MLB Player News

Rooker has checked out well following surgery on his fractured forearm, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Rooker was struck by a pitch in the forearm back in mid-September, just seven games into his debut season. He's expected to be ready to go by next year's spring training.

Jimenez (foot) remains sidelined for Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against Oakland on Wednesday.

Jimenez remains out while dealing with the mild right foot sprain that cost him the final three games of the regular season. He didn't appear off the bench in Game 1 despite reportedly being available, but he wasn't needed as the White Sox won 4-1. Leury Garcia remains the starter in left field in his absence.

Choi is out of the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the Rays' wild-card series with the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The hamstring injury that sidelined Choi for the final two weeks of the regular season no longer looks to be a major concern, as he was included on the Rays' postseason roster and came off the bench in Tuesday's 3-1 win to make an appearance as a pinch-hitter. His absence from the lineup Wednesday is likely a result of the Blue Jays bringing a lefty (Hyun-Jin Ryu) to the hill.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that Buxton was excluded from the lineup for Wednesday's Game 2 against the Astros because the outfielder "is not felling 100 percent," Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Buxton missed the Twins' final two regular-season contests after experiencing mild concussion symptoms, but he was cleared to start in center field Tuesday in the team's postseason opener. Though he played all nine innings in Minnesota's 4-1 loss and went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts and a stolen base, Buxton may have gotten banged up somewhere along the way. While Baldelli noted that he couldn't elaborate on the nature of Buxton's condition, the skipper indicated the 26-year-old may still be available off the bench. Alex Kirilloff will pick up his first career start Wednesday in Buxton's stead.

Buxton is not in Wednesday's Game 2 lineup against the Astros.

The Twins will turn to Alex Kirilloff, their second-best prospect and a left-handed hitter, to make his big-league debut against righty Jose Urquidy, with Max Kepler sliding over to center field. Buxton will likely be used as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch runner if the situation calls for it.

Stanton went 1-for-5 with a solo homer Tuesday in a win over the Indians in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Round.

Stanton cranked a solo home run in the ninth inning off Cam Hill. The 30-year-old only played in 23 games during the 2020 season, yet he was effective when he appeared, recording a slash line of .250/.387/.500. The Yankees will hope for continued good health as they look to make a push during the postseason.

Buxton went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts and a stolen base in a Game 1 loss to the Astros in Tuesday's wild-card opener.

Buxton was on the receiving end of a scary HBP last Friday, and he ended up sitting the final two days of the regular season while reportedly experiencing mild concussion symptoms. Fortunately, it seems he's fine for the most part, although it's not crazy to think the Twins could try to work Alex Kirilloff into the lineup for Game 2, perhaps at Buxton's expense.

Ford will be part of the Yankees' roster for the AL Wild Card Round against Cleveland.

Ford had very little success at the plate this season, hitting .135/.226/.270 in 84 plate appearances. He'll presumably be limited to pinch-hit duty because starting first baseman Luke Voit led the entire league with 22 homers.

Collins was added to the White Sox's roster for the Wild Card Round against the Athletics.

Collins will likely fill a minor role, as he'll be the third catcher behind a pair of good ones in Yasmani Grandal and James McCann. He didn't make a good case for bench at-bats in his 18 trips to the plate this season, as he grabbed just a single hit.

Jimenez (foot) has made the White Sox's wild-card roster but will not be in the lineup for Game 1 against the A's on Tuesday.

Jimenez is still working his way back from the mild right foot sprain that cost him the final three games of the regular season. He's seemingly quite close to a return but still felt discomfort Tuesday morning and won't be asked to start. He's expected to be available off the bench.