MLB Player News

Atlanta will recall Ritchie from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports.

Ritchie will take the rotation spot of AJ Smith-Shawver, who is now being utilized out of the bullpen. Manager Walt Weiss also said Monday that Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) may be headed to the injured list, which could result in Ritchie picking up another start after Wednesday before the regular season draws to a close.

Lopez (4-5) took the loss in Monday's 7-3 loss against the Cubs after allowing five runs on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts over three innings. After the game, manager Walt Weiss stated that Lopez may be placed on the injured list due to a shoulder injury, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It's clear that Lopez hasn't been himself since returning from the injured list after working through a bout of knee inflammation, and it appears as though Atlanta will place him on the shelf, which would end his 2026 regular season. Weiss noted after the game that the right-hander experience discomfort in his shoulder during Monday's start, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic, so expect a formal decision to come from the team Tuesday.

Schreck (wrist) was activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Schreck was placed on the shelf June 7 due to a left wrist sprain, and it took him quite some time to return to health. He hasn't been sharp at the dish since his return to Triple-A Buffalo, as he's gone 1-for-10 with three walks in four games after being activated Tuesday.

Winckowski (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Winckowski has spent the majority of the 2026 season rehabbing from an internal brace procedure that took place in December of 2025. He's since completed a rehab stint and was cleared to take the mound at Triple-A Buffalo, where he tossed two scoreless innings and struck out two Thursday against the Knights.

Jansen worked around a walk to toss a scoreless ninth inning and record the save in Monday's 6-5 win over the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

The veteran closer continued his strong recent stretch of performances, as he's now logged nine straight scoreless outings with four saves during that span. Overall, Jansen is up to 20 saves in 26 chances this season, and it's the 14th time he's recorded 20 or more saves during his illustrious career. The 38-year-old righty isn't the dominant force he once was, and it's unclear if he'll be back with the Tigers next season as the team holds an option, but Jansen has still managed to provide fantasy value at his advanced age.

Melton did not factor into the decision in Monday's 6-5 win over the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on five hits across 2.2 innings. He walked four and struck out three.

Melton lacked control and needed 76 pitches to retire only eight batters before getting the hook. He was spared the loss when the Tigers rallied from an early deficit, but it still continued a rough patch for the young righty. In three September starts, Melton has now allowed 11 earned runs across 13.2 innings, raising his ERA from 1.86 to 2.52. It's still been an encouraging campaign for Melton, but he may be running out of gas now that he's logged 110.2 innings this year, which is well above the 45.2 innings he logged as a rookie in 2025. Melton lines up to start again Sunday against the White Sox and then will likely take the ball one more time during the final week of the regular season, though Detroit could decide to shut him down early.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 7-3 win over Atlanta.

Hoerner has been good this month with a .296 batting average across 13 September contests, though he hasn't stolen a base since Aug. 28, which is generally how he derives much of his fantasy value. The 29-year-old infielder has also had to adjust to playing shortstop recently, as he's been filling in for Dansby Swanson (oblique) since the middle of August. Swanson is expected back from the injured list toward the end of the week, which should push Hoerner back to second base. He'll remain a contact-oriented hitter who can contribute runs and steals but little power.

Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run and four total RBI in Monday's 7-3 win over Atlanta. He also stole a base.

The superstar outfielder came into the contest in a mini 0-for-8 slump over his last two games, but he bounced back in a big way and showed why he's the frontrunner for National League MVP. Crow-Armstrong has already recorded new career highs with 42 home runs and 37 stolen bases, and he'll register the first 40-40 campaign in Cubs' history and just the seventh in MLB history if he swipes three more bags over his team's final 11 games. The 24-year-old is a truly elite fantasy option who still has room for growth as his career progresses.

Martinez was removed from Monday's game against the White Sox due to right side inflammation, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Martinez left the matchup after striking out in the seventh inning. He'll presumably be re-evaluated Tuesday to determine whether a trip to the injured list is necessary.

Lagrange (shoulder) is on track to be activated from the 7-day injured list for Tuesday's game at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Lagrange has been on the shelf since suffering a right shoulder sprain in early July. He began a throwing program July 28, and after pitching against live hitters Sept. 4, he's ready to take the bump Tuesday at Triple-A. The team has already communicated that the right-hander is unlikely to pitch in the big leagues this season, but it's still a positive development that he's ready to get back on the mound before the 2026 season comes to an end.