MLB Player News

Lux is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The lefty-hitting Lux will exit the starting nine for the fifth time this season, though Wednesday marks the first occasion that he's on the bench against a right-handed starting pitcher (Chris Paddack). Mookie Betts will shift over from shortstop to fill in at second base for Lux, who is slashing .179/.238/.205 through 42 plate appearances on the season after missing the entire 2023 season while recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith will get some rest after he started behind the plate each of the past three days while going 3-for-13 with a home run, four RBI and an additional run. Austin Barnes draws the starting nod at catcher in the series finale in Minnesota.

McGowan is on the development list with Double-A Reading.

He only threw 25.2 innings in the minors last season -- his first year back from April 2022 Tommy John surgery. This move is likely a maneuver to manage McGowan's workload this season, as he could have been placed on the injured list if he were hurt.

McFarlane, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September, is on the 60-day injured list at Single-A Clearwater and will miss the 2024 season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

The timing of McFarlane's procedure should allow him to be fully recovered for spring training in 2025. The 22-year-old righty has big stuff and shaky command and could eventually end up in the bullpen.

Abrams went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run batted in Tuesday against San Francisco.

Abrams tagged starter Kyle Harrison for the two-run shot in the third inning, marking the shortstop's third long ball of the 2024 season. While it's still early, Abrams has seen a massive power spike in his third MLB season, with his ISO jumping up from .167 in 2023 to .344 through eight games. He ranks second in home runs at the shortstop position, trailing only Mookie Betts.

Harrison (1-1) didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits and no walks over 6.0 innings against Washington. He struck out eight.

Harrison turned in his second quality start of 2024 on Tuesday and had most of the damage against him come on one swing of the bat, with CJ Abrams hitting a two-run home run. Harrison has surrendered a long ball in each of his three starts this season but has been a solid arm on the back end of the Giants rotation, owning a 4.76 ERA and a strong 17:3 K:BB through 17.0 innings.

Finnegan picked up the save Tuesday against San Francisco, allowing two hits and two walks over 1.1 scoreless innings with no strikeouts.

Finnegan got himself in plenty of trouble Tuesday, allowing back-to-back singles and a walk to load the bases with no outs to start the ninth. With just two runs of cushion, it seemed like Finnegan was heading toward his second blown save of the season. However, he was able to get a force out at home on a fielder's choice and then got Matt Chapman to ground out into the game-ending double play. While fantasy managers have had to hold their breath during some of Finnegan's outings, he's received more save chances than expected thus far with the Nationals sitting just one game under .500.

Adon didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over four innings against San Francisco. He struck out two.

Adon was called up to fill Josiah Gray's (elbow) spot in the Nationals' rotation after Gray was moved to the 15-day injured list. Adon's only run allowed came in the third inning when Patrick Bailey plated Thairo Estrada on a sacrifice fly. While Adon didn't blow the Giants out of the water, one run over four innings is likely enough to earn him another start. However, with Adon not fully stretched out -- 72 pitches Tuesday -- and given his 6.71 ERA as a starter before this season, he'll be tough to trust in fantasy during his time in the rotation. Adon's next start is tentatively scheduled to come Monday against the Dodgers.

Gomes went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Padres.

After going hitless in his first nine at-bats, Gomes has rebounded with a hit in three straight games. Tuesday's outing was his first multi-hit performance of the campaign, and the long ball was also his first. Gomes has been in a near 50-50 timeshare with Miguel Amaya behind the plate, but he could win some more work back if he can remain a reliable bat.

Musgrove (1-2) was handed the loss Tuesday against the Cubs, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out five.

All of the damage against Musgrove came in the fifth, as he surrendered a solo homer to Yan Gomes to open up the inning, then gave up a walk, a single and a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. While Musgrove was pulled at that point, he was stuck with three earned runs as reliever Stephen Kolek surrendered a grand slam to Christopher Morel on his very first pitch. After finishing each of the last three seasons with an ERA below 3.20, Musgrove's ERA sits at 6.87 through four starts. He's allowed at least four runs in all but one appearance and will look for improvement Monday when he's projected to start against the Brewers.