Yamamoto is starting Game 1 of the NLDS against San Diego on Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Yamamoto was originally slated to start Game 2, but he'll flip spots with Jack Flaherty. If the series goes a full five games, Yamamoto is projected to pitch in the decisive contest. He's pitched well in his return from a triceps injury, allowing two or fewer earned runs in three of four starts.

The Mets sent Alvarez outright to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday after he went unclaimed on waivers.

Alvarez was designated for assignment Tuesday, as he was ineligible to be on the postseason roster due to joining the club in September from Boston.

Bauers is absent from the lineup Thursday for Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series versus the Mets.

It's southpaw Jose Quintana on the bump for the Mets, so the left-handed hitting Bauers will yield to Gary Sanchez for the second straight day. William Contreras is receiving a turn at designated hitter while Sanchez works behind the plate. Bauers will be a candidate to come off the bench once the Mets turn to a right-handed reliever.

Mitchell is not in the lineup Thursday for Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Mets.

The Mets are starting a lefty for the second day in a row, and Mitchell has been out of the starting nine on both occasions. Mitchell came off the bench to deliver a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning of Game 2 and is a candidate to enter mid-game again Thursday when the Mets turn to a righty reliever. Blake Perkins is in center field and batting second in Game 3.

Yamamoto will start Sunday in Game 2 of the NLDS against San Diego, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Yamamoto allowed eight earned runs over six innings across his two appearances against the Padres during the regular season, though it's been nearly six months since he last faced the division rival. More recently, the 26-year-old righty turned in a 3.38 ERA and 21:5 K:BB over 16 frames following his return from the injured list Sept. 10.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that Rizzo (fingers) has yet to resume baseball activities, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo suffered two fractured fingers on his right hand when he was hit by a pitch in the penultimate game of the regular season. He remains a longshot to be included on the ALDS roster, but the ALCS would seemingly be more realistic if the Yankees are able to advance. Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera are in line to handle first base for the ALDS.

Darvish will start Sunday in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Michael King would be on regular rest Sunday following a dominant 12-strikeout outing in the wild-card series versus Atlanta, but the Padres will hold him back, presumably for Game 3. Darvish will be opposed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Cease will start Saturday in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After not being needed in the two-game sweep of Atlanta in the wild-card round, Cease was an easy call to take the ball in the NLDS opener. The righty collected a 3.47 ERA and 224:65 K:BB across 189.1 innings covering 33 starts this season for the Padres. Cease will be opposed by Jack Flaherty.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that he expects Rodriguez (lat) to more or less by without restrictions at the beginning of spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez sustained a right lat strain in early August and was eventually shut down in late September after it became apparent he wasn't going to make it back for the regular or postseason. He should be able to have a relatively normal throwing program during the offseason, though health concerns could linger given how much time he missed in 2024.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that he expects Mateo (elbow) to more or less be full go for the start of spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mateo required UCL reconstruction surgery on his left elbow in late August for an injury he initially suffered in late July. Because the operation was on his non-throwing elbow, it significantly reduces the recovery time. Mateo is eligible for arbitration for a final time this winter and should be back in a utility role for the Orioles in 2025.