MLB Player News

Goodman (thumb) will start at catcher and bat cleanup in Friday's game versus the Mariners.

Goodman missed four of the previous five contests while dealing with a nagging right thumb injury, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Friday's series opener. The All-Star catcher is two home runs away from 40 for the season.

Chapman downplayed his lat issue Friday, saying he's "not worried at all" about the injury and plans to pitch again during Boston's final regular-season homestand next week, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Chapman said he first felt the injury Tuesday, and he's improved throughout the week. With Boston closing in on a playoff berth, the team will likely be conservative with its star closer. Garrett Whitlock handled the ninth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win over the Rangers, locking down his fourth save of the season. it sounds like Chapman will be unavailable for this weekend's set with the Rays.

The Blue Jays selected Rodriguez's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Acquired from the Dodgers back on Sept. 1, Rodriguez takes the roster spot vacated by Michael Lorenzen, who was DFA'd in a corresponding move. Rodriguez pitched to a 3.38 ERA and 36:18 K:BB across 29.1 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to being dealt to Toronto.

Gorman is not in the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Nationals.

Gorman has received the lion's share of playing time at third base since being recalled from Triple-A Memphis in late August, but he's gone just 9-for-57 (.157) with a 30.6 percent strikeout rate during that stretch. With JJ Wetherholt and Masyn Winn both now healthy, there will be fewer at-bats to be had in the St. Louis infield for players like Gorman. Thomas Saggese is handling third base for the Cardinals on Friday.

The Blue Jays designated Lorenzen for assignment Friday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Lorenzen was tagged for five runs on four hits and three walks with just one strikeout across two innings in Tuesday's 10-1 loss to the Tigers, as he was saddled with his 13th loss of the campaign. After joining Toronto last month, Lorenzen pitched in six games out of the bullpen, yielding 11 runs on 18 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts over 11.2 frames.

Mayza will serve as the opener for the Phillies in Friday's game against the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Mayza will likely handle the first inning before Jose Urquidy takes over in bulk relief. The left-hander has been excellent this season when used as an opener, allowing just one run with a 10:1 K:BB over 9.1 frames.

Montgomery (wrist) is starting at shortstop and batting eight for Friday's game against the Tigers.

Montgomery exited Wednesday's game against the Guardians with a bruised left wrist after he was hit by a pitch from Parker Messick earlier in the contest. After sitting out Thursday, Montgomery is back in action against Detroit. He's gone 10 straight games without a home run and was recently dropped to the eighth spot in the order.

The Phillies optioned Backhus to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

He's clearing off the active roster to make space for waiver claim Jose Urquidy. Backhus had been recalled earlier this week and did not make an appearance during his most recent stint in the majors.

Mitchell (neck) will start in center field and bat seventh in Friday's game against the Orioles.

Mitchell didn't start the last two days due to a neck issue. However, he appeared in Thursday's game versus the Pirates off the bench and is back in the lineup for Friday's series opener in Baltimore.

Pederson (hand) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays.

Pederson hasn't played since last Saturday but remains day-to-day for Texas. Josh Jung is handling DH duties for the Rangers on Friday, with Ezequiel Duran leading off and playing third base.