MLB Player News

Early didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 7-1 loss to the Mets, allowing just one hit over three scoreless innings. He struck out one without walking a batter.

Making his first appearance as a National after being acquired from the Red Sox in late July for Curtis Mead (wrist), Early was on a strict pitch count after recovering from elbow inflammation that had kept him on the shelf since June 30. The 24-year-old southpaw made the most of his limited workload, firing 21 of 34 pitches for strikes and facing just one batter over the minimum. Early wraps up his season with a 3.33 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 94:34 K:BB through 94.2 innings, and with a healthy offseason he'll head into 2027 as one of the top arms in the Washington rotation alongside Cade Cavalli.

The Padres reinstated Sheets (foot) from the injured list Saturday.

Sheets has been out since late August due to a sprained left foot, but he'll return in time for the Padres' final two regular-season games and the postseason. The 30-year-old is expected to work exclusively as a DH now that he's healthy, allowing Ty France to keep his hold on the starting first base job.

Benge went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Nationals.

The rookie outfielder is ending his first big-league season on a tear, recording multiple hits in six of the last 12 games while batting .375 (18-for-48) with three doubles, three homers, seven RBI and 10 runs. Benge has posted a .280/.344/.429 slash line through 590 plate appearances, and along the way became the first Mets rookie in history with a 20-20 season. The 23-year-old has cemented his place as one of the foundation pieces for the lineup.

Mauricio went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Nationals.

Getting the start at second base and batting ninth, the 25-year-old switch hitter launched a solo shot off right-hander Jake Irvin in the seventh inning and a two-run blast against southpaw Richard Lovelady in the ninth. Since missing the entire 2024 campaign due to knee surgery, Mauricio has struggled to earn a regular spot in the Mets' lineup, but his power remains intriguing -- he's homered 21 times in 90 games this season between Triple-A Syracuse and the majors.

Tong didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Nationals, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out nine.

The nine K's were a career high for the 23-year-old right-hander, but despite the impressive outing, Tong was in line for the loss until the Mets' offense woke up late. Over four September starts to close out the campaign, Tong posted a 3.92 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB in 20.2 innings, positioning him for a regular spot in the 2027 rotation if the team doesn't make any major offseason investments in its staff.

Clarke will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Padres, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Clarke gave up two earned runs in one inning during his last outing Thursday, but the D-backs will send him to the mound to begin Saturday's game as they attempt to sneak into the final wild-card spot in the National League. He'll likely remain on the bump for an inning or two before coming out of the game.

Saggese isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Brewers.

Saggese will move to the bench Saturday after going 0-for-20 with 10 strikeouts over his last six games. Nolan Gorman will replace him at third base and bat sixth.

Church (foot) will start in center field and bat ninth Saturday against Milwaukee.

Foot soreness prevented Church from starting Friday's series opener, but he seems to be feeling well enough to return to action after a day of rest. The 26-year-old will aim to finish the season strong after batting .307 over 22 games since the beginning of September.

Ortiz isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against St. Louis.

Ortiz was removed from Friday's game after aggravating a knee injury that he's been dealing with alongside abdominal and groin issues, per Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 Milwaukee. With the Brewers already having clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the team will give the 28-year-old a day off to recover, and he'll also undergo an MRI to determine the extent of his various injuries. David Hamilton will start at third base as a result and bat ninth.

Pratt (illness) will start at shortstop and bat seventh Saturday against the Cardinals.

Pratt missed out on the starting nine Friday but entered the game off the bench, and he now seems to be feeling well enough to resume serving as Milwaukee's starting shortstop. The 22-year-old has enjoyed quite a bit of success at the plate this month, batting .306 (19-for-62) with 12 RBI, eight runs scored and six steals over 19 games.