MLB Player News

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Rodon will not start Sunday's regular-season finale against the Orioles, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Rodon will be on regular rest Sunday after tossing eight shutout innings with eight strikeouts to get the win in the first game of Tuesday's twin bill versus the Rays. However, with the regular-season finale unlikely to carry any postseason implications, the Yankees will hold Rodon back until the wild-card round. Boone didn't reveal who would start Sunday's contest, but it could be a bullpen game.

Scherzer won't start as scheduled Tuesday against the Orioles since the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The right-hander had been lined up to potentially make two starts during the final week of the regular season, but Tuesday's postponement likely means Toronto will have to go in a different direction Sunday against Cincinnati. The game is being made up via a doubleheader Wednesday, with Scherzer likely to start one of those contests. The 42-year-old has a 4.26 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:20 K:BB across 50.2 innings since returning from back and thumb injuries in late July.

Bassitt won't start as scheduled Tuesday against the Blue Jays since the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The contest will be made up via a doubleheader Wednesday as the two teams conclude the season series in Baltimore. Bassitt will presumably start one of those contests in what should be his final appearance of the season. Since returning from back surgery in mid-August, the veteran right-hander has a 3.76 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB across 40.2 innings (seven starts).

Kent will be used in bulk relief in Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Kent's first seven traditional starts haven't gone well, as he's posted a 6.40 ERA and 27:23 K:BB in 32.1 innings, so the Nationals will try something new. Riley Cornelio will serve as an opener for Washington.

Ritchie will start Tuesday's game against the Reds in Atlanta.

Despite getting lit up for six runs over 4.2 innings in a start against the Cubs last Wednesday, Ritchie will stick around with Atlanta for another turn through the rotation. The 23-year-old righty has struggled with his control (13.7 percent walk rate) and with keeping the ball in the yard (11 home runs allowed over 62.2 innings) across 15 appearances (nine starts) with the big club this season.

Leiter (ankle/biceps) threw a bullpen session at Globe Life Field on Sunday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Leiter had been shut down for a couple of weeks after experiencing biceps soreness in his return from June ankle surgery. The right-hander felt good with the session and may throw another bullpen this week before the Rangers make a decision on his next step.

Williamson will start Tuesday's game in Atlanta.

After working out of the bullpen in each of his previous three appearances, Williamson will re-enter the rotation with the Reds placing Chase Burns (groin) on the 15-day injured list Sunday. Williamson had covered four-plus innings in two of those appearances while piggybacking Burns, so he should be sufficiently stretched out as he rejoins the rotation. Williamson could be in store for two starts this week, with another turn potentially coming in the season finale Sunday in Toronto.

Burnes is expected to start a game during the final series of the regular season against the Padres, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Burnes was roughed up by the Yankees on Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits, including three home runs. The right-hander has allowed five home runs and four walks over 10.1 innings since being activated off the injured list. Burnes is pleased with his secondary offerings, but the velocity of his signature pitch, the cutter, is down and not creating enough separation. He's tentatively scheduled to start Saturday on the road against the Padres.

The Dodgers optioned Sheehan to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

Sheehan turned in another nice outing in bulk relief Sunday versus the Giants, fanning nine over 5.1 scoreless innings. However, the Dodgers evidently didn't have plans to pitch him again before the end of the regular season. Sheehan should be included on the Dodgers' NLDS roster in a bullpen role.

Nelson struck out two over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings in Sunday's win over the Yankees.

Nelson was summoned early in the game for a struggling Corbin Burnes, who was pulled after 2.2 innings and allowed four runs (three HRs). It was the second relief appearance for Nelson, who retired all four batters faced. As for Burnes, who has allowed five home runs and walked four over 10.1 innings in his three starts, there are no plans to replace him in the rotation, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Nelson will remain in the bullpen while Burnes is expected to take his turn during the final series of the regular season against the Padres.