MLB Player News

Whitlock was diagnosed with a fractured right tibia after the Red Sox were eliminated from the postseason in the wild-card round, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Whitlock pitched through leg pain during the final month of the regular season, and only after undergoing imaging following the wild-card series did he discover he'd suffered a fracture. He'll spend roughly six weeks in a walking boot but should avoid surgery, and he's expected to be fully healthy by the time spring training begins.

Williams will start Game 5 of the ALDS versus the White Sox on Saturday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Williams finished out the Guardians' Game 4 victory Thursday, throwing 18 pitches in a scoreless inning on what would have typically been his bullpen day. That appearance will not, however, prevent him from starting Saturday's winner-take-all contest. Williams struck out 11 and was charged with two runs over five-plus innings in Game 2, taking a no-decision. He will be opposed by Sean Burke in Game 5.

Jansen underwent surgery Wednesday to remove a bone growth from his right hand, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

It's a minor operation that's not expected to affect Jansen's offseason workouts. Jansen slashed .203/.296/.381 with eight home runs over 67 games for the Rangers this season. As things stand currently, the 31-year-old Jansen seems likely to open the 2027 campaign as the Rangers' top catcher.

Jung is does not need surgery to repair the non-displaced fracture in his right hand, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

He suffered the injury during the final weekend of the regular season when he was hit by a pitch. Jung will be re-evaluated every two weeks to track his progress, per Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com, but the belief is the hand will heal without surgical intervention. Jung had another injury-shortened season in 2026 but was productive when on the field, slashing .299/.365/.462 with 12 homers in 104 games.

Seager underwent surgery Tuesday to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young noted following the conclusion of the regular season that Seager could require an operation after battling through the elbow issue for months, and that's indeed what's happened. While the Rangers might ease Seager into things at the start of spring training, he should be fine for Opening Day. The 32-year-old shortstop had arguably his worst season in 2026, slashing .227/.312/.424 with 20 home runs in 102 tilts.

Olson (shoulder) is taking part in a throwing progression and is expected to be ready for spring training, MLB.com reports.

Olson missed the entire 2026 season following a right shoulder labral repair in early February. Setbacks cannot be ruled out as he works his way back from major shoulder surgery, but as things stand right now the Tigers believe he'll be ready to compete for a rotation spot during spring training.

Muncy will be re-evaluated at some point during the offseason to determine whether he needs left knee surgery, MLB.com reports.

Muncy's season ended prematurely due to left knee chondromalacia, and he could undergo arthroscopic surgery if the issue doesn't improve with extended rest. The 24-year-old infielder slashed .230/.296/.387 with nine home runs across 284 plate appearances during the 2026 season.

White Sox manager Will Venable said Friday that Burke will start Saturday in Game 5 of the ALDS versus the Guardians, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burke got the win in bulk relief in Game 2 of the series, yielding just one run over 5.1 innings while fanning six batters. The White Sox have elected to have the right-hander make a traditional start in Saturday's winner-take-all affair. He is expected to be opposed by Gavin Williams.

White Sox manager Will Venable said Thursday that Fedde and Anthony Kay are likely bulk relief options in ALDS Game 4 versus the Guardians, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Hagen Smith will take the ball first and is likely to cover multiple frames, but it will be yet another playoff game where the White Sox use their bullpen early and often. Fedde has made one appearance this postseason, striking out three over two scoreless innings during the AL Wild Card Series clincher against the Astros.

Bailey is not in the lineup Thursday for Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox.

Austin Hedges has caught Parker Messick regularly this season and will do so again in Game 4. Bailey is 3-for-9 with a 1:2 BB:K at the plate so far this postseason, while Hedges is hitless in two plate appearances.