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Francisco Alvarez Could Return This Weekend
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (hand), who is recovering from hamate-bone surgery, could return from the 10-day injured list during the team's current homestand, which begins on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals and runs through Wednesday, April 23. Alvarez is scheduled to catch back-to-back nine-inning games at Double-A Binghamton on Friday and Saturday. If those games go well, manager Carlos Mendoza said the team will have "a conversation." In five minor-league games to this point, the 23-year-old backstop has one 4-for-17 with a homer and three RBI. It will be interesting to see how Alvarez fares from a power standpoint after having surgery on his left hand. He showed in 2023 that he has the ability to be one of the better power-hitting catchers by clubbing 25 round-trippers, but he came back to Earth in 2024 due to injuries and hit 11 homers in just 100 games.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
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Garrett Crochet Expected to Have a Normal Offseason
Boston Red Sox general manager Craig Breslow said that left-hander Garrett Crochet (lat, shoulder) is expected to have a "fully healthy, normal" offseason, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Crochet only made six starts during the regular season before shoulder and lat injuries caused him to miss the final five months of the year. However, the 27-year-old was able to battle all the way back and pitched out of the bullpen during Boston's American League Wild Card Series loss to the New York Yankees. While Crochet struggled in that appearance, it seems as though he made it through the outing ok from a health perspective and is now on track to go through his regular offseason routine. If Crochet can make it back to his peak form, he could re-establish himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball in 2027.
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Roman Anthony Likely to Avoid Surgery
Boston Red Sox general manager Craig Breslow said that outfielder Roman Anthony (hand) "likely doesn't need surgery," per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Anthony strained multiple muscles in his right hand during Game 1 of Boston's American League Wild Card Series loss to the New York Yankees. 2026 was largely lost to injury for Anthony, who missed a large chunk of the regular season after tearing the ligament that connects his right index finger to his wrist in early May. Given that his right hand/wrist appears to be giving him persistent issues, Anthony's health should be of at least some concern for fantasy managers going into 2027. The 22-year-old remains a potentially high-upside bat, but he will need to prove he can avoid injuries for an extended stretch.
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Josh Naylor Undergoes Right-Wrist Surgery
The Seattle Mariners announced that first baseman Josh Naylor (wrist) underwent surgery on his right wrist on Saturday. Naylor is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2027 Spring Training. The 29-year-old had a down year in 2026, hitting .261/.317/.350 with 10 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases across 650 plate appearances. Naylor's 4.4% barrel rate and 35.5% hard-hit rate were both his worst marks since the shortened 2020 season. If Naylor was battling discomfort in his wrist for a chunk of the year, it could help explain why his numbers regressed across the board. Assuming Naylor is able to make a full recovery ahead of 2027, he could be worth buying low on in fantasy drafts.
Source: Seattle Mariners
Source: Seattle Mariners
Cal Raleigh Undergoes Left-Shoulder Surgery
The Seattle Mariners announced that catcher Cal Raleigh (shoulder) underwent left-shoulder surgery on Saturday. Raleigh is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2027 Spring Training. After finishing second in the American League MVP vote in 2025, Raleigh's numbers crashed back down to earth in 2026. Across 530 plate appearances, the 29-year-old hit .182/.296/.368 with 23 home runs, 69 RBI, 49 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Raleigh spent time on the injured list during the year due to an oblique strain, and it appears he may have been battling a shoulder ailment for some or most of the season as well. As long as Raleigh can recover on schedule, he could be in line for a bounce-back season with improved health in 2027.
