MLB Player News

The Mariners claimed Toglia (shoulder) off waivers from the Reds on Friday.

Toglia is recovering from late August surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but the Mariners felt he was worthy of a waiver claim even though he'll spend the next few months rehabbing. The 28-year-old was dreadful in limited action for the Reds in 2026, going 3-for-26 with 12 strikeouts.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Rodon will start either Game 3 or a potential Game 4 of the ALDS versus the Rays, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

It's possible Rodon is needed in relief in Game 1 or 2, but if he's not he'll take the ball in Game 3 or a potential Game 4. Rodon's final regular-season start was against the Rays, and he dazzled with eight strikeouts across eight shutout innings. The Yankees are turning to Gerrit Cole in Game 1 and Cam Schlittler in Game 2.

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.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Simpson (foot) is good to go for the ALDS against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson was held out of the last couple regular-season games as he battled a sore right foot, but he feels fine after a week of rest. The speedy outfielder slashed .306/.333/.356 with 46 stolen bases for the Rays this season and will be deployed in left field by the American League East champs.

Judge's (calf) availability for the ALDS against the Rays "remains up in the air," Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Judge suffered a moderate right calf strain a little more than two weeks ago. He's gone through workouts this week, but Judge will need to show he can run the bases without issue before receiving clearance to be on the ALDS roster. Complicating matters is that if Judge is limited to designated hitter, Ben Rice would have to play first base and push Luis Garcia out of the lineup.

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.

Gasper is expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 month after undergoing distal right biceps tendon surgery Friday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

The 4-to-6 month timeline is for Gasper's return to game action, so there's a good chance he'll be held out of spring training action initially, and his availability for Opening Day isn't a given. Gasper slashed .251/.357/.466 with 10 home runs and a 27:39 BB:K over 67 games 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.

Cole will start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Rays on Saturday.

The Rays were much better against right-handers (fourth in OPS) than left-handers (25th in OPS) this season, but the Yankees will roll with Cole rather than lefty Carlos Rodon in Game 1. Cole made three starts against the Rays in the regular season, logging a 2.50 ERA and 16:7 K:BB over 18 frames.