MLB Player News

Valdez (10-12) gave up two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Nationals. He walked three and struck out six.

Valdez was in strong form through five innings, allowing just a single and three walks. However, the southpaw ran into trouble in the sixth when he allowed the first three batters to reach to make the score 1-0 before he eventually got the hook. While the outing ended on a sour note, it was still another mostly good performance for Valdez, who has posted a 1.93 ERA and 19 strikeouts across 23.1 innings in September. The veteran is not scheduled to take the mound again in 2026, so he'll finish his first season in Detroit with a 4.03 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 135 strikeouts across 174 innings. After signing a three-year, $115 million contract with the Tigers in the offseason, Valdez's final stat line is a disappointment compared to the numbers he regularly posted in Houston, but he'll have the chance to restore some fantasy value if he looks good early in 2027.

Pena (wrist) isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena was pulled from Tuesday's game after taking a pitch off his right wrist in the eighth inning, and he'll need at least one more day off to recover before returning to action. Nick Allen will fill in at shortstop and bat ninth.

The Astros recalled Spence from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Spence will come up from Triple-A to give the Astros some extra outfield depth to close out the season and provide insurance while Daulton Varsho nurses a wrist injury. Spence owns just a .433 OPS through 41 plate appearances in the majors but has slashed .198/.340/.430 over 36 games since being sent down to Triple-A on Aug. 3. He'll replace Brice Matthews (knee) on the active roster.

Malgeri went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two total RBI in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals.

Malgeri provided all of Detroit's offense as he wrapped up a strong series against Washington. Across the three games, the rookie outfielder went 5-for-12 with two home runs and five RBI. Before this series, Malgeri had a total of three long balls and 15 RBI through 54 contests. It's a brief flash of upside for the 26-year-old, who will likely compete for a bench role with the Tigers out of spring training next year.

The Astros placed Matthews on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with left knee inflammation, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Matthews injured his knee while making a diving catch during Tuesday's game against Seattle. The 24-year-old had missed most of the second half due to an injury to the same knee, so the Astros will play it safe and send him back to the injured list, ending his season early. Lucas Spence was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Rafaela was removed from Wednesday's game against the Guardians with right hamstring tightness, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Rafaela appeared to pull up while running to first base during the second inning, and he was eventually replaced in center field when Boston's defense came out for the third. The 26-year-old was playing in his first game back from a right quad injury, and although he's now dealing with an unrelated issue, it's unknown whether he'll be able to play in Thursday's series finale.

The Astros transferred Meyers (knee) to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Meyers suffered a season-ending kneecap injury in mid-September, so the Astros will stash him away on the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man roster spot for Josh Hendrickson. Meyers appeared in 57 games for the Astros this year but slashed just .213/.268/.326 with three homers, 11 RBI and 15 runs scored over 153 plate appearances.

The Astros placed Javier on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a Grade 2 groin strain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Javier left his start Tuesday against Seattle after two innings due to right groin soreness, and he'll officially be shut down for the year upon receiving his diagnosis. He'll close the book on 2026 after enduring one of his least effective seasons in the majors, posting a 5.14 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 63 innings. Josh Hendrickson was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

Judge (calf) said Wednesday that he intends to be ready to play in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Judge will miss the rest of the regular season due to a moderate right calf strain, but the fact that he's making an effort to play right away in the postseason is an encouraging sign of progress. However, the slugger's comments directly contradict manager Aaron Boone's belief that Judge may not be available until the ALDS. More clarity regarding Judge's return timeline will likely emerge after a few more days of recovery.

Manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that McClanahan (forearm) will not be included on the Rays' ALDS roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McClanahan had already been ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to tightness in his left forearm, and although the Rays will get a bye during the Wild Card Series, he still won't be ready to pitch by the time Tampa Bay begins its postseason run. Cash noted that it's still possible McClanahan will be available for the ALCS if the Rays advance, though they will wait to see where the left-hander is at in his throwing progression at that point before making a decision.