MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Sasaki (finger) will throw a simulated game Wednesday and not make a start later in the week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Dodgers are still undecided on whether Sasaki will make a start before the regular season concludes or if he will return as a reliever. The right-hander threw a bullpen session Monday and was under consideration to return Thursday versus the Reds. The 24-year-old got two relief appearances at the end of the 2025 regular season before being used out of the bullpen in the postseason.

The Phillies are placing Luzardo (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The transaction is retroactive to Sept. 12.

The left-hander was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against Atlanta due to shoulder stiffness and inflammation, and he's still experiencing some inflammation after taking a couple days off from throwing. Luzardo will be eligible to be reinstated for the final game of the regular season Sept. 27 versus Tampa Bay, but it's not clear if he's actually expected to be available at that point. If he's unable to retake the mound before the playoffs, he will close out the regular season with a 14-5 record, 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 221:52 K:BB over 178.2 innings. According to Lauber, Luzardo said he is "guaranteed" to be ready to pitch in the postseason, though it's possible he won't be ready to work out of the rotation.

Helman (hand) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

Helman has been out since mid-June with multiple fractures in his right hand, but he's ready to play in games again after three months of rehab. It's not a given that Helman will be reinstated to the Rangers' active roster once the club deems him physically ready.

The Royals optioned Lugo to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old will head back to Omaha since Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is coming off the injured list. Lugo has made nine appearances for the Royals this year and has gone 2-for-14 with one walk and six strikeouts.

Santander (shoulder) is not in the lineup for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday due to lower-back soreness, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Coming back from left shoulder surgery, Santander went 1-for-7 with a 0:1 BB:K in his first two rehab games. He dealt with back and shoulder problems last season as well. Santander was already a long shot to make a late-season return, and the back issue -- while it's considered minor -- won't help his odds.

Pederson, who is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox, has a small fracture in his left hand, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

The veteran slugger suffered the injury on a hit-by-pitch Saturday against the Diamondbacks, but he's hoping the swelling will subside soon and allow him to play again this season. Pederson is likely to be sidelined at least the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

Judge is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest in Minnesota.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that he was leaning toward giving Judge a day off Wednesday, but it seems he's moved that breather up a day. Heliot Ramos will occupy right field and will bat third for the Yankees.

The Astros recalled Loperfido from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

Loperfido has logged a .216/.314/.333 slash line with one home run in 39 games with the big club this season. He will likely be on the roster for only a few days while Taylor Trammell is on paternity leave.

The Astros placed Trammell on the paternity leave list Tuesday.

Trammell will likely miss the entire three-game series against the Royals before returning this weekend versus Atlanta. With Trammell away, LaMonte Wade is getting the start in left field for the Astros on Tuesday.

The Royals reinstated Garcia (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Garcia is ready to rejoin the active roster after missing the past few weeks due to a hamstring strain. The 26-year-old hit the ground running during his three-game rehab assignment, going 4-for-13 (.308 average) with a double and a stolen base. Garcia should reclaim the starting job at third base for Kansas City now that he's healthy.