MLB Player News

Mears (back) threw a 17-pitch bullpen Friday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Friday's session marked Mears' first time throwing off a mound since being placed on the injured list in early September due to back tightness. The 28-year-old is scheduled to throw another bullpen Sunday. He's eligible for reinstatement Wednesday.

Lopez (shoulder) threw 20 pitches off the mound Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Lopez will throw five more bullpen sessions over the next couple weeks, and the plan is for the right-hander to face live hitters Sept. 30. Lopez will obviously miss the remainder of the 2025 season if that's the plan, but it sounds like he should be close to fully recovered by spring training next year. While Lopez has said he wants to remain a starter, he now says he'd be open to a return to the bullpen, according to Bowman.

Woodruff's next start will come Wednesday against the Angels, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Friday.

Woodruff last pitched Sept. 6 and was slated to take the mound Saturday against St. Louis. However, the Brewers are moving some starters around, and Woodruff now won't pitch until Wednesday. The 32-year-old didn't make his MLB debut until early July and has thrown 59.2 innings. He threw 67 innings in 2024.

The Phillies placed Alvarado on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm strain Friday.

The move is retroactive to Sept. 11. Taking Alvarado's place on the 26-man roster is Walker Buehler, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move. Alvarado owns a 3.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 26 innings out of the Philly bullpen this season.

The Phillies designated Manning for assignment Friday.

Manning was removed from the 40-man roster in order to make room for Walker Buehler, who was added to the 40-man and 26-man rosters Friday. Manning was acquired by the Phillies from the Tigers back in July and has been pitching at Double-A Reading, where he has a 10.80 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB across five innings of work.

Vargas is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Minnesota.

Vargas will yield to Tim Tawa at first base on Friday for a second straight game. Vargas has six hits in his last 17 at-bats, a stretch that spans six games.

Marte (foot) is batting second and playing second base Friday against Minnesota.

Marte has been dealing with a bruised right foot he picked up Wednesday, and after testing out the injury pregame, he's part of the starting lineup. Marte is 6-for-35 (.171) with two home runs and a 4:6 BB:K in September.

Pham is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest against the Nationals.

It's a routine day of rest for Pham. The Pirates will roll with Ji Hwan Bae as their left fielder and No. 8 hitter in Friday's series opener.

Realmuto is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

Realmuto will receive a well-earned day off after catching all four games this week against the Mets. Rafael Marchan will be behind the dish and batting ninth for the Phillies on Friday.

The Phillies will place Alvarado on the 15-day injured list prior to Friday's game against the Royals due to an undisclosed injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear what injury he's dealing with, but Alvarado last pitched Wednesday against the Mets, giving up a solo home run in one inning of work. He will be eligible for activation for the final series of the regular season, but it's possible Alvarado's season is over, particularly since he's ineligible for the postseason roster after his PED suspension.