MLB Player News

Natera said Wednesday that he's managing a tight back and is day-to-day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Natera hasn't made an appearance out of the Angels bullpen since Aug. 11, though he was available for most of last week before he tweaked his back Saturday. He noted prior to Wednesday's game against the Astros that he hadn't done any throwing before the contest to test out his back, so the Angels may look to stay away from him for another day or two. Natera has emerged as one of the Angels' top relievers since being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on June 5, gathering three saves, four holds and one win over 23 appearances while turning in a 2.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 42:10 K:BB across 27 innings.

Lee went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Pirates.

Hitting ninth Wednesday, Lee had a good afternoon, and he's now batting .438 with six runs scored across his last eight games. The rookie started at third base in this one, and his ability to move between the hot corner and second gives him a little extra versatility. If Lee keeps swinging a hot bat, the Tigers will likely keep finding ways to get him in the lineup at either position, making him someone to keep an eye on in fantasy leagues over the last month of the season.

Clark went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Pirates.

Clark managed a double against Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and added another hit for his second multi-hit performance of the three-game series against the Pirates. After a scorching hot start to his MLB career, the rookie outfielder has slowed down a bit recently, but he's still managed a respectable .271/.320/.414 slash line overall across 18 games. Clark should continue to see regular playing time down the stretch for the Tigers, which should prepare him well for an Opening Day role in 2027.

Heineman is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Heineman will hit the bench after he started behind the plate in three of the Halos' previous four contests. Moises Ballesteros will handle catching duties Wednesday.

Jansen is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Jansen made his return from the 60-day injured list and picked up his first start for the Rangers since June 1 in Tuesday's 5-0 win, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while playing nine innings behind the dish. The 31-year-old will likely see the majority of the starts at catcher now that he's healthy again, but he'll give way to Elias Diaz on Wednesday.

Burger is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Joc Pederson will receive the start at first base while Burger gets the evening off. Burger had been included in the lineup in each of the previous four games, going 6-for-14 with two home runs, one double, two walks, five RBI and three runs during that stretch.

Culpepper went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over Atlanta.

It was the first three-hit performance of the shortstop's brief MLB career, but Culpepper is quickly finding his footing in the Show. The 23-year-old has hit safely in seven straight games, batting .385 (10-for-26) over that stretch with a double, a walk and two runs scored. Culpepper's been consistently hitting toward the bottom of the order since being promoted Aug. 7, but that could change if he continues to rake.

Gomez struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 20th save of the season in a 6-4 win over Atlanta.

The right-hander remains perfect on the season in converting save chances as well, going 19-for-19 as the Twins' closer -- not bad for a pitcher cut loose by the Rays in early May after posting a 6.23 ERA in his first 17.1 innings of the year. Since the All-Star break, Gomez has delivered a 2.13 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB over 12.2 innings and 14 appearances.

Bradley didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-4 win over Atlanta, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out seven.

A sixth-inning meltdown by Kody Funderburk cost Bradley his 10th win of the season and first since the All-Star break, but the right-hander still put together a strong outing as he tossed 56 of 88 pitches for strikes. Bradley's been erratic in the unofficial second half, and over seven starts and 38 innings he's managed a 4.74 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 40:22 K:BB to go along with his 0-2 record. He'll look to get back in the win column in his next trip to the mound, which is scheduled to come on the road early next week against the A's.

Rodden will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

Since being called up from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Rodden has started at shortstop in each of the Mariners' ensuing five games. Rodden has gotten off to a nice start to his big-league career by going 4-for-13 with two doubles, three walks, three RBI and two runs, but his playing time will likely fall by the wayside once J.P. Crawford (wrist) returns from the injured list. Crawford is slated to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Thursday and could be ready to rejoin the Mariners within a week.