MLB Player News

Okert (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Monday and could be included on the Astros' wild-card series roster against the White Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Okert has been shelved since early September with a right hamstring strain, but it sounds like the Astros could get one of their better relievers back in time for the playoffs. The left-hander has logged a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB over 67.2 innings this season.

Judge (calf) said Monday that he's been "feeling great" while running on an anti-gravity treadmill but has yet to try running the bases, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Judge plans to do some more running on the anti-gravity treadmill Monday and could try running outside, as well. The slugger was also scheduled to take live batting practice on the field. Judge is aiming to be included on the Yankees' wild-card series roster despite suffering a moderate right calf strain less than two weeks ago. If he is on the roster, it could be in a designated hitter role.

Angels interim general manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Trout approached him about playing left field and designated hitter next season, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Trout logged 109 starts in center field and 33 at DH in 2026, but defensive metrics were again unkind as the 35-year-old finished with a minus-5 in Outs Above Average, per Baseball Savant. The three-time American League MVP's 142 games played in 2026 was his highest total since 2016, but he was more good than great offensively, slashing .242/.382/.421 with 22 home runs, 54 RBI and 11 steals.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Judge (calf) is "making progress" and will take live batting practice Monday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Judge did some hitting and throwing indoors Sunday and will hit on the field Monday. The three-time American League MVP has pledged to be ready for the wild-card series matchup against the Red Sox, though the Yankees have not committed to Judge being healthy enough to be included on the roster. Judge suffered a moderate right calf strain less than two weeks ago.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Monday that Westburg (elbow) will begin a hitting progression this week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May and missed the entire 2026 season. However, because he's a position player and not a pitcher, he has a good chance to head into the 2027 season without any limitations. Westburg has slashed .264/.312/.456 over parts of three major-league seasons and, assuming health, could open next season as the Orioles' primary third baseman.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Monday that Bradish will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a sports hernia, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Bradish has been sidelined since mid-September with the injury and has ultimately decided to have it surgically repaired. More should be known regarding a timetable following the operation, but it should not affect Bradish's availability for the beginning of spring training. The right-hander finished the 2026 season with a 4.12 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 142:70 K:BB over 155 innings covering 29 starts.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Monday that the team has yet to decide whether Crochet (lat) will be include on the American League Wild Card series roster versus the Yankees, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Crochet has not pitched in a competitive setting since late April, as he has been brought along slowly in his recovery from a left lat strain. He's been throwing off a mound for several weeks and resumed facing hitters last week. If Crochet is included on Boston's wild-card series roster, it will be in a bullpen role, as he is not stretched out to be used as a starting pitcher.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Monday that Tolle will start Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

The Yankees have a left-handed-hitting heavy lineup, so the Red Sox will hand the ball to southpaw Tolle in the first game rather than righty Sonny Gray. It will be Gray starting Game 2, and Ranger Suarez will be lined up for a potential Game 3. Tolle -- who will square off against Cam Schlittler -- logged a 3.03 ERA and 171:40 K:BB over 148.2 innings covering 26 starts during the regular season.

Ward has joined the Red Sox in New York and could be part of their American League Wild Card Series roster versus the Yankees, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

The outfielder has yet to play in the majors and would need to be added to the 40-man roster. If Ward is included on Boston's wild-card roster it would be in a pinch runner/defensive replacement. The 27-year-old stole 61 bases this season with Triple-A Worcester while sporting a .251/.364/.373 batting line.

The Astros outrighted Alexander to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

Alexander passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old has been outrighted previously, so he has the ability to decline the assignment and become a free agent. Alexander posted a 9.33 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 18.1 innings with Houston in 2026.