MLB Player News

Chapman downplayed his lat issue Friday, saying he's "not worried at all" about the injury and plans to pitch again during Boston's final regular-season homestand next week, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Chapman said he first felt the injury Tuesday, and he's improved throughout the week. With Boston closing in on a playoff berth, the team will likely be conservative with its star closer. Garrett Whitlock handled the ninth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win over the Rangers, locking down his fourth save of the season. it sounds like Chapman will be unavailable for this weekend's set with the Rays.

The Blue Jays selected Rodriguez's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Acquired from the Dodgers back on Sept. 1, Rodriguez takes the roster spot vacated by Michael Lorenzen, who was DFA'd in a corresponding move. Rodriguez pitched to a 3.38 ERA and 36:18 K:BB across 29.1 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to being dealt to Toronto.

The Blue Jays designated Lorenzen for assignment Friday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Lorenzen was tagged for five runs on four hits and three walks with just one strikeout across two innings in Tuesday's 10-1 loss to the Tigers, as he was saddled with his 13th loss of the campaign. After joining Toronto last month, Lorenzen pitched in six games out of the bullpen, yielding 11 runs on 18 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts over 11.2 frames.

Montgomery (wrist) is starting at shortstop and batting eight for Friday's game against the Tigers.

Montgomery exited Wednesday's game against the Guardians with a bruised left wrist after he was hit by a pitch from Parker Messick earlier in the contest. After sitting out Thursday, Montgomery is back in action against Detroit. He's gone 10 straight games without a home run and was recently dropped to the eighth spot in the order.

Pederson (hand) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays.

Pederson hasn't played since last Saturday but remains day-to-day for Texas. Josh Jung is handling DH duties for the Rangers on Friday, with Ezequiel Duran leading off and playing third base.

Caglianone is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates.

Since returning to the lineup last weekend after missing six games with a left elbow flexor strain, Caglianone is 0-for-10 at the plate. It's possible he's not 100 percent. Nick Loftin is making a rare start in right field for Kansas City.

Duran is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

Sitting against left-handed starters has become Duran's new normal, and with lefty Ian Seymour on the mound for Tampa Bay on Friday, Boston will go with Roman Anthony, Nate Eaton and Wilyer Abreu from left to right in the outfield. Duran is batting just .159 with a .463 OPS across 47 trips to the plate this month.

Contreras (hand) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

Contreras was hit on the right hand with a pitch in Thursday's win over the Rangers but avoided a fracture and has been diagnosed with a bruised hand. Nick Sogard will start at first base and bat second against Tampa Bay lefty Ian Seymour on Friday.

Rutschman is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

Connor Wong will catch for Ranger Suarez and bat ninth against Rays lefty Ian Seymour. Rutschman has swatted three homers this month and is hitting .211 with a .776 OPS across 40 plate appearances during that span.

Martinez (side) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Martinez was injured in Tuesday's game against the White Sox and missed Wednesday's series finale. He'll sit out at least another contest despite Thursday's off day. Steven Kwan is in left field, with Petey Halpin patrolling center.