MLB Player News

Civale (4-9) tossed three scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in Wednesday's 8-4 victory over the Pirates. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

With starter Matthew Boyd scuffling through three innings, Chicago turned to Civale in long relief, and the veteran earned his first win with his new team since getting claimed off waivers at the end of August. Civale has looked sharp with the Cubs, as he's allowed just one run across eight innings in three appearances, and he's struck out eight batters as well. The righty's fantasy value is capped in his current role, though it looks like he could be a positive addition to Chicago's bullpen down the stretch.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and three runs scored in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pirates.

Hoerner made his three times on base count, as he scored three runs and also swiped his 28th base of the season in 34 attempts. The speedy infielder is locked in at the plate, as he's now batting a sizzling .410 across 15 games this month. That has pushed Hoerner's season-long batting average up to .303, which would be a new career best and is currently good for seventh in the majors.

Valdez (shoulder) will not be cleared to start hitting until the offseason, MLB.com reports.

Valdez was originally expected to be cleared to play in winter ball, though this report places that in doubt. He continues to throw from 120 feet and is expected to resume fielding grounders in the next several days.

Happ went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pirates.

Happ and Moises Ballesteros hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, giving the former 23 long balls for the season. The veteran outfielder has been in a nice groove this month, as he's batting .321 with five homers, 10 RBI and 12 runs scored across 15 September games. Happ now needs two more long balls to match his career high of 25, which he recorded back in 2021 and again last year.

Jones (elbow) is playing catch from 60 feet three times per week, MLB.com reports.

Jones underwent surgery to repair the UCL in his elbow in mid-May. He was given a 10-to-12-month timeline for recovery at the time, and reports state that he is still on track to return to "game-like activities" in that range.

Ballesteros went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pirates.

Ballesteros has settled in as Chicago's primary designated hitter recently, having started the last six games, and he's responding well at the plate. The 21-year-old rookie has gone 8-for-21 across those six contests with a triple, two home runs, three RBI and five runs scored. With Kyle Tucker (calf) on the injured list, the Cubs have used more of Willi Castro and Seiya Suzuki in right field, which has opened the door at DH for Ballesteros. He should maintain elevated fantasy value this season for however long Tucker remains out, and the youngster's long-term outlook remains promising.

Flores went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk Wednesday against the Cubs.

Flores was acquired by the Pirates as the primary return for David Bednar at the trade deadline and made his debut Wednesday. He filled in at first base with a lefty on the mound, and he hit a double to straightaway center field in the third inning for his first big-league hit. Flores will likely continue to find his way into the lineup as he auditions for a potential roster spot in 2026.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Cubs.

McCutchen was involved in a pair of Pirates rallies, scoring on a Joey Bart home run after singling in the first frame and then walking in a run one inning later. He's had mixed results in September, hitting only .175 across 40 at-bats, though he's also delivered six RBI and six runs scored across 11 games.

Burleson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and a walk in Wednesday's loss to the Reds.

Burleson was basically the Cardinals' entire offense in this one, tallying his team's only RBI and only two extra-base hits. He's shown no ill effects after returning from a wrist injury earlier this month, slashing .278/.350/.583 with a pair of long balls over nine contests. Burleson is slated to be St. Louis' primary first baseman down the stretch following Willson Contreras' (shoulder) season-ending injury.

Benson started in center field and went 0-for-5 in Wednesday's 6-2 win over St. Louis.

Benson got the start in center field, which is normally the purview of TJ Friedl, who was given the day off. Benson is experiencing an uptick in playing time and has started five of the last six games, playing every spot of the outfield. He's gone 4-for-16 with two home runs, one triple and five RBI during that stretch.