MLB Player News

Anderson picked up the win in Game 3 of the World Series against the Astros on Friday, tossing five hitless, scoreless innings while walking three and striking out four.

In a very 2021 move, Anderson was pulled without having allowed a hit after throwing just 76 pitches. He didn't have great control, as just 39 of those pitches (51.3 percent) were strikes, and he'd already hit a batter in addition to his trio of walks, so manager Brian Snitker evidently didn't trust him to maintain that level of performance with the top of the Astros' order due up for the third time. The Atlanta bullpen finished the job with four scoreless innings, so the move looks like the correct one.

Greinke is expected to start Game 4 of the World Series in Atlanta on Saturday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Greinke has been a starter for the vast majority of his 18-year career, but he suffered a neck injury in late September and closed the year in the bullpen. He's made two appearances in the postseason, one of which was technically a start, but those outings lasted a combined 2.1 innings. It's unlikely he'll be able to pitch particularly deep in Game 4, as the last time he reached even three innings in an appearance came back on Sept. 19.

Morton underwent successful surgery Thursday to repair his fractured right fibula and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Morton suffered the injury during his start in Game 1 of the World Series when he was struck by a comebacker, and it's not a surprise he needed to go under the knife to address the issue. The veteran right-hander will turn 38 years old in November and had an impressive 2021 campaign in which he had a 3.34 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 216:58 K:BB over 185.2 innings.

Taillon underwent ankle surgery Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Taillon sustained a right ankle tendon injury in early September and now faces a recovery timetable of approximately five months. If his rehab goes smoothly, the right-hander has a chance to be ready for Opening Day in 2022.

Valdez (0-1) allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out two in two innings to take the loss against Atlanta in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Valdez gave up a leadoff home run to begin Tuesday's contest, and he continued to struggle throughout his outing. He allowed three runs across the first two innings and gave up a two-run homer with no outs in the third inning prior to his removal. The 27-year-old had allowed just four runs (three earned) in 10.2 innings across his last two appearances, and he tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road Sunday in Game 5.

Morton underwent X-rays after leaving Game 1 of the World Series against the Astros on Tuesday and was diagnosed with a fractured right fibula.

Morton was hit by a comebacker during the second inning and initially remained in the contest, but he exited after 2.1 scoreless frames due to the pain. The 37-year-old will obviously be sidelined for the remainder of the World Series but is expected to be ready for spring training in 2022.

Morton was removed from Game 1 of the World Series against the Astros on Tuesday with swelling in his right ankle, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander was struck in the right ankle by a comebacker during the second inning, though he completed the frame and returned for the third before limping off following a strikeout. Morton allowed one hit with three strikeouts and two walks over 2.1 scoreless frames before being pulled. Atlanta will scramble in a bullpen game for the rest of Game 1, and it's unclear if the 37-year-old will be able to make his next turn through the rotation, which lines up for Game 5 on Sunday, if necessary.

Garcia will start Game 3 of the World Series in Atlanta on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Garcia will be pushed behind Jose Urquidy in the rotation. However, that shouldn't be taken as an indictment on Garcia, who looked great in his last start after struggling mightily in his first two postseason outings. The Astros can afford to pull their Game 2 starter early knowing they can rest their bullpen the next day, while the Game 3 starter will likely be asked to pitch deeper into the game.

Urquidy will start Game 2 of the World Series against Atlanta on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Urquidy was awful in his lone start thus far this postseason, giving up six runs (five earned) while recording just five outs in Game 3 of the ALCS against Boston. He'll be moved ahead of Luis Garcia nonetheless, though that's not necessarily a vote of confidence in Urquidy. The Game 2 starter can be pulled early more easily, as Thursday's off day means the Astros will get to rest their bullpen after the game, while the Game 3 starter may be asked to provide more length with the teams scheduled to play on each of the following two days.

Wright was added to Atlanta's World Series roster Tuesday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

Wright allowed seven runs in 6.1 MLB innings this season and owns a career 6.56 ERA in 70 frames at the highest level. His experience as a starter means he can give Atlanta length if needed, but he's unlikely to see the field except in a blowout.