MLB Player News

Abreu (illness) is starting Game 1 of the ALDS against the Astros on Thursday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Abreu was sidelined for Sunday's regular-season finale after he experienced flu-like symptoms, but he went through warmups ahead of Thursday's game and was deemed ready to play. He'll serve as the designated hitter and bat third in Game 1.

Abreu (illness) joined the White Sox in Houston ahead of the team's American League Divisional Series with the Astros, but he's uncertain to start in Game 1 on Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Abreu was withheld from the lineup in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Tigers after experiencing flu-like symptoms, and the White Sox have relayed that multiple follow-up tests have determined the star first baseman isn't COVID-19 positive. While the 34-year-old's condition has seemingly improved since the weekend, the White Sox have yet to decide whether he'll be available for Game 1. On a positive note, Abreu doesn't look like he's in any real danger of missing out on a spot on the White Sox's ALDS roster.

Rizzo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two strikeouts in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Game.

Rizzo brought Tuesday's winner-take-all game within two runs with his homer in the sixth inning, but the rest of the team was unable to generate enough offensive production to spark a comeback. The 32-year-old appeared in 141 games with the Cubs and Yankees this year, and he slashed .248/.344/.440 with 22 homers, 61 RBI and six stolen bases. He's slated to become a free agent this winter.

Abreu's absence from the lineup for the final game of the regular season Saturday against the Tigers was due to a non-COVID illness, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The illness doesn't appear to be a particularly significant one. Abreu is expected to be a full participant in Tuesday's workout, leaving him plenty of time to get back to full speed by the time the ALDS begins Thursday.

Santana went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Sunday's 7-3 loss to Minnesota.

While the first baseman could be counted on for solid on-base abilities in the first half of the season, he slumped badly after the All-Star break. In the end, Santana posted a .214/.319/.342 slash line, leading to a career-low .660 OPS in 158 games. Outside of a resurgent 2019, Santana's been on a noticeable downward slide since 2016. He's still under contract for 2022, but top prospect Nick Pratto could force Kansas City's hand in spring training after batting .266 across 123 games between Double-A and Triple-A.

The Yankees transferred Voit (knee) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

After experiencing inflammation in his left knee, Voit was placed on the IL on Thursday. Though the Yankees viewed his injury as a multi-week issue, Voit initially appeared to have hope of making a potential return in late October or early November if New York enjoyed a deep postseason run, but his move to the 60-day IL now takes that off the table. To fill Voit's spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Brady Koerner and subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Abreu is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

The veteran gets a rare day off, but he'll be back in action when the ALDS begins in Houston on Thursday. Andrew Vaughn is playing first base and batting eighth Sunday.

Voit (knee) will be out of action for the next few weeks but could return if the Yankees go deep into October, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Voit was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday, but it appears likely that he'll need more than the minimum stay before he's ready to return. That probably rules him out of the ALDS -- should the Yankees get that far -- but leaves the door open for Voit to return if New York advances to the ALCS. The slugger played sparingly down the stretch and, barring injury to others on the roster, would likely fill a bench role if he does see postseason action.

Gurriel is on the bench for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Currently boasting a .318 average, Gurriel is in position to win the AL batting title. Marwin Gonzalez fills in at first base and bats seventh Sunday.

Guerrero (ankle) is batting third and playing first base Sunday against the Orioles.

As expected, Guerrero is good to go after rolling his ankle and exiting Saturday's game. He has an enticing matchup against left-handed starter Bruce Zimmermann.