MLB Player News

The Brewers are unlikely to add Woodruff (shoulder) to their roster for the World Series, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Woodruff is scheduled to face hitters Tuesday for the first time since going down with right shoulder inflammation more than three months ago. However, while Woodruff is pushing hard to be included on the roster, there are a couple reasons why the proposition is unlikely. One is that the Brewers might not be allowed to replace Woodruff on the roster if he has a setback, as the rules say it has to be an acute, non-chronic injury. Another is that he simply could be rusty following such a long layoff. In the unlikely even Woodruff is included on the roster, he would work in a relief role.

Peralta was named the MVP of the ALCS after picking up the win in Game 6 against the Guardians on Monday. He allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Peralta delivered a pair of strong starts in the ALCS, resulting in two victories. Before taking the mound to clinch the series Monday, the 30-year-old right-hander earned the win in Game 2, fanning six across six scoreless innings of work in a 3-1 victory. Peralta also recorded two outs without allowing a run in Game 4 out of the bullpen. He'll now set his sights on facing his former club in the World Series and could line up for a start in Game 2 on Saturday.

Messick was charged with the loss in Game 5 of the ALCS against Tampa Bay on Sunday, giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks across two innings.

It was a messy performance from the left-hander, who needed 57 pitches (34 strikes) to record just six outs in a pivotal Game 5. After a strong second half of the regular season that saw him post a 2.30 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 in 13 starts after the All-Star break, Messick has given up nine runs (six earned) over 13.2 frames through four postseason starts. If the Guardians can win Monday to force a Game 7, Messick could be available given his shortened outing Sunday.

Rasmussen earned the win in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk over seven innings.

It was another strong showing from Rasmussen, who has surrendered just three earned runs over 21 frames in three playoffs starts and has given up two runs or fewer in each of his past nine outings dating back to Aug. 24. The right-hander has blossomed into an ace, and Sunday's performance puts Tampa Bay one victory away from making the World Series.

Peralta will start Game 6 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Peralta will take the mound for his second start of the series after he pitched six scoreless innings while striking out six batters on his way to a win in Game 2. He also pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing a walk without surrendering a run in an appearance out of the bullpen in the team's 7-3 victory in Game 4. The right-hander has posted a 0.79 ERA over three postseason appearances this year, and he'll have a chance to help punch the Rays' ticket to the World Series with a win Monday.

Griffin didn't factor in the decision after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday. He struck out five.

The left-hander allowed two runs over four innings while starting Game 1 of the series, but manager Stephen Vogt elected to have him follow opener Shawn Armstrong on Saturday. Griffin gave up a run on a double and a single during the third inning but was otherwise able to keep Tampa Bay in check. He shouldn't pitch Sunday in Game 5 after throwing 44 pitches but seems likely to be available for Game 6 and a possible Game 7.

Martinez earned the win in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks across 5.1 innings.

The right-hander surrendered a run on two hits and a wild pitch during the opening frame but otherwise was able to keep Cleveland off the board to help even the series at 2-2. It was an improved effort from Martinez compared to his first playoff start during the ALDS, when he gave up two runs on five hits in 3.2 innings. He doesn't line up for another start versus the Guardians but could be available out of the bullpen for the final games of the series.

Martinez and the Rays won't face the Guardians on Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS, as the game was postponed due to rain.

Game 4 will now be played Saturday, and Game 5 will be pushed back to Sunday. Martinez will presumably remain in place as Tampa Bay's Game 4 starter and will be looking to bounce back after giving up two earned runs in just 3.2 innings during his last outing against the Yankees in the ALDS.

The Rays list Martinez as their probable pitcher for Friday's ALCS Game 4 in Cleveland.

Martinez will be pitching on eight days' rest after yielding two runs over 3.2 innings in the Rays' ALDS Game 3 win over the Yankees. The right-hander logged a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 109:26 K:BB over 180 regular-season innings for the Rays. The Guardians will counter with opener Shawn Armstrong as an opener, with Tanner Bibee and/or Joey Cantillo likely to handle bulk relief.

Woodruff (shoulder) said Thursday that "it's gonna be hard to keep me off that [World Series] roster," Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff has not pitched in more than three months due to right shoulder inflammation, but he's been throwing off a mound for the past week and hopes to gain clearance to face hitters soon. If the Brewers do decide to carry Woodruff on their World Series roster, it would be in a relief role.