MLB Player News

Busch went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Busch helped lead Chicago's offense in the first game of Friday's twin bill but didn't get enough support in an eventual 4-3 loss. The Chicago first baseman has three multi-hit performances over his last six games, which has pushed his season batting average up to .241 to go along with a .748 OPS. Busch remains limited against left-handed pitchers, and the Cubs will likely try to shield him from those matchups to some degree in the postseason, but he figures to be a lineup regular as they begin their march through the playoffs.

Church is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest in Milwaukee.

It will be the first day off since Aug. 23 for Church, who is slashing .295/.340/.400 during that stretch. Victor Scott will grab a rare start in center field and will bat ninth for the Cardinals in Friday's series opener.

Civale (6-8) allowed one run on three hits and a walk across 2.1 innings of relief and took the loss in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Civale mostly pitched well but he allowed a single run in the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie and ultimately take the loss out of the bullpen. This was the veteran righty's first loss since July 10, and in 18 appearances since then, he's got a strong 1.72 ERA across 36.2 innings. That gives Civale some momentum heading into the postseason, and while he's not a high-leverage option for the Cubs, he gives the team someone who can reliably soak up some innings in relief.

Burleson is out of the lineup for Friday's game in Milwaukee.

The lefty-swinging Burleson will get a breather as the Brewers send southpaw Robert Gasser to the bump. Leo Bernal is grabbing a start at first base for the Cardinals, and Pedro Pages will do the catching.

Nunez is not in the lineup for Friday's tilt versus the Mets.

Nunez set a new Nationals record with his 48th and 49th stolen bases in his team's last game Wednesday against the Tigers, but he will begin Friday's series opener on the bench. CJ Abrams will be at shortstop and Jorbit Vivas will handle second base for the Nationals.

The Cardinals recalled Rincon from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

The 24-year-old reliever made his first two major-league appearances earlier this month at Coors Field and they did not go well, as he was knocked around for seven runs while recording only four outs. Rincon threw 42 pitches in Memphis' final game of the season Thursday, so he won't be available to pitch until at least Saturday and perhaps Sunday.

Gimenez is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Reds.

With southpaw Nick Lodolo on the bump for Cincinnati, Gimenez will give way to Ernie Clement at shortstop as Charles McAdoo starts at second base. Gimenez is slashing .267/.313/.400 with one home and one steal in 17 games this month around a brief absence due to hamstring soreness.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz indicated Friday that Alexander (back) will not be activated from the 10-day injured list before the end of the season, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Alexander has been out since early September with back spasms. His back is still bothing him, so the out-of-contention Orioles won't press the issue. Alexander was limited to 93 games this season due to injury but was a valuable super utility player when on the field, slashing .303/.358/.414 with four home runs and 10 stolen bases. The 27-year-old will likely have a similar role with the Orioles in 2027.

Gasper was removed from the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs due to right biceps discomfort, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Gasper has been a surprisingly productive player for Boston this season, slashing .251/.357/.466 with 10 homers in 67 games, but his availability for the rest of the weekend is up in the air in light of this injury. If healthy, Gasper figures to factor in heavily during the wild-card round, especially if Willson Contreras (hand) remains out.

The Mets recalled Hagenman from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Hagenman will play a "siginificant role" in Friday's game versus the Nationals, though it's unclear whether it will be a traditional start or bulk relief appearance. Hagenman has missed a large chunk of this season while recovering from a fractured rib. He has game highs of four innings and 64 pitches in 2026, so the Mets will need their bullpen Friday.