MLB Player News

Verlander didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Pirates, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

In his first start since March 30, and the final outing of his Hall of Fame career, the 43-year-old Verlander showed he still had something left in the tank. He did serve up solo shots to Brandon Lowe and Jacob Gonzalez and left the mound in line for a loss, but the Tigers made sure that didn't happen by rallying in the ninth inning, as Eduardo Valencia walked it off with a homer. When Verlander did get lifted after 91 pitches (57 strikes), it was his daughter who came to the mound instead of manager A.J. Hinch to collect him and lead him into retirement. Verlander finishes his career with 3,560 strikeouts, eighth all time in MLB history.

Waguespack (2-2) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Pirates. He allowed two hits and struck out two.

In the final start of Justin Verlander's legendary career, it was Waguespack who earned the win out of the bullpen when Eduardo Valencia walked things off with a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Waguespack has quietly put together a strong season with a 2.49 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 47 innings, though he's only struck out 35 batters. A lack of overpowering stuff will likely keep the righty in a middle-relief role heading into next year, though he's certainly done well in his first MLB action since 2024 after bouncing around the minors in 2025.

Lee went 2-for-3 with two walks, a double and a run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Pirates.

Lee continued his strong recent stretch of a play with another multi-hit performance. Over his last eight games, the rookie infielder is batting .371 with a home run, four runs scored and four RBI. Lee will get one more chance to add to his stats if he's in the lineup Sunday before turning his attention toward 2027. The 23-year-old has shown plenty of promise and figures to be a key part of Detroit's future plans.

Simpson (foot) is not playing in Saturday's game against the Phillies and is unlikely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson was pulled early from Friday's game after fouling a ball off his right foot in the sixth inning. He told reporters Saturday that his foot was "just a little sore," but it looks like the speedy outfielder will be sidelined until Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series on Oct. 3. If that's the case, then Simpson will finish the regular season with a .306/.333/.356 slash line with 46 steals (on 60 attempts), 38 RBI, 22 extra-base hits (no home runs) and 66 runs scored across 612 plate appearances.

Lopez (ankle/heel) was removed from Saturday's game against the Twins, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Per Wilson, Lopez tweaked his left ankle/heel while trying to beat out a bunt at the top of the third inning, and he initially stayed in defensively before being replaced by Cody Freeman in the fourth. The Rangers should have an update on Lopez's status for Sunday's game once the veteran infielder undergoes more tests.

Bateman went 2-for-3 with a walk and a double in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Reds.

Out of the starting lineup the last three games due to a sore hip, Bateman slotted back in atop the order as the center fielder and looked none the worse for wear. The 24-year-old has had a dazzling big-league debut since earning a promotion in early August, slashing .325/.400/.422 in his first 40 games with two homers, three steals, 11 RBI and 27 runs, and while he's made a strong case for a starting role in 2027, Bateman will be hard-pressed to repeat his .403 BABIP over a full campaign.

Yesavage (5-6) took the loss Saturday as the Blue Jays fell 5-1 to the Reds, allowing one run on two hits and one walk over two innings. He struck out three.

The 23-year-old right-hander was able to make two abbreviated starts in the final week of the season after returning from minor knee surgery, with Yesavage getting limited to just 30 pitches (19 strikes) Saturday. He pitched well in his two frames, but a solo shot by JJ Bleday in the second inning put Cincinnati in the lead for good. Yesavage ended his first full season in the majors having thrown 97.2 innings over 20 starts while producing a 3.69 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 97:47 K:BB, giving him a baseline to build from in 2027.

Williams (upper body) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Williams will miss a third consecutive game Saturday as he continues to battle upper-body soreness, and there's a chance the A's -- with nothing to play for -- take a cautious approach and sit him during Sunday's season finale as well. Donovan Walton will get the nod at shortstop Saturday, moving Jeff McNeil to second base and allowing Tommy White to start at first.

Valencia went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Pirates.

His one knock was a big one, as Valencia lofted a curveball from Pittsburgh closer Mason Montgomery just over the wall in left field for a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was Valencia's seventh homer in 41 games since making his big-league debut in early July, a stretch in which he's also delivered a stunning .344/.383/.624 slash line. Dillon Dingler is locked in as Detroit's No. 1 catcher, but Valencia has made a strong case to be a regular part of the lineup in 2027, either at DH or behind the plate when Dingler gets a day off.

Simpson (foot) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson will get a day off to recover after fouling a ball off his right foot during the sixth inning of Friday's contest. His absence will move Victor Mesa to left field, opening up right field for Jonny DeLuca.