MLB Player News

Chapman went 2-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 11-4 win over the Rays.

The third baseman snapped a 30-game homer drought Thursday and then promptly went yard again the next day, clubbing his 17th long ball of the year in the fifth inning off Erasmo Ramirez. Chapman has still struggled to make a consistent impact since returning from a sprained finger in mid-September -- this was only his second multi-hit performance in 14 games, a stretch in which he's slashing .180/.281/.400 with a 29.8 percent strikeout rate -- but with Toronto needing just one more win (or a Seattle loss) to clinch a wild-card spot, he's finding his power stroke at the right time.

McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's loss to the Guardians.

McKinstry's second-inning home run gave him nine this season. His previous career high was seven, which he recorded in 2021, and the utility player came into the year with only 12 career MLB home runs across three seasons. Heading into 2024, McKinstry figures to retain a versatile role where he plays multiple positions, though his fantasy appeal is limited due to his lack of offensive upside.

Freeman went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in Friday's 7-5 win over the Tigers.

The multi-hit effort was Freeman's first since July 9, though his playing time has been limited. The 24-year-old infielder has gone 9-for-40 (.225) over 17 games in September while swatting two of his three homers on the season. He's batting .242 with a .645 OPS, five stolen bases, 17 RBI and 19 runs scored through 62 contests overall.

Urias (illness) is expected to be available for Saturday's game versus the Red Sox, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Urias was scratched from the lineup Friday because of an illness, but it's nothing serious and he should see at least a little bit of action this weekend before the Orioles begin preparing for the ALDS. They clinched the AL East title Thursday.

Diaz remains out of the lineup Friday versus the Angels.

It's the second straight absence for the 23-year-old infielder, who has slashed just .136/.150/.220 with 17 strikeouts over his last 60 plate appearances dating back to Sept. 2. Aledmys Diaz will handle third base for Oakland on Friday at Angel Stadium.

Moustakas is out of the lineup Friday versus the Athletics.

Michael Stefanic will start at third base and Brandon Drury will serve as the Angels' designated hitter with left-hander Ken Waldichuk toeing the slab for Oakland. Moustakas has posted a weak .542 OPS against southpaws this season.

Urias was scratched from the lineup Friday versus Boston due to an illness, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It doesn't sound like much of a concern. Jordan Westburg will now start at third base and bat sixth against the Red Sox and right-hander Nick Pivetta.

LeMahieu is out of the lineup Friday against the Royals.

Jake Bauers will start at first base and bat sixth as Estevan Florial jumps to the leadoff spot. LeMahieu went 0-for-4 in Thursday's series finale at Toronto and is slashing just .219/.315/.266 over his last 73 plate appearances dating back to Sept. 8.

Walls is absent from the lineup Friday at Toronto.

Junior Caminero is playing shortstop and batting sixth as Curtis Mead handles second base and hits third. The 27-year-old Walls has slashed just .125/.250/.208 with 21 strikeouts over his last 57 plate appearances dating back to Sept. 7.

Henderson is not in the lineup Friday versus the Red Sox.

Henderson will get a breather after the Orioles clinched the American League East title Thursday. Jorge Mateo is playing shortstop and batting ninth Friday as Ramon Urias handles the hot corner and hits eighth.