MLB Player News

Rasmussen didn't factor into the decision in Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings.

Rasmussen was dominant in his first three playoff starts with just three runs allowed and a 23:3 K:BB across 21 innings, but Milwaukee quickly showed why it was able to sweep the Dodgers in the NLCS. The 31-year-old righty was handed a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but the Brewers got two runs back in the bottom of the frame and scored another in the fourth, chasing him after 89 pitches (56 strikes). Rasmussen now lines up to start a possible Game 6 on Friday, but the Rays will need to win at least two of three games in Tampa Bay to force the series back to Milwaukee.

Martinez was charged with the loss in Game 1 of the World Series at Milwaukee on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and no walks over five innings.

The Brewers pounced on the 36-year-old during the opening frame, scoring twice on two singles and a triple to put Tampa Bay in an early hole. Martinez bounced back from there, however, and followed up with four scoreless innings to keep the Rays close. The right-hander showed more swing-and-miss than usual after posting a 5.4 K/9 during the regular season, as he found some extra juice on his fastball and induced 10 whiffs on 73 pitches (52 strikes). Martinez now lines up to take the ball at home in a possible Game 5 for Tampa Bay.

Taillon was scheduled to undergo flexor tendon surgery with Dr. Keith Meister on Oct. 5, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Taillon told Davidi prior to the operation that "there's a good chance" he'll need an internal brace of his UCL, as well, though it's unclear whether that occurred. The veteran right-hander has already undergone two Tommy John surgeries previously. Taillon will turn 35 next month, is an impending free agent and will miss most, if not all, of the 2027 campaign. However, he plans to continue his pitching career. Taillon logged a 5.65 ERA over 18 starts between the Cubs and Blue Jays in 2026.

Martinez will start Game 1 of the World Series in Milwaukee on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Giving Martinez the ball in Game 1 allows ace Drew Rasmussen an extra day of rest, and it pushes Freddy Peralta back to Game 3 at Tropicana Field, where he's posted a 2.03 ERA in five starts in 2026 between the regular and postseason. Both of Martinez's outings this postseason have been on the road, and he's allowed a total of three runs with a 6:3 K:BB over nine innings in those starts. The Brewers will counter with Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Fried had his left elbow re-imaged and his UCL is in a good spot heading into the offseason, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Fried made two trips to the injured list this season due to a bone bruise in his pitching elbow. However, he ended the campaign healthy, and there are no concerns about the pitcher's ligament entering the winter. Fried was limited to 20 regular-season starts in 2026 but was highly effective when on the mound, logging a 2.80 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 104:33 K:BB over 112.2 innings. The 2027 season will be the third year of Fried's eight-year, $218 million contract.

Peralta was named the MVP of the ALCS after picking up the win in Game 6 against the Guardians on Monday. He allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Peralta delivered a pair of strong starts in the ALCS, resulting in two victories. Before taking the mound to clinch the series Monday, the 30-year-old right-hander earned the win in Game 2, fanning six across six scoreless innings of work in a 3-1 victory. Peralta also recorded two outs without allowing a run in Game 4 out of the bullpen. He'll now set his sights on facing his former club in the World Series and could line up for a start in Game 2 on Saturday.

Messick was charged with the loss in Game 5 of the ALCS against Tampa Bay on Sunday, giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks across two innings.

It was a messy performance from the left-hander, who needed 57 pitches (34 strikes) to record just six outs in a pivotal Game 5. After a strong second half of the regular season that saw him post a 2.30 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 in 13 starts after the All-Star break, Messick has given up nine runs (six earned) over 13.2 frames through four postseason starts. If the Guardians can win Monday to force a Game 7, Messick could be available given his shortened outing Sunday.

Rasmussen earned the win in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk over seven innings.

It was another strong showing from Rasmussen, who has surrendered just three earned runs over 21 frames in three playoffs starts and has given up two runs or fewer in each of his past nine outings dating back to Aug. 24. The right-hander has blossomed into an ace, and Sunday's performance puts Tampa Bay one victory away from making the World Series.

Peralta will start Game 6 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Peralta will take the mound for his second start of the series after he pitched six scoreless innings while striking out six batters on his way to a win in Game 2. He also pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing a walk without surrendering a run in an appearance out of the bullpen in the team's 7-3 victory in Game 4. The right-hander has posted a 0.79 ERA over three postseason appearances this year, and he'll have a chance to help punch the Rays' ticket to the World Series with a win Monday.

Griffin didn't factor in the decision after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday. He struck out five.

The left-hander allowed two runs over four innings while starting Game 1 of the series, but manager Stephen Vogt elected to have him follow opener Shawn Armstrong on Saturday. Griffin gave up a run on a double and a single during the third inning but was otherwise able to keep Tampa Bay in check. He shouldn't pitch Sunday in Game 5 after throwing 44 pitches but seems likely to be available for Game 6 and a possible Game 7.