MLB Player News

Woodruff (shoulder) is on the Brewers' World Series roster.

Woodruff has not pitched in a game since July 4 because of right shoulder inflammation. However, he looked and felt well enough during a simulated game at American Family Field this week that the team has elected to carry him on its World Series roster. The Brewers might not be able to replace Woodruff on the roster if he has a setback -- the rules state it has to be an acute, non-chronic injury to warrant a move -- so the decision carries risk. Woodruff is taking Chad Patrick's spot on the roster and will be used in a bullpen role.

Martinez will start Game 1 of the World Series in Milwaukee on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Giving Martinez the ball in Game 1 allows ace Drew Rasmussen an extra day of rest, and it pushes Freddy Peralta back to Game 3 at Tropicana Field, where he's posted a 2.03 ERA in five starts in 2026 between the regular and postseason. Both of Martinez's outings this postseason have been on the road, and he's allowed a total of three runs with a 6:3 K:BB over nine innings in those starts. The Brewers will counter with Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1.

Hernandez (oblique) said Thursday that he feels 100 percent healthy and has since the first or second week of September, Aiden Stepansky of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez suffered a left oblique strain at High-A Greensboro in late July and was eventually shut down for the season. However, he will not be under any restrictions when it comes to his offseason throwing program. Hernandez cemented himself as one of the game's top pitching prospects in 2026, posting a 2.43 ERA and 118:31 K:BB over 74 innings between Greensboro and Single-A Bradenton. The 20-year-old also noted Thursday that his goal is to reach the majors in 2027, though that looks like a long shot.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Fried had his left elbow re-imaged and his UCL is in a good spot heading into the offseason, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Fried made two trips to the injured list this season due to a bone bruise in his pitching elbow. However, he ended the campaign healthy, and there are no concerns about the pitcher's ligament entering the winter. Fried was limited to 20 regular-season starts in 2026 but was highly effective when on the mound, logging a 2.80 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 104:33 K:BB over 112.2 innings. The 2027 season will be the third year of Fried's eight-year, $218 million contract.

The Brewers are unlikely to add Woodruff (shoulder) to their roster for the World Series, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Woodruff is scheduled to face hitters Tuesday for the first time since going down with right shoulder inflammation more than three months ago. However, while Woodruff is pushing hard to be included on the roster, there are a couple reasons why the proposition is unlikely. One is that the Brewers might not be allowed to replace Woodruff on the roster if he has a setback, as the rules say it has to be an acute, non-chronic injury. Another is that he simply could be rusty following such a long layoff. In the unlikely even Woodruff is included on the roster, he would work in a relief role.

Peralta was named the MVP of the ALCS after picking up the win in Game 6 against the Guardians on Monday. He allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Peralta delivered a pair of strong starts in the ALCS, resulting in two victories. Before taking the mound to clinch the series Monday, the 30-year-old right-hander earned the win in Game 2, fanning six across six scoreless innings of work in a 3-1 victory. Peralta also recorded two outs without allowing a run in Game 4 out of the bullpen. He'll now set his sights on facing his former club in the World Series and could line up for a start in Game 2 on Saturday.

Messick was charged with the loss in Game 5 of the ALCS against Tampa Bay on Sunday, giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks across two innings.

It was a messy performance from the left-hander, who needed 57 pitches (34 strikes) to record just six outs in a pivotal Game 5. After a strong second half of the regular season that saw him post a 2.30 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 in 13 starts after the All-Star break, Messick has given up nine runs (six earned) over 13.2 frames through four postseason starts. If the Guardians can win Monday to force a Game 7, Messick could be available given his shortened outing Sunday.

Rasmussen earned the win in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk over seven innings.

It was another strong showing from Rasmussen, who has surrendered just three earned runs over 21 frames in three playoffs starts and has given up two runs or fewer in each of his past nine outings dating back to Aug. 24. The right-hander has blossomed into an ace, and Sunday's performance puts Tampa Bay one victory away from making the World Series.

Peralta will start Game 6 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Peralta will take the mound for his second start of the series after he pitched six scoreless innings while striking out six batters on his way to a win in Game 2. He also pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing a walk without surrendering a run in an appearance out of the bullpen in the team's 7-3 victory in Game 4. The right-hander has posted a 0.79 ERA over three postseason appearances this year, and he'll have a chance to help punch the Rays' ticket to the World Series with a win Monday.

Griffin didn't factor in the decision after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday. He struck out five.

The left-hander allowed two runs over four innings while starting Game 1 of the series, but manager Stephen Vogt elected to have him follow opener Shawn Armstrong on Saturday. Griffin gave up a run on a double and a single during the third inning but was otherwise able to keep Tampa Bay in check. He shouldn't pitch Sunday in Game 5 after throwing 44 pitches but seems likely to be available for Game 6 and a possible Game 7.