MLB Player News

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that Fairbanks (hand) threw a "very encouraging" 13-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jeremy Tache of Marlins.tv reports.

Fairbanks was able to get back on the mound for the first time since Miami placed him on the 15-day injured list April 28 due to nerve irritation in his right hand. Though Fairbanks had a similar occurrence of nerve irritation back in the 2024 season with the Rays and ended up missing about three weeks, the Marlins are hopeful that the veteran reliever will be ready to return from the shelf in close to the minimum 15 days. Fairbanks' ability to complete a side session is a promising step toward meeting that goal, and he's set to throw again Friday before Miami determines his next steps, per MLB.com.

Kelly is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Reds.

Kelly had started three of the previous four tilts but will get a breather for the series finale. It will be Miguel Amaya doing the catching and batting ninth for the Cubs.

Suzuki is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Reds.

It looks to be a routine day off for Suzuki, who had started each of the previous six contests for the Cubs. Michael Conforto is getting a rare start in right field as the Cubs try to a complete a four-game series sweep.

Goodman is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Mets.

Goodman was in the lineup for each of the last nine games, so he'll receive a breather during Thursday's matinee. Brett Sullivan will handle the catching duties and bat ninth for the Rockies.

Tovar is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Mets.

Tovar has been in a deep slump at the plate, going just 7-for-63 with a 5:19 BB:K over his last 20 games. He's been down in the No. 8 spot in the Rockies' lineup for his last nine starts and now gets a day off to recalibrate things. Willi Castro will cover shortstop Thursday.

Garcia (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Twins.

Garcia has now missed three straight starts with a minor right wrist/hand sprain. The Nationals do not expect him to require a trip to the injured list, but they might have to reevaluate that stance if Garcia is still unable to play this weekend in Miami. Curtis Mead will draw another start at first base Thursday in Garcia's stead.

Tena went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Twins.

The 25-year-old utility player took Luis Garcia deep in the eighth inning to cap off a 15-2 rout. It was Tena's second long ball of the season, and he's been scorching hot of late -- he's delivered six hits in the last four games and five of them (three doubles, a triple and a homer) have gone for extra bases, boosting his slash line on the season to .297/.348/.484 in 69 plate appearances with 10 RBI and 11 runs.

Milias went 2-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's rout of the Twins.

The switch-hitting backstop took Bailey Ober deep in the fifth inning for his first long ball of the season, a blast that put the Nationals in the lead for good in an eventual 15-2 win. Milias hasn't offered much offense so far while backing up Keibert Ruiz, slashing .172/.238/.276 through 64 plate appearances with five RBI and seven runs.

Wood went 2-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored, two RBI and two stolen bases in Wednesday's win over the Twins.

Both steals came against the battery of Bailey Ober and Victor Caratini, as Wood improved to a 7-for-8 showing on the basepaths this season. The 23-year-old's bat has gone a little cold, however -- he hasn't homered in 11 straight games, a stretch in which he's slashing .200/.347/.250 with two doubles, six runs and six RBI.

Benge went 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Rockies.

The rookie outfielder pushed his batting average on the season above .200 for the first time since March 30 as he continues to look more comfortable in the majors. Benge has extra-base hits in three straight games and four multi-hit performances in the last 12 contests, a stretch in which he's slashing .316/.366/.553 with three doubles, two homers, seven RBI and eight runs.