MLB Player News

Alexander isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Kansas City.

Alexander will grab a seat on the bench after going 2-for-4 with a homer and an additional run scored in Friday's victory. His absence will allow Coby Mayo to start at third base while batting seventh.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith will get a day to reset after going 0-for-11 with a pair of walks across his last three games. Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell and LaMonte Wade will start across Houston's outfield while Smith is on the bench.

Dingler (thumb) will serve as the designated hitter and bat third during Saturday's game against the Phillies.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that Dingler's availability for the rest of the series was uncertain due to his injured right thumb, but he's been cleared to work as the DH and could return behind the plate in Sunday's first-half finale, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Dingler had gone 9-for-32 (.281) with two RBI and six runs scored in his last eight games before getting injured.

The Cubs reinstated Maton (knee) from the injured list Saturday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Maton landed on the injured list in late June with right knee tendinitis but has now been cleared to return to Chicago's bullpen after tossing 1.2 shutout innings during his lone rehab outing at Triple-A. The 33-year-old has struggled to find his footing this year, turning in a 6.08 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over 26.2 innings. He'll replace Jake Woodford on the active roster.

Frelick isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Frelick will get a breather after hitting his fourth home run of the season during Saturday's matinee. While he sits, Luis Lara will start in right field and bat seventh.

Contreras isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Pittsburgh.

After going 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI during a loss in Game 1, Contreras will pass catching duties along to Gary Sanchez in the nightcap.

Mangum isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

After going 1-for-3 with two runs scored during a victory in Game 1, Mangum will grab a seat on the bench to begin the nightcap. Bryan Reynolds, Billy Cook and Esmerlyn Valdez will form the Pirates' outfield trio while Mangum sits.

Davis isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

Davis went 1-for-2 with a run and a pair of walks during the first half of the twin bill, and he'll now get a chance to rest during the final game. Rafael Flores will start at catcher and bat seventh.

Murdock was added to the active roster as Pittsburgh's 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against Milwaukee.

Murdock has spent the entire 2026 campaign in the minors and owns a 3.45 ERA through 15.2 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis. He'll now join the big club for the first time this year to add depth to the Pirates' bullpen for the second game of the twin bill, and he'll likely be sent back down to Triple-A once Saturday's festivities are complete.

The Pirates optioned Brannigan to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Brannigan struck out in his lone plate appearance after getting called up from Triple-A on Tuesday, and he'll now return to the minors in order to make room for new acquisition Jacob Gonzalez. Brannigan, 25, has slashed .219/.341/.478 in 213 plate appearances across all five levels of Pittsburgh's farm system this season.