MLB Player News

Cease pitched 3.2 shutout innings Wednesday against the Cubs, surrendering three hits and a walk while striking out five batters. He did not factor into the decision.

A sacrifice fly from Jackson Merrill during the top of the first inning gave Cease a 1-0 lead to work with before he even stepped on the mound Wednesday. He kept the Cubs' offense at bay for the duration of his start, but he got an early hook from manager Mike Shildt after giving up a double to Seiya Suzuki on his 69th pitch of the day. While Cease's brief outing prevented him from picking up the win in Game 2, it will help to keep him fresh for the NLDS if San Diego takes Game 3.

Imanaga gave up two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three batters over four relief innings during Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the Padres. He did not factor into the decision.

The left-hander entered the game in the second inning after opener Andrew Kittredge allowed the Padres to score a run in the first. Imanaga made it through three frames before conceding a two-run blast to Manny Machado in the fifth, which gave the Padres more insurance than it needed while the Cubs' offense struggled to put a rally together. If Chicago prevails in Thursday's win-or-go-home matchup, Imanaga would likely be in the running to pitch in Game 3 of the NLDS next Wednesday.

Kelenic cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Kelenic slashed just .195/.275/.268 across 91 plate appearances at Gwinnett after being demoted to Triple-A in early August, and he's now lost his place on the team's 40-man roster. The 26-year-old outfielder also turned in a career-worst .531 OPS in the big leagues during the regular season over 24 games and will likely need to show improvement at the plate in the minor leagues before taking another big-league at-bat.

Atlanta outrighted Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Williams played in 45 games for Atlanta this season, though he managed only a .370 OPS through 34 plate appearances. Assuming the 29-year-old opts for free agency, his defensive versatility may be enough to draw interest from another organization looking to boost its minor-league depth.

Leon cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Leon appeared in just five games for Atlanta this season, hitting a home run for his only hit in 12 at-bats. Now off the 40-man roster, the veteran backstop will have the option to elect free agency and test his luck on the open market.

Dunning cleared waivers Wednesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Dunning pitched 10 innings for Atlanta after joining the organization in July, during which he surrendered 12 earned runs while striking out 11 batters and walking two. The 30-year-old will have the option to elect free agency, though his recent performance may not attract more than a minor-league contract.

Diaz cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Diaz bounced between the Reds, Dodgers and Atlanta in 2025, finishing the regular season with an 8.15 ERA and 1.53 WHIP through 17.2 MLB innings. Despite his 75 career saves, he'll likely need to prove himself in the minors next season before getting another shot in the big leagues.

Taillon will start Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series against the Padres on Thursday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

After turning in a 3.68 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 129.2 frames in the regular season, Taillon will take the mound in Thursday's win-or-go-home contest. The 33-year-old has already faced the Padres once this year, allowing two earned runs over 5.1 innings during a 10-4 loss on April 14.

Edman isn't in the lineup for Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Reds on Wednesday.

After belting a solo homer during Los Angeles' 10-5 victory in Game 1, Edman will stay in the dugout to begin the second game of the series. His absence will allow Miguel Rojas to start at the keystone and bat eighth.

Marte isn't in the lineup for Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Marte will step out of the starting nine after going 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Tuesday's Game 1 loss. Spencer Steer will move to the outfield as a result, opening up first base for Sal Stewart.