MLB Player News

Yamamoto didn't factor into the decision Monday in Milwaukee after giving up three runs on four hits with one strikeout and two walks across 2.2 innings during Game 2 of the NLCS.

The Japanese right-hander entered the contest with a 1.50 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in his past 10 postseason starts -- including a complete game with one run allowed in Game 2 of the NLCS in Milwaukee last year -- but the Brewers made things difficult Monday, fouling off 19 balls as he needed 75 pitches (46 strikes) to record just 11 outs. It's the shortest playoff outing of Yamamoto's career and came on the heels of a dominant performance in the NLDS, when he struck out 10 and allowed just one run over seven innings in Atlanta. The Dodgers will need to win at least two of the next three games in Los Angeles for him to get another start.

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and two additional RBI in Monday's win against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS.

The 28-year-old continues to wield a hot bat this postseason, as he's batting .391 (9-for-23) with four walks, three homers, five RBI and four runs through six games. Contreras has entrenched himself as the Brewers' No. 3 hitter and has been the engine of the offense thus far in October.

The Dodgers are considering benching Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS against Milwaukee on Wednesday, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report.

Ohtani has struggled so far in the series, going 1-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts. However, his poor hitting has extended far beyond the NLCS -- since hitting three homers over two games in Colorado on Aug. 17 and 18, he's failed to go deep in his subsequent 24 contests (including the playoffs) while posting a meager .490 OPS. The two-way superstar has admitted to not being 100 percent and said through interpreter Will Ireton, "I haven't been able to get a good grasp of the root cause of all this ... I think that process is going to happen during the offseason when I'm going to have a little bit more time to be able to address it. But as of now, it's something I'm just going to have to manage." Los Angeles has thus far given Ohtani an opportunity to try to work out of the slump, but with the team now down 0-2 against Milwaukee, manager Dave Roberts said following Monday's loss that he'll have "a conversation" with Ohtani on Tuesday to "try to figure out what's best for him, what's best for us." Should Ohtani indeed be benched, Josue De Paula is expected to get an opportunity to start at DH.

Gray said recently that he plans to continue his playing career in 2027, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

An impending free agent, Gray hinted often throughout the regular season that he wasn't sure whether he'd keep pitching beyond the 2026 campaign. However, after consulting with his family, the veteran right-hander determined it was an "easy decision" to continue his career. Gray -- who turns 37 in November -- certainly looked this season like he had plenty left in the tank, going 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 149:46 K:BB over 169 innings.

Simpson is absent from the lineup Monday in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

With left-hander Foster Griffin toeing the rubber for Cleveland, the left-handed-hitting Simpson will begin the festivities on the bench. The Rays will roll out Ryan Vilade in left field. Simpson is a good bet to eventually enter Monday's contest after the Guardians turn to their bullpen.

Palacios is not in the lineup Monday in Game 1 of the ALCS versus the Guardians.

The lefty-swinging Palacios started all three games of the ALDS against the Yankees, including versus southpaw Max Fried. However, he will be on the bench Monday as the Guardians send lefty Foster Griffin to the hill. Ben Williamson will handle second base for the Rays.

Hicks is absent from the lineup Monday for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

Hicks went just 1-for-10 at the plate in the ALDS sweep of the Yankees. With the Guardians turning to southpaw Foster Griffin in Game 1, the left-handed-hitting Hicks will yield to Nick Fortes at catcher for the Rays.

Martinez is not in the lineup Monday for Game 1 of the ALCS versus the Rays.

Martinez started in left field in the Guardians' first four postseason games but went 0-for-15 at the plate. He has since been out of the lineup for two consecutive contests. Cleveland will go with Steven Kwan in left field and Petey Halpin in center field Monday.

Marsee underwent an internal brace procedure on Monday to repair his left elbow UCL, FishOnFirst.com reports.

After playing with some discomfort down the stretch of the regular season, Marsee had his elbow examined before opting for surgery. He is expected to be game-ready in six months, putting his status for Opening Day in question. Marsee put together a .231/.348/.359 batting line with 11 home runs and 23 stolen bases this season for the Marlins.

Edman will start at second base and will bat ninth Monday in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Brewers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted for Enrique Hernandez at second base each of the last two times the opposition had a righty on the bump. However, it will be Edman manning the keystone Monday against Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson. Edman is hitless in eight plate appearances so far this postseason.