MLB Player News

Dodd will serve as the opening pitcher Saturday during Game 1 of Atlanta's National League Division Series against the Dodgers, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Atlanta will rely on its bullpen to get through the opening game of the NLDS, and it will be up to Dodd to shut down the top of the Dodgers' lineup. The 28-year-old lefty was one of Atlanta's top bullpen arms in the regular season, turning in a 2.54 ERA and 0.91 WHIP alongside a 53:14 K:BB across 49.2 innings.

Urquidy remains unsigned after electing free agency Wednesday, Dominic Campbell of SI.com reports.

It was previously reported that Urquidy had signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Thursday, but the 31-year-old righty is still fielding offers from interested clubs. He turned in a 4.95 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 36.1 innings split between the White Sox, Pirates and Phillies during the regular season, so he may have to settle for a minor-league deal in order to land his next opportunity.

The Pirates signed Urquidy to a minor-league contract Thursday.

Urquidy inked a major-league contract with the Pirates last offseason and made five appearances for them before being traded to the White Sox. The 31-year-old swingman collected a 4.95 ERA and 30:7 K:BB across 36.1 innings between the Pirates, White Sox and Phillies in 2026.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Cleavinger (forearm) has been cleared to be part of the ALDS roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cleavinger was unavailable for almost all of September as he dealt with left forearm tightness, but he's been throwing for a couple weeks and will be available for the ALDS. The veteran southpaw had an up-and-down 2026 campaign, finishing with a 4.79 ERA and 54:22 K:BB over 41.1 frames.

Wells (forearm) said Friday that he'll be ready to go for the ALDS against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Wells went down with right forearm tightness in mid-Sedptember, but he's bounced back quickly and doesn't appear to be in any danger of missing out on ALDS play. The tall right-hander has collected a 2.38 ERA and 72:18 K:BB over 72 frames between the Orioles and Rays in 2026.

Smith will serve as an opener Saturday in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Guardians, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Smith tossed three scoreless frames in Game 1 of the wild-card series versus the Astros, and the White Sox will turn back to the lefty Saturday on three days' rest. The lefty will be capable of covering multiple innings against Cleveland, if needed, but it will be a bullpen game for the White Sox.

The Royals outrighted Little to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Little was claimed off waivers by the Royals in August but never pitched for them at the major-league level. The lefty reliever has collected a 2.97 ERA over parts of four seasons in the majors, but he's also got a 1.40 WHIP and 17.6 percent walk rate. Little will remain in the organization as bullpen depth.

Holderman will undergo season-ending surgery on his right wrist, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Holderman's wrist problems originally surfaced four years ago and flared up on him during the second half of this season. He will not pitch for the Guardians during the postseason but should be recovered in time for spring training. Holderman posted a 1.78 ERA and 39:11 K:BB over 35.1 innings in the first half of the season, but he stumbled to a 4.67 ERA and 11:9 K:BB over 17.1 frames after the All-Star break.

Kerr will be Atlanta's opener Thursday in Game 3 of the wild-card series versus the Phillies.

The left-handed Kerr will be tasked with facing lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper at least once. He threw 6.1 scoreless frames covering two appearances in September against Philadelphia. Grant Holmes is slated to absorb the lion's share of the workload for Atlanta in Game 3 as a bulk reliever.

Urquidy elected free agency Wednesday after clearing waivers.

Designated for assignment by the Phillies on Sunday, Urquidy wasn't scooped up by another team and will now get a head start on finding a new destination heading into 2027. The 31-year-old righty made big-league stops with the Pirates, White Sox and Phillies this season, logging a 4.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB over 36.1 innings.