MLB Player News

Tucker (calf) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Nationals.

Tucker hasn't played since exiting Tuesday's contest against Atlanta with left calf tightness. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Friday that the team is hoping Tucker can return to the lineup sometime this weekend, perhaps in the designated hitter spot, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. Willi Castro will be in right field for Chicago in Friday's series opener.

Susana has been diagnosed with a right lat strain, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Susana had to be removed from his last start at Double-A Harrisburg with the injury. He will meet with the Nationals' medical staff soon to discuss his options, but the injury will likely prevent Susana from pitching again this season. The 21-year-old has collected a 3.51 ERA and 95:34 K:BB over 56.1 innings covering 14 starts between High-A Wilmington and Harrisburg in 2025. Susana previously missed time this season due to a sprained elbow.

Gray (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Wilmington on Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Gray is slated to throw two innings or 35 pitches during Sunday's outing, his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in July of 2024. Considering the lengthy layoff, Gray will require several rehab starts before being cleared to come off the injured list. Still, the 27-year-old has a chance to pitch for the Nationals before the 2025 season ends.

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.