Verdugo is expected to start in left field for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Royals on Saturday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

Verdugo split starts in left field with Jasson Dominguez toward the end of the regular season after the latter was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Sept. 9. The duo had a similar slash line during that split, but it appears manager Aaron Boone will go with the veteran Verdugo for Game 1 of the ALDS. Verdugo's lone postseason appearance was in 2021 with the Red Sox, when he slashed .310/.383/.452 with one home run and six RBI across 47 plate appearances.

Rizzo (fingers) said he will not be included on the Yankees' ALDS roster for the team's matchup with the Royals, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Two of Rizzo's fingers on his right hand were fractured after he was hit by a pitch in the penultimate game of the regular season, and he has yet to resume baseball activities, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. RIzzo admitted Friday that he hadn't progressed far enough in his recovery to contribute at a high level, though he did express optimism that he could return should the Yankees make it to the ALCS, according to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network. Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera will likely serve as the Yankees' main options at first base in the ALDS.

Skubal (hamstring) will start Monday in Game 2 of the ALDS versus the Guardians, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Skubal was lifted from his wild-card series start against the Astros after six scoreless innings and 88 pitches due to some hamstring cramping, but he was never in any danger of missing his first start of the ALDS. Tyler Holton will be the opener for the Tigers in Game 1 before Skubal takes the ball in Game 2 on five days rest.

Holton will serve as the Tigers' opening pitcher Saturday for Game 1 of the ALDS in Cleveland, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Holton pitched in both games of the wild-card series versus the Astros, including as an opener in Game 2. That means he will technically be "starting" back-to-back postseason games for the Tigers, but the bullpen will be heavily involved Saturday.

Athletics general manager David Forst revealed Friday that Rooker underwent right forearm extensor surgery Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Rooker evidently dealt with discomfort in his elbow/forearm for the bulk of the season. It certainly didn't affect his performance at the plate, as he posted a .927 OPS with 39 home runs, but it could be at least part of the reason he didn't start a game in the outfield after May. Rooker is expected to be 100 percent healthy for the start of spring training.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that Rizzo (fingers) has yet to resume baseball activities, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo suffered two fractured fingers on his right hand when he was hit by a pitch in the penultimate game of the regular season. He remains a longshot to be included on the ALDS roster, but the ALCS would seemingly be more realistic if the Yankees are able to advance. Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera are in line to handle first base for the ALDS.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that he expects Rodriguez (lat) to more or less by without restrictions at the beginning of spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez sustained a right lat strain in early August and was eventually shut down in late September after it became apparent he wasn't going to make it back for the regular or postseason. He should be able to have a relatively normal throwing program during the offseason, though health concerns could linger given how much time he missed in 2024.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that he expects Mateo (elbow) to more or less be full go for the start of spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mateo required UCL reconstruction surgery on his left elbow in late August for an injury he initially suffered in late July. Because the operation was on his non-throwing elbow, it significantly reduces the recovery time. Mateo is eligible for arbitration for a final time this winter and should be back in a utility role for the Orioles in 2025.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that he expects Bautista (elbow) to more or less be without restrictions at the start of spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Bautista started throwing off the mound in August and will be 16 months removed from Tommy John surgery by February. As long as he looks good during Grapefruit League play, he should regain the closer role for Baltimore heading into 2025. Bautista posted a 1.48 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 110:26 K:BB over 61 innings while notching 33 saves in 2023.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Urquidy (elbow) is projected to return in late July next season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Urquidy underwent his second Tommy John surgery in June, so a return in a little over a year would be aggressive. Of course, any timetable at this juncture of recovery is a rough approximation. Urquidy is arbitration eligible for a final time this offseason, and it would seem as though the Astros plan to tender him a contract for 2025.