MLB Player News

Diaz went 2-for-5 with a double, a two-run homer and an additional run scored in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Saturday.

Diaz scored Tampa Bay's first run after doubling during the third inning and provided some late insurance with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to stretch the lead to 7-3. It's been a productive series thus far for the 35-year-old slugger, who is batting .278 (5-for-18) with three doubles, a homer, two RBI and four runs through four games.

Aranda went 3-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and two runs during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Saturday.

The first baseman went hitless in the first three games of the series, but he delivered a pair of RBI singles and scored twice Saturday to help Tampa Bay even the series 2-2. Aranda homered in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Yankees but is otherwise without an extra-base hit in October. Still, the three-hit performance improve his postseason slash line to .269/.345/.385 through seven games.

Griffin didn't factor in the decision after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday. He struck out five.

The left-hander allowed two runs over four innings while starting Game 1 of the series, but manager Stephen Vogt elected to have him follow opener Shawn Armstrong on Saturday. Griffin gave up a run on a double and a single during the third inning but was otherwise able to keep Tampa Bay in check. He shouldn't pitch Sunday in Game 5 after throwing 44 pitches but seems likely to be available for Game 6 and a possible Game 7.

Martinez earned the win in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks across 5.1 innings.

The right-hander surrendered a run on two hits and a wild pitch during the opening frame but otherwise was able to keep Cleveland off the board to help even the series at 2-2. It was an improved effort from Martinez compared to his first playoff start during the ALDS, when he gave up two runs on five hits in 3.2 innings. He doesn't line up for another start versus the Guardians but could be available out of the bullpen for the final games of the series.

Ohtani intends to pitch in 2027, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports. "Yes, definitely," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked if he plans to pitch in 2027. "And looking forward to having a better season next year."

It remains to be seen whether Ohtani will have any offseason physical procedures, and how a potential lockout might affect his rehab and subsequent return date. Ohtani was great when he pitched, but he was last able to pitch July 3 due to his left knee injury and later biceps inflammation.

Armstrong and the Guardians won't face the Rays on Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS, as the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

Games 4 and 5 will both be pushed back a day as a result. Armstrong had been slated to work as an opener in Game 4 after logging 5.1 shutout innings to begin the postseason, and the Guardians will stand pat with their plan to use him in the first inning of Saturday's contest, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Tanner Bibee and Joey Cantillo will be candidates to follow Armstrong in a bulk role.

Martinez and the Rays won't face the Guardians on Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS, as the game was postponed due to rain.

Game 4 will now be played Saturday, and Game 5 will be pushed back to Sunday. Martinez will presumably remain in place as Tampa Bay's Game 4 starter and will be looking to bounce back after giving up two earned runs in just 3.2 innings during his last outing against the Yankees in the ALDS.

The Rays list Martinez as their probable pitcher for Friday's ALCS Game 4 in Cleveland.

Martinez will be pitching on eight days' rest after yielding two runs over 3.2 innings in the Rays' ALDS Game 3 win over the Yankees. The right-hander logged a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 109:26 K:BB over 180 regular-season innings for the Rays. The Guardians will counter with opener Shawn Armstrong as an opener, with Tanner Bibee and/or Joey Cantillo likely to handle bulk relief.

Armstrong will serve as the Guardians' opener Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Armstrong has been terrific this postseason, logging 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit with a 5:0 K:BB. Tanner Bibee and/or Joey Cantillo will be options for bulk relief for the Guardians on Friday.

Woodruff (shoulder) said Thursday that "it's gonna be hard to keep me off that [World Series] roster," Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff has not pitched in more than three months due to right shoulder inflammation, but he's been throwing off a mound for the past week and hopes to gain clearance to face hitters soon. If the Brewers do decide to carry Woodruff on their World Series roster, it would be in a relief role.