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.

Ortiz isn't in the lineup for Game 4 of the NLCS against the Dodgers on Thursday.

Ortiz has gone just 2-for-17 in the postseason while playing through multiple lingering injuries, so the Brewers will move him to the bench while David Hamilton starts at third base, batting ninth.

Muncy is not in the lineup for Thursday's NLCS Game 4 versus the Brewers.

Left-hander Shane Drohan is drawing the start for the Brewers, though he's likely to go through the Dodgers' lineup just once, at most. That means the lefty-swinging Muncy should enter mid-game, just as he's done in the other three games he didn't start this postseason. Enrique Hernandez will begin Thursday's festivities at third base.

Edman is not in the lineup Thursday for Game 4 of the NLCS against the Brewers.

Edman is just 1-for-13 at the plate this postseason and has been in and out of the lineup. The Dodgers will go with Miguel Rojas at second base as they look to stave off elimination.

Ohtani will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff Thursday in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Brewers.

The struggling Ohtani was moved down to the No. 6 spot in the lineup for Game 3 as he battles through nagging injuries. He did reach base three times Wednesday, though Ohtani is still looking for his first extra-base hit and RBI this postseason.

Williams elected to become a free agent Thursday after clearing waivers, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

Williams had been scrubbed from Atlanta's 40-man roster, and he's chosen free agency in lieu of an outright assignment. The utility player has hit only .212/.272/.280 during his opportunities in the majors.

Atlanta outrighted Keirsey to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

Keirsey has lost his spot on Atlanta's 40-man roster heading into the winter. The speedy Keirsey will remain in the organization as outfield depth. He's managed a lowly .357 OPS in 107 plate appearances at the big-league level.