Source: Seattle Mariners
Source: Seattle Mariners
Gavin Williams Strikes Out 11 in Game 2 Loss
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams was not able to pitch his team to victory in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. However, Williams did his part, striking out 11 while allowing two earned runs across five innings of work. The 27-year-old was one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball during the regular season, recording a 14-8 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts across 184 1/3 innings (32 starts). The Guardians are now down two games to zero with the series heading to Chicago and face an uphill battle to fight their way back to a Game 5. However, if they can win the next two games, Williams would be in position to start a theoretical Game 5 on regular rest.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Sean Burke Earns Game 2 Win in Bulk-Relief Appearance on Monday
Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke was one of the heroes of his team's 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday. Normally a starting pitcher, Burke entered the game out of the bullpen in the third inning and dominated, allowing just one hit, one walk, and one earned run while striking out six across 5 1/3 innings of work. Burke was a breakout arm for the White Sox during the regular season, recording an 11-7 record with a 3.34 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts across 172 1/3 innings (32 games). The 26-year-old allowed three solo home runs in his first postseason appearance against the Houston Astros, but he's now logged 14 strikeouts in 9 1/3 playoff innings. Given his success on Monday, the White Sox could choose to continue using an opener in front of Burke in future postseason outings.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Michael King Pitches Well in His Team's Losing Effort on Sunday
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King did his part in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out six across five innings of work against the Milwaukee Brewers. King left the game with the Padres holding the lead, but Milwaukee mounted a late comeback to win the game 4-3 and take a 2-0 lead in the series. The 31-year-old was San Diego's top starting pitcher during the regular season, recording a 12-10 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 159 strikeouts across 185 innings (32 starts). King has been excellent across two starts so far in the postseason, allowing just four hits and one earned run while recording 14 strikeouts across 12 innings of work. If the Padres can win the next two games of the series against Milwaukee, King could potentially pitch on three days' rest in a theoretical Game 5.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Logan Henderson Goes Five Innings in Playoff Debut on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson did not have the sharpest outing in his postseason debut in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, but he managed to keep his team in the game. Henderson allowed two hits, three walks, and two runs (one earned) while striking out four across five innings of work in Milwaukee's 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Henderson emerged as a front-line starter during the regular season, recording an 11-3 record with a 2.47 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 110 strikeouts across 98 1/3 innings (18 starts). The 24-year-old averaged only 93.0 miles per hour on his fastball, but he logged an excellent 29.6% strikeout rate while walking just 5.1% of the batters he faced. If Milwaukee is going to make a deep postseason run, it will need Henderson to carry over his strong production from the regular season to the playoffs.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ty France Drives in Two in Game 2 Loss
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France carried his team's offense in its 4-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, recording two hits and two RBI in three at-bats. The 32-year-old has been hot to begin the postseason, logging seven hits, two RBI, and two runs scored in 15 at-bats across four games. France had a resurgent regular season for the Padres as well, slashing .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base across 500 plate appearances. While San Diego has now dropped each of the first two games of the NLDS, France has done his job. If the Padres are going to mount a comeback against the Brewers, they will likely need France to stay locked in.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Mason Miller Blows Save in Game 2 of National League Division Series
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller had a rare off outing in his team's 4-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday. The 28-year-old was asked to get a six-out save and came up just short, allowing a hit, three walks, and two earned runs across 1 2/3 innings. Miller cruised through the eighth inning, but he walked three of the first four batters he faced in the ninth before allowing the game-winning two-run single to Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. Miller was arguably the best relief pitcher in baseball this season, recording a 1.67 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with 129 strikeouts and 38 saves across 70 innings (66 games). However, the flame-throwing right-hander looked more mortal in the second half of the season, recording a 2.67 ERA with a 10.6% walk rate after the All-Star break. If San Diego is going to come back from down two games to zero against Milwaukee, it will need Miller to bounce back.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Jackson Chourio the Hero of Brewers' Game 2 Win on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio was the hero of his team's 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday, recording a walk-off two-run single off Padres closer Mason Miller. It was Chourio's lone hit in his four at-bats, but it came at the biggest possible time. Chourio has played a key role in both of Milwaukee's wins in the series, as he hit a game-tying two-run home run in the third inning of Game 1 after San Diego jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead. Across 573 plate appearances in the regular season, the 22-year-old hit .291/.351/.487 with 25 home runs, 75 RBI, 96 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. If the Brewers are going to make a deep postseason run, having Chourio at his best will likely be crucial.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Grant Taylor Stars in an Extended Relief Appearance in Game 1 Victory
