MLB Player News

Crews is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs.

It's a routine day off for Crews, who is hitting only .210/.310/.306 with no home runs in 19 contests since returning from a long stint on the injured list. Daylen Lile will patrol right field and bat cleanup for the Nationals.

Stowers (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

As expected, Stowers will begin his minor-league rehab assignment Friday, likely the last step in his recovery from a strained left oblique. The outfielder has been sidelined since Aug. 17 and shouldn't require too many games at Jacksonville before being reinstated from the injured list.

Reynolds went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Dodgers.

Reynolds played a key part in a four-run fourth inning for the Pirates, singling in a run and then coming around to score. He's underwhelmed for large stretches of the season but has five home runs, 19 RBI and 18 runs scored across his last 32 games while hitting .296.

Yorke went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a double Thursday against the Dodgers.

Yorke made his second start since being promoted to the majors at the start of September, both of which have come against lefties. He was lifted in the eighth inning for defensive purposes, but Yorke delivered a key double that knocked in two in the fifth frame prior to his departure. Yorke looks to be on the small side of a platoon for the time being, but he could force his way into more at-bats if he continues to hit.

Stephenson (thumb) is a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in two games of a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson, who is on the injured list with a fractured thumb, began the assignment Wednesday, when he caught seven innings and homered in his first plate appearance. He followed up as the designated hitter for six innings Thursday. The report indicates an expected return date of Friday, when the Reds begin a weekend series at home against the Mets.

Romano (finger) threw a bullpen session Thursday, MLB.com reports.

After playing long toss Wednesday, Romano is continuing his throwing progression amid his recovery from right middle finger inflammation. The 32-year-old right-hander expects to pitch again this season, though Romano has a calamitous 8.23 ERA for the year and will likely work low-leverage situations if he returns in 2025.

Garrett (elbow) began a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Thursday.

Garrett made his first rehab appearance Thursday and struck out two while allowing one hit across one inning. He has only been sidelined since Aug. 25, so Garrett should be able to return after a couple outings in the minors.

Muncy (oblique) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Muncy started the game at third base and played five innings before being removed. He also went 1-for-4 with a single. Assuming Muncy avoids a setback, he is expected back during the Dodgers' homestand that begins Monday.

Betts went 1-for-4 with a solo home in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Pirates.

The 32-year-old shortstop smacked his 15th homer of the year, and he now has at least one hit in five of his last six outings. Betts has found himself in a season-long slump -- his .701 OPS is well on pace to be the worst mark of his career by far -- but his overall fantasy upside should remain decent from the top part of the Dodgers' lineup. Through 568 plate appearances, Betts is slashing a pedestrian .250/.322/.379 with 18 doubles, 61 RBI, 83 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

Holderman secured the save Thursday against the Dodgers, allowing one hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

It's possible that primary closer Dennis Santana was unavailable after working each of the past two days for the Pirates, which opened the door for Holderman to collect his first save of the year and the third of his career. However, Holderman shouldn't be expected to see many more save chances down the stretch. Over 22.1 innings, the right-hander has a 7.66 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 15:14 K:BB with two holds.