MLB Player News

Imanaga allowed just one run on four hits across five innings but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 8-2, extra-innings loss to the Marlins. He struck out seven and didn't issue any walks.

The lefty was sharp again Tuesday, though he needed 91 pitches to complete five frames, which likely prevented him from going longer into the game. Over his last four appearances, Imanaga has a sparkling 1.96 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 23 innings, and he's lowered his overall ERA from 4.01 to 3.74 in the process. He's not currently slated to take the mound again during the 2026 regular season, with the Cubs instead turning their attention to slotting Imanaga in near the top of their postseason rotation, assuming they lock up their spot soon. It's quite possible that the southpaw even serves as a Game 1 starter.

Javier was removed from Tuesday's game against the Mariners with right groin tightness, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier gave up one hit and two walks while striking out two batters in two scoreless innings before his groin forced him to make a premature exit. The 29-year-old righty is tentatively lined up to start Houston's regular-season finale against the A's on Sunday, but the team will presumably monitor his status over the next several days before making a decision regarding his availability.

Schultz (4-9) earned the win after pitching two perfect innings against the Royals on Tuesday. He struck out one.

Since being recalled to the big leagues Sept. 15, Schultz has recorded three consecutive scoreless outings for the White Sox. On the season, the southpaw owns a 5.58 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 64:31 K:BB over 71 innings. The 23-year-old could serve as a key piece out of the bullpen to eat up innings in the postseason.

Kay did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 14-11 win over the Royals, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings. He struck out four.

Kay allowed four runs over four innings, including a solo homer to Nick Loftin. On the season, Kay is sporting a 9-9 record, 4.53 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 125:54 K:BB over 153 innings. The southpaw is expected to make his final start Sunday against the Rockies.

The Nationals optioned Kent to Triple-A Rochester after Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

Kent gave up one run in four innings on six hits and two walks while striking out three batters Tuesday, but his reward for picking up his second big-league win of the season will be finishing the year in the minors. The 23-year-old lefty will close the book on 2026 with a 5.94 ERA and 1.79 WHIP alongside a 30:25 K:BB across 36.1 innings.

Ritchie (1-4) took the loss after allowing one run on four hits and three walks over five innings against the Reds on Tuesday. He struck out eight.

Ritchie made just one mistake, serving up a home run to Elly De La Cruz in the third inning. The right-hander struck out a season-high eight batters, breaking his previous high of seven. This year, the 23-year-old has posted a 4.79 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 66:41 K:BB over 67.2 innings. Ritchie is slated to make his final start Sunday against the Marlins.

Bachar will start Wednesday against the Cardinals in a bullpen game for the Pirates, Dominic Campbell of SI.com reports.

For the second time in four days, Bachar will work as an opener for Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old righty gave up one run on three hits during his lone inning of work against the Royals on Sunday, and he'll likely be pulled after pitching an inning or two against St. Louis.

Williamson (5-4) earned the win after allowing three hits over six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday. He struck out two.

Williamson made his first start since Sept. 2 against the Padres. The left-hander recorded his first quality start since April 6 on Tuesday. Through eight starts (11 games) this season, Williamson owns a 4.89 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 33:27 K:BB over 49.2 innings. The 28-year-old is slated to start Game 162 against the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Jones (5-6) earned the win after allowing one hit over seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals on Tuesday. He struck out nine.

Jones has recorded scoreless outings of six innings or longer in three of his last four starts. Over his last seven games, the right-hander has posted a 2.09 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 53:12 K:BB over 38.2 innings. The 25-year-old is slated to start the final game of the season for Pittsburgh on Sunday against the Tigers.

Pallante (12-8) took the loss after allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings against Pittsburgh on Tuesday. He struck out two.

Despite the loss, Pallante recorded his first quality start since Aug. 11 against the Phillies. The right-hander was unable to get any run support from the Cardinals offense during his start Tuesday. Through 28 outings, the 28-year-old owns a 3.61 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 106:49 K:BB over 157 innings. Pallante is in line to make his final start of the campaign during Game 162 against the Brewers on Sunday.