MLB Player News

Kershaw is considering receiving an additional examination of his left shoulder, Andy McCullough of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw was initially injured in late June, with the Dodgers providing only a vague "left shoulder inflammation" diagnosis. He returned following a six-week absence and pitched well down the stretch of the regular season. His velocity was diminished, though, and he was bludgeoned for six runs while recording just one out in his lone postseason start. Kershaw will be a free agent this offseason and expects to contemplate for several weeks before deciding whether to continue his career. The condition of his shoulder certainly could play a big factor in his decision.

Suarez will start against Atlanta in Game 4 of the NLDS on Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Suarez had a strong outing during Game 1 of the NLDS, throwing 3.2 scoreless frames while striking out four batters en route to a Philadelphia victory. Atlanta's lineup developed a reputation for crushing left-handed pitchers in the regular season; however, the team has gotten off to a slow start in the postseason, and Suarez could be able to once again capitalize on Atlanta's collective slump.

Strider will start Thursday in Game 4 of the NLDS in Philadelphia, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

This was merely a formality, as Strider started Game 1 and will be on regular rest Thursday. He took the loss in the series opener in spite of a terrific effort which saw him allow two runs (one earned) while striking out eight over seven innings. The Phillies have not yet confirmed their Game 4 starter, but it's expected to be Ranger Suarez.

Elder will start Wednesday in Game 3 of the NLDS in Philadelphia, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The decision came down to Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver and Atlanta has opted for the more experienced hurler. Elder posted a 3.81 ERA over 31 starts this season, but he held a 5.11 ERA in the second half and allowed 13 runs over 12.1 innings covering his last three regular season outings. There will be a short leash for Elder in this one, with Smith-Shawver looming as an alternative if a quick hook is required.

Scherzer (shoulder) will throw another simulated game Wednesday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Scherzer pitched three innings (two against hitters) of a sim game ahead of the ALDS, and Wednesday's session will be a test to see how deep into a game he can go. The 39-year-old is recovering from a right teres major strain and may still be held off the Rangers' roster for the ALCS, but Scherzer remains well ahead of schedule in his rehab process.

Urquidy will start Wednesday against the Twins in Game 4 of the ALDS, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Urquidy seemed to be slated for a bullpen role ahead of Houston's ALDS matchup with Minnesota, but he'll instead get the nod to start as the Astros looks for their seventh consecutive ALCS berth. The 28-year-old righty threw nine straight shutout innings over his final two regular-season outings and has yet to appear in the postseason.

Gibson will be available out of the bullpen in Game 3 of the ALDS on Tuesday versus the Rangers, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Gibson would seemingly be an option to start a potential Game 4, but the Orioles are facing elimination from the best-of-five series and will take an all-hands-on-deck approach into Game 3. The veteran right-hander went 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 157:55 K:BB over 192 innings (33 starts) during the regular season. He has yet to pitch in the 2023 postseason.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Tuesday that the team is "optimistic" regarding the availability of Woodruff (shoulder) for next season, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Woodruff suffered a right shoulder capsular injury during his final start of the regular season, keeping him from making an appearance during the Brewers' NL Wild Card Series loss to the Diamondbacks. He will receive a second opinion on the shoulder this week, but the team seems confident after the initial diagnosis that it won't keep the right-hander from being ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. Woodruff was limited to 11 starts this season due to shoulder issues but was excellent when healthy, holding a 2.28 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 74:15 K:BB over 67 innings. He will be eligible for arbitration for a final time this winter before entering his walk year.

Misiorowski (arm) has resumed a throwing program, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Misiorowski didn't make an appearance after Aug. 15 due to right arm fatigue, but it would appear he's moved past that. The 21-year-old was one of the biggest pitching prospect breakouts in all of the minors in 2023, collecting a 3.41 ERA and 110:42 K:BB over 71.1 innings between Low-A Carolina, High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi. It's possible he could push to debut at some point in 2024 if he stays healthy and continues to progress.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Tuesday that Ashby's (shoulder) velocity has been trending in the right direction during recent throwing sessions, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby underwent left shoulder surgery in April and struggled to regain his pre-op velocity initially. However, it sounds like it has ticked back up as he further distances himself from the operation. Ashby wound up being limited to just seven rehab innings in 2023, but the hope is that he will be ready to go for spring training.