wednesday after dealing with a lower-body injury in Game 2, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson pitched a scoreless inning during Game 1 but was apparently unavailable for Game 2 due to an injury that wasn't disclosed beforehand. The discomfort seems to have subsided, and the 37-year-old righty will be able to pitch in high-leverage situations after logging 10 saves and posting a 3.00 ERA during the regular season.

Brasier will be the Dodgers' opening pitcher Monday in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Brasier also served as an opener in Game 4 of the NLDS versus the Padres, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. Landon Knack is in line for bulk relief on Tuesday against the Mets.

Ottavino is not part of New York's roster for the National League Championship series against the Dodgers.

Ottavino had a rough regular season by his standards, posting a 4.34 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 60 appearances. He saw few high-leverage opportunities in the second half of the campaign and notched just one hold over his final 20 games. Ottavino's omission from the NLCS roster makes room for the return of Jeff McNeil (wrist), who was added to the roster after ending the regular season on the injured list.

Vesia (ribs) isn't included on Los Angeles' NLCS roster, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Vesia exited Game 5 of the NLDS against the Padres due to a rib cage injury, and the issue is going to prevent him from playing during the National League Championship Series. His absence could be significant for the Dodgers, as Vesia was the team's top left-handed bullpen option during the campaign, posting a 1.76 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 87:33 K:BB over 66.1 innings while tallying five saves and 14 holds. Righty reliever Brent Honeywell (finger) is replacing Vesia on the roster for the NLCS, per Toribio. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Vesia could return if the team advances to the World Series.

Kelly (shoulder) is unavailable for the NLCS against the Mets, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Kelly was expected to be out until the World Series with the shoulder issue, and that has now been confirmed. He last pitched Sept. 27 and suffered a setback in early October when he attempted to ramp up.