MLB Player News

Ward (oblique) is expected to make his return to action in the Arizona Fall League later this week, Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com reports.

Ward was removed from his second AFL start on Oct. 10 due to a left oblique strain, but he looks like he'll be able to make a start or an appearance or two as a reliever for the Scottsdale club before the AFL season comes to a close. Whatever the case, the 25-year-old righty looks like he'll be back to full health well in advance of spring training.

Robertson pitched a scoreless ninth inning and earned the save Friday night during Game 1 of the World Series, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two in the 6-5 win over the Astros.

Robertson received his first save opportunity of the postseason, and he nearly allowed the Astros to steal the win. After striking out leadoff man Yordan Alvarez, Robertson found himself with the tying run at third and the winning run at second. After three straight balls to Aledmys Diaz, the 37-year-old was able to work back and force a groundout to secure the 1-0 series lead. This was Robertson's 21st save of the season in his 29th opportunity. Despite some shakinesses in the postseason, Robertson has allowed just one run in 4.2 innings and remains a solid option out of the Philadelphia bullpen.

Nelson was added to Philadelphia's roster for the World Series on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Nelson was on the roster for the NLDS but didn't make an appearance against Atlanta. The 26-year-old is likely to work in a low-leverage spot if utilized out of the bullpen.

Martinez was removed from the Astros' World Series roster Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Martinez failed to pitch in any of the Astros' seven postseason games to this point and will now have to watch the World Series as a spectator. Will Smith will replace him on the roster and provide the Astros with a left-handed option out of the bullpen as the team takes on the Phillies in the Fall Classic.

Smith was added to the Astros' World Series roster Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The left-hander will join the Astros ahead of Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies, replacing Seth Martinez in the bullpen. Smith has produced an impressive 1.47 ERA over 18.1 career playoff innings and won the World Series with Atlanta in 2021.

Mejia agreed to a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Thursday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was acquired by Milwaukee last November, but he appeared in only two big-league games and missed half the season due to an 80-game suspension. Mejia pitched in 24 contests for Triple-A Nashville and posted a 2.76 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB across 29.1 innings, and he'll likely begin 2023 with the affiliate.

Banda elected free agency Monday.

Banda was one of several veteran minor-leaguers who chose to head to the open market after the Yankees' season came to an end Sunday, when New York lost to Houston in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. The Yankees outrighted Banda off their 40-man roster in early September after the 29-year-old made two appearance for the big club. He covered 26.2 innings in total in the majors in 2022 across stops with the Yankees, Blue Jays and Pirates, pitching to a 6.75 ERA and 2.10 WHIP.

Walter (neck) said Tuesday he resumed throwing a couple weeks ago, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The 26-year-old landed on the injured list at Triple-A Worcester in June with a neck strain, and he was able to start a throwing program in early October. Walter plans to return to mound work in December and should be fully recovered for the start of spring training. He could join the big-league club for camp but is likely to open 2023 at Triple-A.

Erceg signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league camp for spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Erceg was used exclusively as a reliever in the minors last season after beginning his professional career as an infielder. He spent most of his time at Triple-A Nashville in 2022, posting a 3.43 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 39.1 innings out of the bullpen. Considering the struggles that Milwaukee's bullpen dealt with down the stretch in 2022, Erceg could get the chance to earn a spot on the Brewers' 40-man roster by the end of camp.

Pressly pitched the final inning Sunday during Game 4 of the ALCS, allowing zero hits, walks and strikeouts in the 6-5 win over the Yankees.

After recording a fly out and a ground out in the ninth inning, Pressly was one out away from the World Series with Aaron Judge stepping to the plate. The 33-year-old was able to locate a slider on the outside corner and Judge tapped it back to the mound for a 1-3 ground out, sending the Astros to the World Series. This marked Pressly's third save of the ALCS and his 15th consecutive save converted, and he has allowed only two hits across five scoreless appearances in the postseason. The veteran will face the Phillies in the World Series -- he recorded his final save of the regular season against Philadelphia on October 5.