MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Bregman (face) resumed hitting Wednesday and it "went well," per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures and a swollen left eye after being struck by a ball while in the on-deck circle last week. He took swings off the Trajekt machine Wednesday and is "feeling good in terms of the hitting part," according to Counsell, who added that the third baseman "needs to get the swelling down" in his left cheek before being cleared to play in games. The Cubs aren't ruling Bregman out for a return this weekend in Boston, but he will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that the team doesn't plan to activate Steele (elbow) from the 60-day injured list this weekend, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Steele began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa earlier this month and has allowed six runs (four earned) with an 11:1 K:BB over 7.2 innings covering four appearances. The left-hander is available to pitch for the Cubs, if needed, but the team has decided there's currently not room for him on the active roster. Steele has been sidelined all season, first as he continued his recovery from UCL revision surgery and later due to a flexor strain.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Thursday that Alcantara will not make a start this weekend against Atlanta, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Alcantara had been penciled in to take the ball Saturday in the Marlins' final regular-season series, but the club has decided against having the righty make another start. The right-hander has notched two saves over the past week, as the Marlins have used him in relief on his throw days, and Alcantara will be available out of the bullpen this weekend. Alcantara has logged a league-high 213 innings this season and tied a career high with 33 starts.

Gausman said Thursday that his left shoulder remains sore and he's uncertain when he will be available to pitch, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Gausman injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder during Wednesday's start against the Marlins when his arm was extended awkwardly as he dove to tag a runner out. He will have five days of rest before Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, and he could be the Cubs' choice to start that day if he's physically able. More should be known about Gausman's health status by this weekend.

Sanchez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Colorado.

Sanchez started each of the last six games against right-handed pitching, but he'll begin Thursday's festivities on the bench as the Rockies send righty Tanner Gordon to the bump. Gabriel Moreno will get a day at designated hitter, and James McCann will do the catching for the Diamondbacks.

Vientos is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

The Mets have faced two right-handers since Jared Young (concussion) got hurt. Vientos has been on the bench for both contests, so he remains stuck in a short-side platoon even as the Mets navigate injuries. Juan Soto will be the designated hitter and Nick Morabito will patrol left field for the Mets.

Alvarez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Rangers.

After starting each of the previous four contests, Alvarez will exit the lineup for Thursday's series finale. The Mets will go with Luis Torrens at catcher as they attempt a series sweep.

Harrison struck out a batter and gave up a run on three hits and no walks over an inning of relief in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Phillies.

After giving up five runs (four earned) while failing to escape the second inning in a start versus the Pirates last Thursday, Harrison has made his last two appearances out of the bullpen. Harrison retired just one of the three batters he faced in a relief outing against the Orioles over the weekend, and his struggles continued during Tuesday's appearance. The southpaw had been pitching at an All-Star level during the first half of the season, but he's completely unraveled since returning to action Aug. 5 following a four-week stint on the injured list. Over his 10 appearances (seven starts) since being activated, Harrison owns a 7.80 ERA and 2.20 WHIP across 30 innings. Harrison's string of poor performances could put him at risk of being left off the Brewers' postseason roster.

Mack is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs.

Mack did the catching Wednesday night, so he'll get some rest during Thursday's matinee. Brian Navarreto will handle the catching duties for the Marlins.

Stowers is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Cubs.

Stowers homered in each of the first two games of the series, but he'll retreat to the bench for Thursday's finale. Deyvison De Los Santos will cover first base, and Agustin Ramirez will slot in at designated hitter as the Marlins go for the sweep.