MLB Player News

Contreras (hand) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Guardians.

It marks the sixth straight absence for Contreras, who is working his way back from a bruised right hand. The Red Sox are considering the slugger day-to-day. Nick Sogard will slot in at first base in Contreras' stead on Thursday.

The White Sox placed Castillo on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right shoulder impingement.

Castillo posted a 7.52 ERA in six starts and then a 13.50 ERA in three relief outings after being demoted to the Chicago bullpen. The veteran right-hander will be eligible for activation during the ALDS, but considering how he's pitched, there's a good chance Castillo's season is over even if he's healthy.

The White Sox recalled Davis from Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Davis will rejoin the White Sox's bullpen to replace Luis Castillo, who landed on the injured list Thursday with a shoulder injury. Davis owns a 6.12 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 25 innings in the minors this year but has been far more effective in the majors, posting a 3.52 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 30.2 frames.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Bregman (face) resumed hitting Wednesday and it "went well," per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures and a swollen left eye after being struck by a ball while in the on-deck circle last week. He took swings off the Trajekt machine Wednesday and is "feeling good in terms of the hitting part," according to Counsell, who added that the third baseman "needs to get the swelling down" in his left cheek before being cleared to play in games. The Cubs aren't ruling Bregman out for a return this weekend in Boston, but he will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that the team doesn't plan to activate Steele (elbow) from the 60-day injured list this weekend, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Steele began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa earlier this month and has allowed six runs (four earned) with an 11:1 K:BB over 7.2 innings covering four appearances. The left-hander is available to pitch for the Cubs, if needed, but the team has decided there's currently not room for him on the active roster. Steele has been sidelined all season, first as he continued his recovery from UCL revision surgery and later due to a flexor strain.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Thursday that Alcantara will not make a start this weekend against Atlanta, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Alcantara had been penciled in to take the ball Saturday in the Marlins' final regular-season series, but the club has decided against having the righty make another start. The right-hander has notched two saves over the past week, as the Marlins have used him in relief on his throw days, and Alcantara will be available out of the bullpen this weekend. Alcantara has logged a league-high 213 innings this season and tied a career high with 33 starts.

Gausman said Thursday that his left shoulder remains sore and he's uncertain when he will be available to pitch, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Gausman injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder during Wednesday's start against the Marlins when his arm was extended awkwardly as he dove to tag a runner out. He will have five days of rest before Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, and he could be the Cubs' choice to start that day if he's physically able. More should be known about Gausman's health status by this weekend.

Sanchez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Colorado.

Sanchez started each of the last six games against right-handed pitching, but he'll begin Thursday's festivities on the bench as the Rockies send righty Tanner Gordon to the bump. Gabriel Moreno will get a day at designated hitter, and James McCann will do the catching for the Diamondbacks.

Vientos is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

The Mets have faced two right-handers since Jared Young (concussion) got hurt. Vientos has been on the bench for both contests, so he remains stuck in a short-side platoon even as the Mets navigate injuries. Juan Soto will be the designated hitter and Nick Morabito will patrol left field for the Mets.

Alvarez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Rangers.

After starting each of the previous four contests, Alvarez will exit the lineup for Thursday's series finale. The Mets will go with Luis Torrens at catcher as they attempt a series sweep.