MLB Player News

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Luzardo will be an opener for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series in Atlanta on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo has not started a game in three weeks, having missed time down the stretch of the regular season with left shoulder inflammation. However, the southpaw returned for the Phillies' regular-season finale Sunday and tossed a perfect inning against the Rays. While Luzardo could be capable of covering multiple frames Tuesday, it will not be a traditional start. Andrew Painter will be available out of the bullpen Tuesday and could absorb the bulk of the workload in Game 1.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Arraez (ankle) will not be included on the National League Wild Card series roster, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Arraez suffered a left ankle sprain last Thursday while trying to avoid a tag at first base, and he has yet to resume baseball activities. It's possible he will return to play at some point if the Phillies advance, but Arraez's health status for the time being is very much up in the air. Otto Kemp will take Arraez's spot on the Phillies' roster.

Stott went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Rays.

Stott helped the Phillies clinch a playoff spot Sunday, and he's certainly heating up ahead of the postseason. He's hit safely in eight of his last 10 games, picking up multiple hits four times during that stretch. Stott hit .256 with 10 homers, 67 RBI, 71 runs scored and 27 stolen bases in 536 at-bats this regular season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Judge (calf) is "making progress" and will take live batting practice Monday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Judge did some hitting and throwing indoors Sunday and will hit on the field Monday. The three-time American League MVP has pledged to be ready for the wild-card series matchup against the Red Sox, though the Yankees have not committed to Judge being healthy enough to be included on the roster. Judge suffered a moderate right calf strain less than two weeks ago.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Monday that Westburg (elbow) will begin a hitting progression this week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May and missed the entire 2026 season. However, because he's a position player and not a pitcher, he has a good chance to head into the 2027 season without any limitations. Westburg has slashed .264/.312/.456 over parts of three major-league seasons and, assuming health, could open next season as the Orioles' primary third baseman.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Monday that Bradish will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a sports hernia, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Bradish has been sidelined since mid-September with the injury and has ultimately decided to have it surgically repaired. More should be known regarding a timetable following the operation, but it should not affect Bradish's availability for the beginning of spring training. The right-hander finished the 2026 season with a 4.12 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 142:70 K:BB over 155 innings covering 29 starts.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Monday that the team has yet to decide whether Crochet (lat) will be include on the American League Wild Card series roster versus the Yankees, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Crochet has not pitched in a competitive setting since late April, as he has been brought along slowly in his recovery from a left lat strain. He's been throwing off a mound for several weeks and resumed facing hitters last week. If Crochet is included on Boston's wild-card series roster, it will be in a bullpen role, as he is not stretched out to be used as a starting pitcher.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Monday that Tolle will start Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

The Yankees have a left-handed-hitting heavy lineup, so the Red Sox will hand the ball to southpaw Tolle in the first game rather than righty Sonny Gray. It will be Gray starting Game 2, and Ranger Suarez will be lined up for a potential Game 3. Tolle -- who will square off against Cam Schlittler -- logged a 3.03 ERA and 171:40 K:BB over 148.2 innings covering 26 starts during the regular season.

Ward has joined the Red Sox in New York and could be part of their American League Wild Card Series roster versus the Yankees, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

The outfielder has yet to play in the majors and would need to be added to the 40-man roster. If Ward is included on Boston's wild-card roster it would be in a pinch runner/defensive replacement. The 27-year-old stole 61 bases this season with Triple-A Worcester while sporting a .251/.364/.373 batting line.

The Astros outrighted Alexander to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

Alexander passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old has been outrighted previously, so he has the ability to decline the assignment and become a free agent. Alexander posted a 9.33 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 18.1 innings with Houston in 2026.