MLB Player News

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.

Vogelbach (hamstring) will be on the Brewers' wild-card roster, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports.

This does not guarantee that he will be in the Game 1 lineup, but with righty Walker Buehler starting for the Dodgers, Vogelbach will be in the lineup if physically able. He is unlikely to start Game 2 against lefty Clayton Kershaw. The big left-handed masher hit .328/.418/.569 with four home runs in 58 at-bats after getting claimed by Milwaukee on Sept. 3.

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.

Choi is not in the lineup for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against Toronto on Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Choi made the playoff roster despite being out since mid-September with a strained hamstring. It's unclear whether his absence is injury-related or if the Rays simply prefer other options at his position. Nate Lowe will be the first baseman Tuesday.