MLB Player News

Refsnyder went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Athletics.

Refsnyder picked up a rare start against a right-hander and homered in the second inning to give Boston a 2-1 lead. The blast, which caromed off the Carlton Fisk pole in left field, was Refsnyder's ninth of the season. He's been a steady contributor in the 12 games played since returning from an oblique injury in August, which has been helpful considering the Red Sox are without Roman Anthony (oblique) and Wilyer Abreu (calf). Refsnyder has a .992 OPS with three doubles, three homers, six walks, eight RBI and six runs scored since his activation off the IL.

Valdez (shoulder) will not be cleared to start hitting until the offseason, MLB.com reports.

Valdez was originally expected to be cleared to play in winter ball, though this report places that in doubt. He continues to throw from 120 feet and is expected to resume fielding grounders in the next several days.

Happ went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pirates.

Happ and Moises Ballesteros hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, giving the former 23 long balls for the season. The veteran outfielder has been in a nice groove this month, as he's batting .321 with five homers, 10 RBI and 12 runs scored across 15 September games. Happ now needs two more long balls to match his career high of 25, which he recorded back in 2021 and again last year.

Jones (elbow) is playing catch from 60 feet three times per week, MLB.com reports.

Jones underwent surgery to repair the UCL in his elbow in mid-May. He was given a 10-to-12-month timeline for recovery at the time, and reports state that he is still on track to return to "game-like activities" in that range.

Ballesteros went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pirates.

Ballesteros has settled in as Chicago's primary designated hitter recently, having started the last six games, and he's responding well at the plate. The 21-year-old rookie has gone 8-for-21 across those six contests with a triple, two home runs, three RBI and five runs scored. With Kyle Tucker (calf) on the injured list, the Cubs have used more of Willi Castro and Seiya Suzuki in right field, which has opened the door at DH for Ballesteros. He should maintain elevated fantasy value this season for however long Tucker remains out, and the youngster's long-term outlook remains promising.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said that Seager (abdomen) took light swings Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Seager, who underwent an appendectomy in late August, rejoined his teammates for their current series in Houston and is doing some limited activity. Bochy added the shortstop has done some light rotation work and emphasized the word "light." The Rangers hope Seager can get back on the field and help the team's chase for the playoffs. Texas, which has lost four straight and sits 4.5 games back of a wild-card spot with just nine to play, may be out of contention by the time Seager is ready to contribute.

Flores went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk Wednesday against the Cubs.

Flores was acquired by the Pirates as the primary return for David Bednar at the trade deadline and made his debut Wednesday. He filled in at first base with a lefty on the mound, and he hit a double to straightaway center field in the third inning for his first big-league hit. Flores will likely continue to find his way into the lineup as he auditions for a potential roster spot in 2026.

McCutchen went 1-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Cubs.

McCutchen was involved in a pair of Pirates rallies, scoring on a Joey Bart home run after singling in the first frame and then walking in a run one inning later. He's had mixed results in September, hitting only .175 across 40 at-bats, though he's also delivered six RBI and six runs scored across 11 games.

Burleson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and a walk in Wednesday's loss to the Reds.

Burleson was basically the Cardinals' entire offense in this one, tallying his team's only RBI and only two extra-base hits. He's shown no ill effects after returning from a wrist injury earlier this month, slashing .278/.350/.583 with a pair of long balls over nine contests. Burleson is slated to be St. Louis' primary first baseman down the stretch following Willson Contreras' (shoulder) season-ending injury.

Valera served as the designated hitter and went 1-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Detroit.

Valera, who remained stapled to the bench for the previous four games, rejoined the starting nine Wednesday and contributed to Cleveland's sixth straight win. He singled in the club's first run and then walked in the ninth inning before being lifted for a pinch runner, who eventually scored an insurance run. Valera has started six of the Guardians' 16 games since having his contract selected at the beginning of the month.