MLB Player News

Musgrove (elbow) threw an "up-down" bullpen session at Citi Field on Tuesday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Musgrove essentially completed a two-inning simulated game, albeit without facing hitters. He threw approximately 15 pitches, then rested for a bit before tossing another 15 pitches. The right-hander -- who underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 11, 2024 -- remains hopeful that he'll be able to contribute out of the San Diego bullpen in the playoffs, though he's not on pace to be ready to go for the wild-card round. With that in mind, the Padres may need to make a deep postseason run for Musgrove to achieve his goal, and even in that scenario, he may not be trusted with pitching high-leverage innings coming off a major injury. The Padres' main focus remains in ensuring that Musgrove enters spring training at full health and is able to break camp as a member of the Opening Day rotation.

Cortes (biceps) is scheduled to face live hitters Friday at the Padres' facility in Arizona, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Cortes has thrown multiple bullpen sessions since landing on the injured list Sept. 5 due to left biceps tendinitis and is now ready to take the next step in the recovery process by facing hitters. Assuming Friday's workout goes well, Cortes will likely be activated from the IL for the final week of the regular season. Cortes doesn't tentatively line up for a start next week, but with the likelihood that the Padres' playoff positioning will be solidified ahead of their final series next weekend versus the Diamondbacks, Acee speculates that Nick Pivetta won't be asked to start against Arizona. As a result, the Padres could turn to Cortes to make a 3-to-4-inning start or bulk-relief appearance at some point during the series.

Ramos went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Ramos doubled in the first inning before coming around to score San Francisco's first run. With that, he recorded his first two-bagger since Aug. 26. Ramos has struggled over his last nine games, slashing .121/.216/.242 with five runs scored, two RBI and a home run in 37 plate appearances during that span.

Encarnacion went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a double in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Encarnacion made his third appearance after missing over a month due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The 27-year-old lined a two-run double to right field in the first inning and added a single in the third. With that, he delivered his second multi-hit performance over 13 games this season. Overall, he's slashing .205/.205/.436 with six RBI, four runs scored, three doubles, two home runs and a stolen base across 39 plate appearances in the 2025 campaign.

McCann will start at catcher and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Giants.

McCann will crack the lineup for the third time in four games after going 3-for-8 with two home runs and six RBI in his previous two starts. So long as he's swinging a hot bat, McCann will likely be able to play fairly regularly at catcher, clearing the way for Gabriel Moreno to see more time at designated hitter.

Schmitt is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

He'll get some rest during Wednesday's matinee after starting each of the previous seven contests. Christian Koss will occupy second base for the Giants in Schmitt's stead.

Lee is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Arizona.

Lee hasn't tallied a single hit over his last five games, so he'll get a day off to regroup. Drew Gilbert will slide over to center field and Jerar Encarnacion will handle right field Wednesday as the Giants try to avoid a sweep.

Del Castillo is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants.

Del Castillo has now been out of the lineup three times across the last four contests and has not made consecutive starts since mid-August. For the second time in their last three games, the Diamondbacks are going with Gabriel Moreno at designated hitter and James McCann at catcher.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Tucker will travel to Tampa on Wednesday to seek alternative treatment while the progress in his recovery from a left calf strain has plateaued, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Counsell said of Tucker that he's "concerned because he's not responding," per Zach Zaidman of the Cubs Radio Network. Counsell added that he remains "optimistic" Tucker will return at some point this season, but "the days are running out." Tucker is expected to rejoin the team next week in Chicago, but it's uncertain when he might be activated from the 10-day injured list. The All-Star outfielder has been sidelined for the past two weeks.

Pages is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Reds.

Pages had a pair of hits in Tuesday's win over the Reds but will grab a seat for Wednesday's series finale. Jimmy Crooks will start at catcher and bat seventh in the rubber match.