MLB Player News

Sandoval wasn't included on the Red Sox's roster for their American League Wild Card Series with the Yankees that began Tuesday.

Boston's decision to keep Sandoval off the roster doesn't come as a major surprise, after he turned in a 5.15 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 64.2 innings in 13 starts upon returning from the 60-day injured list shortly before the All-Star break. The veteran southpaw didn't fare much better while shifting to a relief role for the final week of the regular season, yielding three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six in 5.2 innings over two appearances. Sandoval is scheduled for free agency this offseason and will likely be donning a new uniform in 2027.

The Red Sox optioned Paez to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.

Paez gave up his spot on the 28-man active roster and in the bullpen to Wyatt Olds, who was recalled from Triple-A ahead of the Red Sox's regular-season finale. A Rule 5 pick by the White Sox over the winter, Paez ended up making his MLB debut with Chicago but was returned to Boston in early April. He ended up making two appearances for the Red Sox in September, yielding eight runs on 13 hits and two walks while striking out eight batters across 8.2 innings.

Gausman will start Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the Padres on Wednesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Gausman will be tasked with helping to stave off elimination after the Cubs were shut out in the Padres' 8-0 Game 1 victory. The right-hander injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder in his final regular-season start one week ago, but he feels well enough to take the ball in Game 2's win-or-go-home scenario.

Luzardo didn't factor in the decision Tuesday in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against Atlanta. He gave up a run on three hits and one walk while striking out six across five innings.

Luzardo fired one scoreless inning out of the bullpen Sunday versus the Rays as he returned to a big-league mound after missing most of September due to shoulder inflammation, so it was quite impressive to see him in such strong form Tuesday while making his first start in three weeks. The left-hander threw 77 pitches (48 strikes) and generated 11 whiffs in what was the best playoff start of his big-league career. Luzardo closed the regular season with a 2.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 221:52 K:BB across 179.2 innings. The Phillies will need to win the next two games for him to make another start this year.

Sale didn't factor in the decision in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies on Tuesday. He struck out nine while giving up three runs on four hits and a walk over 6.1 innings.

The veteran left-hander surrendered a run during the first inning but shut down Philadelphia for the next five frames before he put on two runners in the seventh that came around to score on righty reliever Didier Fuentes. Sale made just three starts in September as the club managed his workload down the stretch, and he looked plenty fresh Tuesday, touching 100 mph and throwing 95 pitches (65 strikes). Atlanta completed the comeback, and should it complete the series win, Sale tentatively lines up to pitch in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Sunday.

Woodruff (shoulder) completed the flat-ground portion of his throwing program Sunday and is awaiting to receive clearance to throw off the mound, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The veteran hurler is working his way back from a capsule strain in his right shoulder, an injury that was initially expected to require surgery before Woodruff healed more quickly than anticipated. If Woodruff gains clearance for mound work -- which isn't a given -- the right-hander could have a small chance to pitch at some point in the postseason.

Tidwell will undergo a right elbow UCL repair in mid-October, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury Newsreports.

Surgery for the right-hander was the expected outcome, and now it has officially been scheduled. If Tidwell winds up needing a full Tommy John surgery -- which is likely since he's dealing with a high-grade tear -- he'll be sidelined until the 2028 season.

Houser (forearm) is expected to have a normal offseason throwing program and be ready for spring training, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Houser missed the final month-plus of the regular season while dealing with a right forearm strain. He will continue going through physical therapy for now but is expected to begin his offseason throwing at his normal time. Houser posted a 4.02 ERA and 75:34 K:BB over 109.2 innings in 2026 across 16 starts and 10 relief outings.

Steele (elbow) is not on the Cubs' roster for their wild-card series versus the Padres, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele has been out all season while recovering from UCL revision surgery and a flexor strain. He is physically ready to pitch now, having made four rehab appearances this month, but the Cubs have decided he's not a fit for their playoff roster. Steele could earn consideration in subsequent rounds, if his team advances.

Gausman (shoulder) is on the Cubs' roster for the wild-card series against the Padres, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Gausman injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder during his final start of the regular season last Wednesday. The Cubs have not yet announced their probable starters for Game 2 on Wednesday or a potential Game 3 on Thursday, but it's likely Gausman will start one of those contests. Gausman logged a 4.83 ERA and 57:11 K:BB over 50.1 innings in nine starts after the Cubs acquired him at the trade deadline.