MLB Player News

Koch will be the first pitcher on the mound in what's expected to be a bullpen game for the Rockies against the Twins on Saturday, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

Koch hasn't pitched more than two innings in any of his 37 relief appearances this season, so don't expect him to last much longer than that this time around. The Rockies haven't announced who (if anyone) will be tasked with handling the bulk relief role behind him.

The Brewers reinstated Megill (paternity) from the restricted list Saturday.

After moving Megill to the restricted list to give him extra time with his expanding family, the Brewers will get their flame-throwing reliever back a day later. After a rough start to the season, Megill has posted a 1.69 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 16 innings since Aug. 16, though the Brewers' immense bullpen depth has kept Megill from seeing many high-leverage opportunities. Clayton Andrews and Caleb Boushley were optioned to rookie ball in corresponding moves.

The Brewers recalled Lauer from Triple-A Nashville to start Saturday against the Cubs.

Lauer will be making his first start in the majors since May 20, when he gave up six earned runs over three innings against the Rays. The 28-year-old southpaw put up a 5.48 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with the Brewers before being sent down to Nashville, where he recorded similar numbers. Though his numbers may not warrant a promotion, Lauer's arrival will help the Brewers keep Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta fresh for the postseason. Clayton Andrews and Caleb Boushley were both optioned to the Arizona Complex League in corresponding moves.

Vargas isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday against Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Vargas will remain on the bench for the second straight game Saturday after going hitless in his last two contests. Carter Kieboom will once again start at third base and bat seventh.

Machado isn't in the Padres' lineup Saturday against the White Sox.

Despite going 11-for-22 with two homers and seven RBI over his last five games, Machado will sit down for the penultimate game of the season Saturday. Matthew Batten will start at third base, and Juan Soto will operate as the DH while Jurickson Profar starts in left field.

McMahon will be on the bench for Saturday's game against Minnesota, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

McMahon took a slight step back at the plate this season, with his strikeout rate spiking to 31.5 percent while his wRC+ dipped to 89. With the boost from Coors Field, however, that still adds up to a respectable .241/.324/.434 slash line with 23 homers. He'll hit the bench for the fourth time in seven games, with Alan Trejo starting at third base.

Bryant (illness) will bat cleanup and play first base Saturday against the Twins, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

An illness had kept Bryant off the field for the previous three days, but he'll get the chance to play another game or two before the end of the regular season. Even if he appears in both of Colorado's remaining contests, he'll reach just 80 games on the season, meaning he won't have appeared in even half of the Rockies' games in either of the first two years of his seven-year, $182 million deal.

Arraez (ankle) remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Pirates, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Arraez was able to appear off the bench Friday and grab a single in his first action since the previous Saturday as he nurses a left ankle sprain. He could be available in a similar capacity Saturday, but it will be Jon Berti who starts at second base.

Alvarez will sit for the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez won't be asked to start twice in one day but could still get one or two more starts in before the end of the year. After hitting .238/.295/.514 in the first half, he's managed just a .168/.263/.305 line since the break, though his overall 93 wRC+ and 23 homers makes for a more than adequate performance from a 21-year-old catcher. Omar Narvaez will crouch behind the plate Saturday afternoon.

Palacios isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday against Miami.

Palacios will sit out Saturday after picking up three hits over the Pirates' last two games. Jack Suwinski will shift to right field with Palacios out, and Ji Hwan Bae will start in center field while Nick Gonzales mans second base.