MLB Player News

Rasmussen didn't factor in the decision in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Monday, allowing two runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts and no walks over six innings.

After striking out 10 and allowing just one hit across eight scoreless frames against the Yankees in the ALDS, Rasmussen wasn't quite able to replicate that performance to begin the championship series. Still, it was a good showing from the right-hander, who departed after serving up a leadoff homer to Patrick Bailey to begin the seventh inning, which tied the game 2-2. Rasmussen has a 1.29 ERA and 17:2 K:BB across 14 innings through his first two starts of the playoffs and tentatively lines up to take the ball in Game 5 at Cleveland on Saturday.

Gray said recently that he plans to continue his playing career in 2027, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

An impending free agent, Gray hinted often throughout the regular season that he wasn't sure whether he'd keep pitching beyond the 2026 campaign. However, after consulting with his family, the veteran right-hander determined it was an "easy decision" to continue his career. Gray -- who turns 37 in November -- certainly looked this season like he had plenty left in the tank, going 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 149:46 K:BB over 169 innings.

Simpson is absent from the lineup Monday in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

With left-hander Foster Griffin toeing the rubber for Cleveland, the left-handed-hitting Simpson will begin the festivities on the bench. The Rays will roll out Ryan Vilade in left field. Simpson is a good bet to eventually enter Monday's contest after the Guardians turn to their bullpen.

Palacios is not in the lineup Monday in Game 1 of the ALCS versus the Guardians.

The lefty-swinging Palacios started all three games of the ALDS against the Yankees, including versus southpaw Max Fried. However, he will be on the bench Monday as the Guardians send lefty Foster Griffin to the hill. Ben Williamson will handle second base for the Rays.

Hicks is absent from the lineup Monday for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

Hicks went just 1-for-10 at the plate in the ALDS sweep of the Yankees. With the Guardians turning to southpaw Foster Griffin in Game 1, the left-handed-hitting Hicks will yield to Nick Fortes at catcher for the Rays.

Martinez is not in the lineup Monday for Game 1 of the ALCS versus the Rays.

Martinez started in left field in the Guardians' first four postseason games but went 0-for-15 at the plate. He has since been out of the lineup for two consecutive contests. Cleveland will go with Steven Kwan in left field and Petey Halpin in center field Monday.

Hopkins has been included on the Rays' roster for the ALCS, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

He will take the roster spot of Garrett Cleavinger, as the Rays will swap out a righty for a lefty in their bullpen. Hopkins made six appearances out of the bullpen down the stretch for the Rays, allowing three runs with a 7:6 K:BB in 5.1 frames. The 24-year-old has electric stuff, but manager Kevin Cash might not feel comfortable using Hopkins in high leverage due to his control problems.

Cleavinger will not be on the Rays' ALCS roster, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Cleavinger returned from a forearm injury in time to be part of the ALDS roster, but the southpaw did not make an appearance against the Yankees. He's roster spot will be absorbed by Brody Hopkins.

Cecconi has been added to the Guardians' roster for the ALCS, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians have opted for another bullpen arm with Cecconi over utility player Daniel Schneemann. Cecconi has not pitched in a game in more than two weeks but offers the club some length, if needed.

Scheemann is absent from the Guardians' roster for the ALCS, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians will go with an additional pitcher against the Rays instead, with Slade Cecconi joining the bullpen. Schneemann did not make an appearance during the ALDS versus the White Sox.