MLB Player News

Okert (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Monday and could be included on the Astros' wild-card series roster against the White Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Okert has been shelved since early September with a right hamstring strain, but it sounds like the Astros could get one of their better relievers back in time for the playoffs. The left-hander has logged a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB over 67.2 innings this season.

Wade announced his retirement from professional baseball Monday.

Wade inked a minor-league contract with the Rangers last winter but was released in April and never signed on anywhere else. The 31-year-old will finish his career having slashed .216/.294/.284 over parts of nine major-league seasons.

Judge (calf) said Monday that he's been "feeling great" while running on an anti-gravity treadmill but has yet to try running the bases, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Judge plans to do some more running on the anti-gravity treadmill Monday and could try running outside, as well. The slugger was also scheduled to take live batting practice on the field. Judge is aiming to be included on the Yankees' wild-card series roster despite suffering a moderate right calf strain less than two weeks ago. If he is on the roster, it could be in a designated hitter role.

Burnes said Monday that the right shoulder injury which landed him on the 15-day injured list during the final weekend of the regular season was fatigue-related and he expects to be fine after rest, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Burnes had his Tommy John surgery rehab interrupted by a teres major strain in June, and his season ended prematurely due to what the Diamondbacks labeled as shoulder inflammation. However, it sounds as if the veteran hurler will be able to have a normal offseason after resting for a bit. Burnes allowed nine runs with an 8:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings in three starts for Arizona in 2026.

Angels interim general manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Trout approached him about playing left field and designated hitter next season, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Trout logged 109 starts in center field and 33 at DH in 2026, but defensive metrics were again unkind as the 35-year-old finished with a minus-5 in Outs Above Average, per Baseball Savant. The three-time American League MVP's 142 games played in 2026 was his highest total since 2016, but he was more good than great offensively, slashing .242/.382/.421 with 22 home runs, 54 RBI and 11 steals.

Elder (knee) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

It appears to be the first time Elder has faced hitters since he had a scope on his right knee three weeks ago. Elder will not be available for the wild-card series against the Phillies, but he could be an option for subsequent rounds if he progresses and Atlanta advances.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Monday that he expects Garrett (elbow) to be a full participant in spring training, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Garrett underwent UCL reconstruction surgery last October. It's unclear how far along the veteran reliever is in his throwing program, but the expectation is that he'll be ready to roll for spring training. Assuming health, Garrett will likely be a high-leverage reliever for the Mets in 2027. He's logged a 4.10 ERA with 163 strikeouts over 129.2 innings during his time with New York.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Monday that he expects Megill (elbow) to be 100 percent for the start of spring training, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Megill is just over one year removed from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. It's unclear whether he's currently at in the rehab process, but it sounds like Megill won't be facing any real restrictions once spring training rolls around. The 31-year-old Megill could compete for a spot in the Mets' rotation next season.

Kemp will be on the Phillies' wild-card series roster as a replacement for the injured Luis Arraez (ankle), Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kemp had a rough time with the Phillies in 2026, going just 2-for-25 with 10 strikeouts. However, the 27-year-old offers some positional versatility. It's unlikely Kemp will play much during the postseason.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Painter will be available out of the bullpen for Game 1 of the wild-card series in Atlanta on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Painter had been under consideration to start the game. That assignment will go to Jesus Luzardo, though Luzardo will have a limited workload because he hasn't started a game in a few weeks. Painter could be asked to absorb the lion's share of the workload out of the bullpen Tuesday, though that decision might depend on how the game unfolds.