MLB Player News

Woo (pectoral) is throwing a bullpen session ahead of Game 5 of the ALDS versus the Tigers on Friday, the results of which should dictate whether he'll be included on the Mariners' roster for the ALCS, should they advance, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

The right-hander was sidelined for the closing stretch of the regular season due to minor inflammation in his right pectoral and was left off Seattle's roster for the ALDS, but it's possible he's back for the next round of the playoffs. The Mariners still need to win Game 5 against Detroit, of course, but Woo's return would be a big boost for Seattle given his 2.94 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 198:36 K:BB across 186.2 innings during the regular season.

Bellinger plans to decline his $25 million player option for 2026 and become a free agent, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Bellinger opting out of the final year of his deal and hitting the free-agent market this winter has been a foregone conclusion for a while now, as the 30-year-old is in line to net a lucrative, multi-year pact. He slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 13 stolen bases over 152 games in 2025 while playing plus defense at multiple positions. Having previously received a qualifying offer, Bellinger is not eligible to get another one, which will only enhance his free-agent appeal.

Kirby will start Game 5 of the ALDS on Friday against Detroit.

Both Kirby and Luis Castillo would have been available to pitch on at least regular rest, but the Mariners will opt for Kirby in the elimination game. He threw five innings in Game 1 of the series, allowing two earned runs while striking out eight across five innings.

Bichette (knee) said Wednesday that he's "made some huge progress the last few days" but still needs to show he can run the bases before being cleared to join the Blue Jays' ALCS roster, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Recovering from a PCL sprain in his left knee, Bichette did some jogging this week for the first time since he was injured in early September. While he feels "really optimistic about where I stand," Bichette must be able to run the bases without major limitations in order to convince the Blue Jays he's ready to play. If the 27-year-old is included on the ALCS roster, he could be used at designated hitter in order to limit some wear and tear on his knee. Putting Bichette in the DH slot would mean George Springer moving back to the outfield.

Eovaldi underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a sports hernia, Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports reports.

The typical recovery timeline for the procedure is 6-to-8 weeks, which will allow Eovaldi to begin his offseason throwing program when he normally would. He is expected to be fully recovered from the hernia surgery and also his late-season rotation cuff strain in time for the start of spring training. Eovaldi held a 1.73 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 129:21 K:BB across 130 innings for the Rangers in 2025.

Suarez has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right forearm, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Suarez suffered the injury during his final appearance of the regular season Sept. 14. He's expected to begin a throwing program in the coming weeks. Suarez was limited to just 11.2 innings for the Orioles this season, with most of the missed time occurring due to a right shoulder strain.

Wong underwent a successful right hand carpal boss excision procedure Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

A carpal boss excision involves the removal of a painful bony growth on the back of the wrist. The Red Sox did not reveal a rehab timetable for Wong, but the surgery is considered minor. Wong slashed only .190/.262/.238 over 63 games for the Red Sox in 2025, losing his starting job to Carlos Narvaez (knee). Narvaez had surgery himself this week, but both catchers should be fine for the start of spring training.

Narvaez underwent a successful left knee meniscectomy Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Narvaez played through a meniscus injury in his knee for much of the second half of the regular season and the playoffs before having a cleanup procedure Wednesday. He is expected to be fully recovered before spring training and should enter the 2026 season as Boston's top catcher after slashing .241/.306/.419 with 15 home runs in 118 contests.

Judge on Wednesday didn't dismiss the possibility of undergoing surgery to repair the flexor strain in his right elbow, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Following the Yankees' elimination from the postseason, Judge said of his elbow that "we'll definitely do some work on it and get it right." When asked whether that could mean surgery, he replied, "I'm not a doctor. I don't know." Judge was diagnosed with a flexor strain in late July, spent 10 days on the injured list and was limited to designated hitter for a month upon his return. He played right field regularly over the final few weeks of the regular season and in the playoffs, but his throwing was noticeably compromised. A decision on how best to treat Judge's elbow injury should be made soon.

Baez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, two additional RBI and a stolen base during Wednesday's win over the Mariners in Game 4 of the ALDS.

Baez smacked an RBI single into left field to tie the game at 3-3 in the fifth inning. He then deposited an Eduard Bazardo offering into the left-field bleachers during the sixth to give the Tigers two more insurance runs en route to a convincing 9-3 victory. The 32-year-old is now 9-for-26 (.346) with a homer, five RBI and two runs scored through seven games in the postseason.