MLB Player News

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.

Lux batted leadoff and went 3-for-5 with a run scored in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Cardinals.

Lux stepped in atop the order for TJ Friedl, who was given the day off. The multi-hit effort was Lux's first since Aug. 18 and his third consecutive game with a base hit. He's doing his best to break out of a September funk; prior to his three-game hit streak, Lux was hitless over 21 at-bats.

Carroll went 1-for-3 with a walk, a triple, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 5-1 extra-innings loss to the Giants.

The stolen base was Carroll's 29th, putting him on the verge a third consecutive season with 30 or more swipes. He hit his 30th homer earlier this month and is now on the precipice of his first 30-30 campaign. The outfielder has helped sustain Arizona's late-season push for a playoff spot, having scored five runs and driven in four more over the last six games, during which he's posted a .983 OPS with three steals.

Suarez earned the save in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Mets, allowing a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

Tasked with protecting a three-run lead, Suarez worked around a leadoff single to Brett Baty and a two-out walk to Francisco Lindor, but he held firm to lock down the win for San Diego. The right-hander has been reliable in September, posting a 2.61 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 12:2 K:BB across 10.1 innings, converting four consecutive saves in that stretch. The 34-year-old is now just one save away from becoming the fifth Padres closer ever to reach the 40-save milestone, and he sits only one behind Carlos Estevez for the MLB lead.

Freeman went 2-for-4 with a solo home run against the Phillies in a 5-0 win Wednesday.

Freeman kicked off the scoring in the contest with a solo blast to center field in the second inning. He finished with his third multi-hit effort over his past five games, a span in which he's batting .391 (9-for-23) with four RBI. Freeman is up to 21 home runs, 83 RBI and an .863 OPS through 138 games, posting nearly identical numbers to the 22 long balls, 89 RBI and .854 OPS he registered over 147 regular-season contests last year.

Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 5-0 victory over the Phillies on Wednesday.

Ohtani provided an insurance run for Los Angeles with his solo blast to center field in the eighth inning. The long ball was the two-way star's second in as many days and 51st overall this season. That's third most in the majors behind Cal Raleigh (56) and Kyle Schwarber (53). Ohtani has now reached base safely in 22 straight contests and is slashing .289/.422/.602 with seven home runs, 12 RBI, 17 runs, 19 walks and two stolen bases during that span.