MLB Player News

The Cubs placed Wicks on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right oblique strain, Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com reports.

It's the same injury which sidelined Wicks for more than two months before he returned at the beginning of September. He posted a 7.50 ERA and 10:10 K:BB over four starts since his activation, so it's possible the lefty was never fully healthy. Wicks finishes the season having been limited to just 46 innings due to injury, holding a 5.48 ERA and 42:20 K:BB.

Espinal is not in the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Pirates.

After starting each of the previous 16 games, Espinal will begin Friday's series opener on the bench. Noelvi Marte will hold down third base for the Reds.

The Reds selected Busenitz's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

He'll give the Reds a fresh relief arm after the bullpen needed to cover five innings Thursday against Atlanta. Busenitz gave up four runs (three earned) in one inning of work in his lone appearance with the big club in 2024.

The Reds optioned Leibrandt to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Leibrandt was pummeled for seven runs over four innings in an extended relief appearance Thursday versus Atlanta. He's being replaced on the roster by Alan Busenitz, who gives the bullpen a fresh arm.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Friday on MLB Network that it's "very unlikely" Ohtani (elbow) will pitch during the postseason.

Ohtani has been throwing off a mound and is expected to face hitters soon as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Manager Dave Roberts said earlier this month that the chances of Ohtani pitching out of the bullpen some during the playoffs are "not zero," but it was always an extreme long shot and Gomes added that it's "not in the plans as of now." On Thursday, Ohtani become the first player in major-league history to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. He'll return to being a two-way player in 2025.

Atlanta optioned Biggio to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

The 29-year-old was added to Atlanta's big-league roster Sept. 11 shortly after being acquired from San Francisco, but he'll now head to Triple-A as Ozzie Albies (wrist) returns from the injured list. Biggio appeared in just four games during his brief time in the majors, and he has a .197/.314/.303 slash line in 78 games between the Dodgers, the Blue Jays and Atlanta this season.

Garcia (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Cubs, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

It's the third straight start Garcia has missed due to soreness in his right wrist. He is considered day-to-day. Darren Baker will make a second straight start at the keystone while Garcia rests.

Atlanta activated Albies (wrist) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Albies is finally ready to rejoin Atlanta's lineup after missing most of the second half with a fractured left wrist. The switch hitter will bat only from the right side of the plate for the time being, as he still feels some discomfort when hitting left-handed. Albies has always been a stronger hitter from the right side of the dish, boasting a career .932 OPS versus southpaws.

Adon (biceps) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

The right-hander landed on the injured list in late August due to a biceps strain, and he won't be eligible to return for the final stretch of the season. Adon made one start in eight appearances with the Nationals this year and posted a 6.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB over 10.2 innings.

Young (shoulder) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Young had to be removed from Thursday's contest after banging up his left shoulder on a slide. The good news is that while the shoulder remains sore, there is no structural damage, so consider Young day-to-day. It's unclear whether the speedy outfielder will be available off the bench. Dylan Crews will shift over to center field for the Nationals on Friday, while Joey Gallo draws the start in right.