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor was electric out of the bullpen in his team's 3-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday. The 24-year-old entered the game in the sixth inning and shut the door on the Guardians, allowing just two hits while striking out six across four scoreless frames. Taylor was one of the best relievers in baseball during the regular season, recording a 2.25 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 10 saves across 84 innings (60 games). Taylor's ability to work multiple innings makes him a unique weapon for the White Sox to deploy out of the bullpen. Taylor threw 42 pitches on Saturday, so he may not be available for Game 2 on Monday. However, the White Sox could try to get multiple innings out of him at least one more time in their series against the Guardians.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Kyle Tucker Homers in Dodgers Postseason Debut on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker had a big game in his team's 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, going two-for-four with a two-run home run and a stolen base. It was a highly underwhelming first season in Los Angeles for Tucker in 2026, as he hit .233/.330/.385 with 17 home runs, 70 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across 627 plate appearances. Tucker's barrel rate fell from 10.8% in 2025 to 6.3% this season, and his 36.3% hard-hit rate was the worst of his career. However, the 29-year-old has a chance to wipe the slate clean at the start of the postseason. Tucker also has plenty of experience in October, as he's now logged 283 plate appearances across seven career trips to the playoffs. If he can rediscover his old form, Tucker could help drive a deep postseason push for Los Angeles.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Jonathan Aranda Hits Decisive Home Run in Game 1 of ALDS on Saturday
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda had the biggest hit of his team's 1-0 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday, slugging a solo home run off Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole in the third inning. It was Aranda's lone hit of the night, but it proved to be the difference in a pitcher's duel. The 28-year-old was a steady presence at the top of the Rays' order during the regular season, hitting .274/.358/.434 with 22 home runs, 92 RBI, and 73 runs scored across 668 plate appearances. He had one of his better power months to close the year, hitting five home runs in just 85 plate appearances in September. If Aranda can stay hot in October, he could be an X-factor for Tampa Bay.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Drew Rasmussen Flirts with No-Hitter in Game 1 Gem
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen dominated the New York Yankees in his team's 1-0 victory in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Rasmussen took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and finished his night by allowing just one hit and two walks while recording 10 strikeouts across eight shutout frames. Rasmussen was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the regular season, recording a 16-5 record with a 2.67 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts across 172 innings (30 starts). He also pitched extremely well against the Yankees, recording a 2.86 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 26 strikeouts across 22 innings (four starts). Rasmussen would likely get the ball for a second time in the series in Game 4 if the Yankees can take one of the next two games.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Teoscar Hernandez Powers Dodgers to Game 1 Victory on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was one of the stars of his team's 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday. The 33-year-old got the scoring started with a two-run home run in the fourth inning and finished the game with two hits and an additional run scored in four at-bats. Hernandez had an up-and-down regular season in 2026, hitting .267/.334/.425 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 66 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 491 plate appearances. The veteran slugger posted a middling .706 OPS across 251 plate appearances before the All-Star break, but he closed the season by hitting .341 with four home runs and 18 RBI across 100 trips to the plate in September. If Hernandez can carry his recent hot streak into the postseason, he could be a major difference-maker for Los Angeles.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tarik Skubal Notches First Win of 2026 Postseason on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal picked up his first win of the postseason on Saturday in his team's 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The 29-year-old allowed just one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out seven across six innings of work. Skubal was excellent in the regular season after being acquired by the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers at this summer's trade deadline, recording a 5-2 record with a 2.61 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts across 62 innings (10 starts). The hard-throwing lefty also has an impressive resume in the postseason, allowing just 10 earned runs while logging 63 strikeouts across 45 2/3 career playoff innings (seven starts). Skubal's next scheduled start will be in Game 5 of the NLDS, if the series goes that far.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Parker Messick Will Take the Hill Against the White Sox In Game 1 of ALDS
Left-handed pitcher Parker Messick will take the ball for Game 1 for the Cleveland Guardians as they take on the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS. Messick was 12-9 during the regular season with a 2.56 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 193 strikeouts in 186 1/3 innings. Messick will look to shut down a talented White Sox lineup that is very deep and can do damage from all thirds of the lineup. Messick will take the ball as the Guardians' ace and face an opener in Hagen Smith. The Guardians will hope to get some length from Messick to set up what is a good bullpen backed by quality closer in Cade Smith. Messick has good career numbers against the White Sox and will look to get settled in right from the start in Game 1 on Saturday afternoon.
Source: Zack Meisel, The Athletic
Source: Zack Meisel, The Athletic
Hagen Smith Will Start Game 1 For White Sox in ALDS
Left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith will get the ball in Game 1 for the Chicago White Sox as they open their series against the Cleveland Guardians. Smith started a game in the opening series at Houston and pitched three quality innings with two hits allowed, no walks, and one strikeout. That's just about the perfect scenario for the White Sox as they are counting on Smith as an opener. Three strong inning would help get to the White Sox' bullpen and allow them to bridge the gap to the late innings. Smith was used mostly as a reliever during the regular season and only started one game. He pitched 28 innings and allowed 11 hits, walking 16 for a 0.96 WHIP to go with his 1.29 ERA during the regular season. Smith looks like a bonafide weapon for the White Sox in the postseason and they could vary how they use him. As the opener they will most likely look for 3+ strong innings once again in Game 1.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Dodgers Don't Name Closer For NLDS Vs. Braves
Los Angeles Dodgers managers Dave Roberts named a list of pitchers when asked about his closer situation which included Tanner Scott, Edwin Diaz, Evan Phillips and Roki Sasaki. Roberts said he would feel comfortable with each of those mentioned as the closer but according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Scott is at the top of that list. Scott led the team in the regular season with 25 saves, Edwin Diaz had seven saves and Alex Vesia had three saves. The Dodgers could play the matchups in using their bullpen in closing situations against the Braves but Scott is the safest bet to close out games. He had the most success during the regular season and with Diaz's injuries and struggles, Scott looks like the most dominant option.
Source: The Athletic, Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic, Fabian Ardaya
More News About Francisco Alvarez
