MLB Player News

McLain (oblique) remains on track to be activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

McLain resumed taking batting practice earlier this week and is nearing the end of his recovery from a right oblique strain that has kept him on the shelf since late August. The 24-year-old infielder had delivered an impressive .290/.357/.507 slash line with 16 homers and 14 steals across his first 89 major-league games prior to suffering the injury.

Hill (finger) was transferred Friday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

Hill underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair ligaments and clean up scar tissue in his left ring finger. This is a procedural move to clear out a 40-man roster spot for Jose Espada, who is joining the Padres' bullpen Friday.

The Padres optioned Hernandez to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Hernandez allowed four earned runs over three innings of relief during his 11-day stay in the majors. Jose Espada will fill his spot in the San Diego bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Cardinals.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told Dani Wexelman of MLB Network Radio on Friday that Almonte (knee) probably won't be ready to return until around the start of the NLCS.

That's assuming the Dodgers even get there, of course, and even then it might not be a given that he's added to the roster following a long layoff. Almonte will have missed more than two months of action by that point with a right knee sprain, although he did recently resume throwing off a mound.

Ellis was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Friday.

Ellis has spent the majority of the 2023 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, slashing .224/.336/.433 with 13 homers and three steals across 298 plate appearances. The 27-year-old infielder is now off the 40-man roster.

The Phillies optioned Marte to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Marte allowed two earned runs over 1.2 innings in his last appearance out of the Phillies' bullpen Tuesday at Atlanta. Orion Kerkering will fill the vacancy on the 28-man roster ahead of Friday's game against the Mets.

Rosario isn't in Atlanta's lineup Friday against the Nationals.

With left-hander Patrick Corbin set to start on the mound for Washington, the lefty-hitting Rosario will take a seat to begin Friday's contest. Kevin Pillar will take over as Atlanta's left fielder and bat ninth.

Burger (quad) is in the lineup for the Marlins' series opener versus the Brewers on Friday.

Burger had to be removed from Wednesday's contest against the Mets with right quad tightness, but he won't have to miss any starts after getting an off day Thursday to recover. The slugger is playing third base and batting fifth for the Marlins on Friday.

Arraez (ankle) is starting at second base and batting leadoff Friday versus the Brewers in his return to the lineup.

He missed the last two games with a sprained left ankle but is feeling well enough to give it a go following the Marlins' off day Thursday. Arraez and his teammates will be tasked with solving Corbin Burnes on Friday.

The Phillies selected Kerkering from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering began the season with Single-A Clearwater, but he remained dominant as he advanced through the Phillies' farm system. The 22-year-old righty holds a 1.51 ERA and 0.89 WHIP alongside a 79:12 K:BB through 53.2 total innings in the minors, and he will likely serve in middle relief during his first trial run in the big leagues.