MLB Player News

Smith struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to record the save in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rays on Thursday.

The right-hander was tasked with recording the final four outs of Game 3 with Cleveland leading 3-2, and he retired all four batters he faced on 18 pitches (13 strikes). Smith didn't pitch in the Game 2 loss on Tuesday, which was the first playoff game this season that he did not make an appearance for Cleveland. He's been dominant despite the heavy workload, surrendering just one run on two hits and one walk while striking out 13 across 8.2 frames.

Jax was charged with the loss in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over four-plus innings.

Jax entered the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead, but he surrendered an infield single and a two-run homer to begin that frame before getting the hook. It was the first start of the playoffs for the right-hander, who made one relief appearance during the ALDS and gave up a run over two innings. Jax will likely be in the mix to start a possible Game 7 for Tampa Bay.

Halpin went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run during Game 3 of the ALCS against the rays on Thursday.

Halpin primarily came off the bench during the ALDS against the White Sox, but he's started in center field in all three games so far versus Tampa Bay. The 24-year-old gave Cleveland a 3-2 lead with his two-run blast during the fifth inning, which held up as the final score. Across his four playoff starts, Halpin has gone 4-for-11 with two doubles, the two-run homer and four strikeouts.

Williams earned the win Thursday in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rays, giving up two runs on two hits and one walk with nine strikeouts over five innings.

The right-hander ran into trouble during the fourth inning when Tampa Bay scored twice on a walk, double and a triple, but he was perfect in each of his other four frames. Williams has been Cleveland's best starter in the playoffs with a 2.30 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB across 15.2 innings, and he also fired a scoreless frame out of the bullpen in the ALDS. The 27-year-old tentatively lines up to start Game 7 of the championship series, should it be necessary.

Povich underwent surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Weyrich reveals that Povich had pitched through significant discomfort down the stretch of the regular season, and the decision was made to have surgery. It's a relatively minor operation as far as elbow surgeries go, and the Orioles anticipate Povich being ready to roll for spring training. The lefty held a 4.38 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB across 37 innings at the major-league level in 2026. Assuming health, he's likely in line to compete for a spot in the Orioles' rotation in 2027.

Melton is expected to have a normal offseason after a follow-up evaluation on his right forearm found no issues, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Melton's season ended in mid-September due to right forearm tightness/fatigue. It's unclear whether he ever underwent imaging, but regardless, Melton is expected to be ready to go through his typical offseason routine. The young right-hander got a late start to the 2026 campaign because of an elbow strain, but he was excellent in 20 starts after returning, collecting a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 94:37 K:BB over 114.1 innings.

Holderman underwent surgery Wednesday to relieve recurring tendinitis in his right wrist, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The operation was successful, and Holderman is expected to be 100 percent in time for spring training. Holderman posted a 2.73 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 50:20 K:BB over 52.2 frames for the Guardians this season. The 31-year-old is eligible for salary arbitration this winter.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday that the club began discussing a contract extension with Murakami's representation in late summer and those talks are ongoing, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Murakami is set to earn $17.5 million in 2027 after inking a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox last offseason. However, it sounds like both sides have interest in an extension that would keep the Japanese slugger in Chicago longer. The 26-year-old slashed .207/.347/.478 with 35 home runs over 127 regular-season contests for the White Sox in 2026, but he also had a 35.4 percent strikeout rate and hit only .156/.299/.375 in the final two months of the regular season.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Wednesday that he believes Smith will be a starting pitcher in the majors "at some point," but a decision on the lefty's role for 2027 hasn't been made, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Smith began the 2026 season in the rotation at Triple-A Charlotte, but he was moved to the bullpen in July and it was in a relief role where he impacted the major-league club, posting a 1.29 ERA and 47:24 K:BB across 35 regular-season innings. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Smith has shown flashes of dominance but overall has been erratic boasting a 33.4 percent strikeout rate but also a 16.2 percent walk rate in the minors.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday that the team has yet to make a decision on whether to deploy Taylor as a starting pitcher or reliever next season, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Getz noted that he believes Taylor will be a starting pitcher in the majors "at some point," but whether that will happen in 2027 is undetermined. Taylor logged a 2.25 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 106:30 K:BB over 84 regular-season innings for the White Sox in 2026 as a reliever and occasional opener. The 24-year-old notched 10 saves during the regular season and another two in the playoffs, and he will likely open 2027 as the team's closer if the White Sox elect to keep him in the bullpen. However, Taylor has loads of upside as a starting pitcher, and if the White Sox intend to make the role shift eventually, next season might be the time to do it.