MLB Player News

Rodriguez (13-9) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings in a 5-2 win over Cleveland. He struck out five.

Rodriguez managed to go seven innings for a second start in a row, picking apart the Guardians lineup to close out the season on a high note. The southpaw put up a 3.89 ERA across 81 innings after returning in July from a finger injury, which may have factored into his decline from the 2.64 ERA he managed in 71.2 innings during the first half of the season. Rodriguez finished the campaign with a solid 3.30 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 152.2 innings with 143 strikeouts.

Gray will start Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Gray, who is a free agent this offseason, finished strong with a 1.54 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings over his final seven starts. Pablo Lopez is starting Game 1 for Minnesota.

Eflin will start Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Rangers on Wednesday.

One of the top breakout arms of 2023, Eflin finished strong with a 2.98 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 54 strikeouts over 45.1 innings in his final eight starts. Tyler Glasnow is starting Game 1.

Wheeler is starting Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Marlins on Tuesday.

Wheeler had a 3.29 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 41 innings over his final seven starts of the season. He will pitch opposite Jesus Luzardo.

Glasnow is starting Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Rangers on Tuesday.

Glasnow struggled in a few starts in September, but he still struck out 48 batters in 33.1 innings over his six starts last month. Zach Eflin will start Game 2 on Wednesday.

Rutledge allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings Sunday against Atlanta. He did not factor into the decision.

Rutledge was handed a four-run lead before he even took the mound but couldn't hold onto it for long. He allowed a two-run single in the bottom of the inning and a game-tying three-run blast to Marcell Ozuna in the third. The 24-year-old finished with a 6.75 ERA and 12:6 K:BB over four starts during his late-season audition for the Nationals. He had two good outings and two bad ones and figures to be in the running for a spot in the rotation for 2024.

Wainwright officially announced his retirement Sunday, Bally Sports Midwest reports.

The 42-year-old righty was able to go out on a high note, winning his 200th career game in his final start of the year Sept. 18 against the Brewers. He sails off into the sunset with a career 3.53 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 2,202 strikeouts in 2,668.1 career innings.

Garrett will start Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies on Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Garrett had a breakout season and logged a 2.10 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 25.2 innings over his final five starts. Jesus Luzardo will get the ball in Game 1.

Luzardo will start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies on Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The Phillies' playoff rotation has yet to be announced. Luzardo had a 2.91 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 34 innings over his final six starts of the season.

Smyly (11-11) allowed three runs on two hits while retiring only a single batter to take the loss Sunday against the Brewers. He walked three.

Smyly struggled badly in the season finale, throwing just 11 of his 28 pitches for strikes and retiring only the one batter. The veteran southpaw bounced between the bullpen and rotation this year, ultimately making 23 starts and 18 relief appearances. Smyly finishes 2023 with an even 5.00 ERA across 142.1 innings. He's under contract next season in Chicago, though he's not an appealing fantasy option at this point in his career.