MLB Player News

Grichuk is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Grichuk started in left field in each of the last three games, with the Diamondbacks facing left-handed starting pitchers on all occasions. He's been on the bench, however, for each of the Diamondbacks' three matchups with right-handed pitchers since Lourdes Gurriel (calf) landed on the injured list Tuesday. Grichuk looks as though he'll be ticketed for the short side of a platoon in left field with Pavin Smith until Gurriel returns from the IL.

Hodge walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Yankees.

Hodge continues to thrive in a high-leverage role. He's on a 14-inning scoreless streak, posting a 20:6 K:BB with just five hits allowed in that span. The 23-year-old right-hander has pitched to an excellent 1.70 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB while collecting four saves and nine holds over 37 innings this season. He has functioned as the Cubs' primary closer since Aug. 20. Hodge won't face much competition for the closing job while Jorge Lopez (groin) is on the injured list.

Bell will start at first base and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Astros.

Bell was on the bench for the first two games of the series, but he'll move back into the starting nine for the finale while Ketel Marte and Christian Walker get the evening off. Though Marte should eventually reclaim a full-time role at second base after being eased back in the lineup at designated hitter in the previous two contests, Arizona likely won't have room in the lineup for Bell against right-handed pitching while Walker and Joc Pederson occupy first base and the DH spot, respectively. Bell should at least replace the lefty-hitting Pederson in the lineup when the Diamondbacks face left-handed pitching.

Taillon (10-8) gave up one run on six hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Yankees on Sunday.

The Cubs put up two runs in the first inning, and that was enough for Taillon to work with. He gave up one run in the second on a sacrifice fly. After posting a quality start in just one of his five outings in August, the veteran right-hander has two of them to begin September, allowing one run on nine hits and two walks over 13 innings this month. Taillon is now at a 3.57 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 113:28 K:BB through 146.1 innings over 25 starts this season. He's set for a tough task in his next start, which is projected to be at Colorado.

Guillorme will start at second base and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Astros.

The lefty-hitting Guillorme had been on the bench in each of the last three contests while the Diamondbacks opposed left-handed starters, but he'll draw back into the starting nine Sunday versus Astros righty Justin Verlander. Despite his inclusion in the lineup, Guillorme's opportunities to play against righties will likely be more limited moving forward following Ketel Marte's return from the injured list.

Cook went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Sunday against the Nationals.

Cook had his contract selected from Triple-A earlier Sunday when Henry Davis was put on the shelf with left hand inflammation, then responded with a two-run double in his first big-league at-bat. He later collected a single to round out a successful debut. Cook is a versatile defender capable of playing all over the field and thus could receive an extended look by the Pirates over the final few weeks of the season.

Corbin (5-13) took the loss Sunday, allowing seven runs on 10 hits over six innings against the Pirates. He struck out five.

Corbin entered the contest having allowed three runs total while accumulating wins in each of his last three starts but allowed four runs in the first and seven total over his six-inning performance. The seven runs allowed represented the second time since mid-June that he's allowed more than four runs in a start. Corbin's next opportunity to eat innings for the Nationals is tentatively slated to take place at home against the Marlins.

Jones (6-7) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits over seven innings against the Nationals. He struck out nine.

Jones matched a career high by tossing seven innings, while the nine whiffs were the most he's accumulated in a start since the beginning of May. After allowing single runs in each of the first two innings, Jones retired the final 16 batters he faced, including striking out five of the final six. It was Jones' 11th quality start in 19 appearances this season and second consecutive quality start after struggling in his initial outing following a two-month absence due to a lat injury. With the Pirates out of playoff contention, Jones is a candidate to be limited over the final few weeks of the season. However, as long as he's taking the hill, he belongs in fantasy lineups. He's tentatively lined up to make his next start in a home matchup against the Royals.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Rodriguez (elbow) will report to Double-A Altoona on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Rodriguez has progressed well in his rehab from Tommy John surgery in December, and he'll be able to see game action in the minors after previously being fully ruled out for 2024. The 24-year-old is expected to see most of his playing time at first base and designated hitter, but he'll also see some time behind the plate. Rodriguez still isn't expected to see action with the Pirates before the end of the campaign, but he's setting up to enter the offseason in a strong position heading into 2025.

Walker is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Walker will hit the bench for the series finale in Houston after going 2-for-10 with two walks and a double while starting the previous three games. Josh Bell will start at first base and bat cleanup in his place.