MLB Player News

Verlander will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Rangers on Sunday in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Verlander would have gotten the call for a potential ALDS Game 5 start against the Twins, but the Astros took care of business with a clinching Game 4 victory Wednesday at Target Field. The veteran right-hander was his usual trusty October self in Game 1 of that best-of-five series, tallying six strikeouts over six scoreless innings in a 6-4 defeat of Minnesota. He'll be on seven full days of rest leading into the opener of the best-of-seven American League Championship Series versus Texas.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that Means' left elbow checked out fine and the pitcher will participate fully in spring training, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Means was excluded from the team's ALDS roster because of elbow soreness, which initially raised a red flag considering this was his first year back from Tommy John surgery. However, the left-hander was expected to be ready for the ALCS had the Orioles advanced, so there never appeared to be much internal concern about the setback. Means posted a 2.66 ERA and 10:4 K:BB over 23.2 innings in 2023 after rejoining Baltimore's rotation late in the season.

Dunn (shoulder) elected free agency Wednesday.

Dunn had been cast off the Reds' 40-man roster and has decided to look for another organization rather than accept an outright assignment. The right-hander missed all of this season with a shoulder injury, which eventually required surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule. Dunn probably won't be ready to pitch until well into the 2024 campaign.

Kershaw is considering receiving an additional examination of his left shoulder, Andy McCullough of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw was initially injured in late June, with the Dodgers providing only a vague "left shoulder inflammation" diagnosis. He returned following a six-week absence and pitched well down the stretch of the regular season. His velocity was diminished, though, and he was bludgeoned for six runs while recording just one out in his lone postseason start. Kershaw will be a free agent this offseason and expects to contemplate for several weeks before deciding whether to continue his career. The condition of his shoulder certainly could play a big factor in his decision.

Suarez will start against Atlanta in Game 4 of the NLDS on Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Suarez had a strong outing during Game 1 of the NLDS, throwing 3.2 scoreless frames while striking out four batters en route to a Philadelphia victory. Atlanta's lineup developed a reputation for crushing left-handed pitchers in the regular season; however, the team has gotten off to a slow start in the postseason, and Suarez could be able to once again capitalize on Atlanta's collective slump.

Strider will start Thursday in Game 4 of the NLDS in Philadelphia, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

This was merely a formality, as Strider started Game 1 and will be on regular rest Thursday. He took the loss in the series opener in spite of a terrific effort which saw him allow two runs (one earned) while striking out eight over seven innings. The Phillies have not yet confirmed their Game 4 starter, but it's expected to be Ranger Suarez.

Elder will start Wednesday in Game 3 of the NLDS in Philadelphia, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The decision came down to Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver and Atlanta has opted for the more experienced hurler. Elder posted a 3.81 ERA over 31 starts this season, but he held a 5.11 ERA in the second half and allowed 13 runs over 12.1 innings covering his last three regular season outings. There will be a short leash for Elder in this one, with Smith-Shawver looming as an alternative if a quick hook is required.

Scherzer (shoulder) will throw another simulated game Wednesday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Scherzer pitched three innings (two against hitters) of a sim game ahead of the ALDS, and Wednesday's session will be a test to see how deep into a game he can go. The 39-year-old is recovering from a right teres major strain and may still be held off the Rangers' roster for the ALCS, but Scherzer remains well ahead of schedule in his rehab process.

Urquidy will start Wednesday against the Twins in Game 4 of the ALDS, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Urquidy seemed to be slated for a bullpen role ahead of Houston's ALDS matchup with Minnesota, but he'll instead get the nod to start as the Astros looks for their seventh consecutive ALCS berth. The 28-year-old righty threw nine straight shutout innings over his final two regular-season outings and has yet to appear in the postseason.

Gibson will be available out of the bullpen in Game 3 of the ALDS on Tuesday versus the Rangers, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Gibson would seemingly be an option to start a potential Game 4, but the Orioles are facing elimination from the best-of-five series and will take an all-hands-on-deck approach into Game 3. The veteran right-hander went 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 157:55 K:BB over 192 innings (33 starts) during the regular season. He has yet to pitch in the 2023 postseason.