MLB Player News

McCutchen was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a partial tear in his left Achilles, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

McCutchen will need to wear a walking boot for the next six weeks, so the injury effectively ends his season. It could also potentially spell the end of his Pirates career since he'll hit free agency this offseason, although 'Cutch has indicated a desire to come back for at least one more year. He's had a solid 2023 campaign, slashing .256/.378/.397 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 112 games. McCutchen has basically been a full-time designated hitter for the Pirates this season and the team now figures to rotate through multiple players in that spot in the final month.

McCutchen (Achilles) was seen wearing a walking boot Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McCutchen departed Monday's game versus the Brewers due to left Achilles tightness and didn't play Tuesday. He has downplayed the injury previously, but it would appear it's more serious than he let on. Also noteworthy is that Jared Triolo has a locker at PNC Park, so it's possible he's taking McCutchen's spot on the roster. At the very least, McCutchen will miss another start Wednesday.

Alvarez went 3-for-6 with a two-run home run Tuesday against the Rangers.

Alvarez suffering a minor knee injury Sunday while playing the outfield. He's remained in the lineup and shown no signs of slowing down at the dish in two games since, reaching base six times across 12 at-bats. As expected, Alvarez has been an excellent hitter since returning from an oblique injury July 26, maintaining a .316 average with seven homers, 24 RBI and 22 runs scored across 36 contests.

Martini entered as a pinch hitter and hit a three-run home run in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Mariners.

Martini's three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth inning tied the game before Christian Encarnacion-Strand ended matters in the ninth. The home run was Martini's fourth in 46 plate appearances since the Reds added him to the roster in August. Prior to his stint with Cincinnati, the 33-year-old had just two homers in 333 PAs in the majors. Martini, who had an .874 OPS at Triple-A Louisville, was overlooked several times earlier this season as the club called up its younger prospects, but he may have had the biggest hit in the Reds' improbable season.

Ohtani remains day-to-day with right oblique tightness, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports. "We'll see how he is [Wednesday] when he comes in," manager Phil Nevin said after Tuesday's game. "We'll have a conversation. But I think we dodged a bullet there as far as injury goes."

Tests on Ohtani's oblique showed no strain and "just a tiny bit of inflammation," per Nevin. Ohtani felt something in his oblique while taking batting practice Monday, but despite that, he pushed to play Tuesday. The Angels decided against it, but Ohtani's desire to continue hitting and the team downplaying his latest injury suggest he's not facing an imminent shutdown. His agent announced Monday that Ohtani is facing some sort of procedure on his elbow in the offseason, and the Angels are no longer in playoff contention, so an early shutdown can't be completely ruled out.

Morel went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 11-8 win over the Giants.

Morel entered the game as a pinch hitter in the third inning and made his mark in the seventh, hitting his 20th home run of the season with two runners on as the Cubs rallied for six runs in the frame. The 24-year-old has been out of the starting lineup the past three days, so he may have lost his grip on an everyday role, though he can still do some damage off the bench. Of course, fantasy managers would rather see Morel starting.

Belt (illness) isn't in the Blue Jays' lineup Tuesday against the Athletics.

A stomach virus kept Belt out of Monday's lineup, and the issue seems to still be bothering him ahead of Tuesday's contest. George Springer will serve as Toronto's DH while Belt recovers, allowing Cavan Biggio to start in right field and bat sixth.

Ohtani (oblique) will sit out Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ohtani reportedly wanted to play Tuesday, but manager Phil Nevin opted to keep him on the bench while the team continues to evaluate his oblique injury. A torn UCL in Ohtani's right elbow has already eliminated any opportunity for the two-way phenom to pitch for the rest of the season, and test results on his oblique will determine how long he will be held out of the lineup.

Choi (ribs) is beginning a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A El Paso.

Choi will serve as El Paso's designated hitter and bat third in his rehab debut against the Triple-A affiliate of the Rangers. Out since Aug. 14 due to a left rib strain, Choi could potentially return to the Padres sometime this weekend if all goes well on the farm.

Rooker isn't in the Athletics' lineup Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

Rooker will sit down Tuesday after starting September 3-for-14 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored over four games. Rooker's absence will allow Tyler Soderstrom to serve as Oakland's DH and bat seventh.