Justin Steele Resumes Throwing on Monday
Justin Steele (elbow) resumed throwing the baseball on Monday. It's nice to see Steele throwing again after he underwent UCL surgery in April. He was only able to make four starts during the 2025 season before needing his ligament repaired. It's unlikely that Steele is ready for Opening Day, but it'll likely depend on his level of progress over the winter. If not, Steele should be ready in the early part of the 2026 season.
Source: Justin Steele
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Source: Justin Steele
Shelby Miller Undergoes Elbow Surgery
Shelby Miller (elbow) recently underwent surgery to repair the UCL and flexor tendon in his right elbow. Miller was hopeful to avoid surgery, but sadly he wasn't able to do that. This means Miller will likely miss most of the 2026 campaign. He posted a 2.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 54/15 K/BB ratio across 48 appearances between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Brewers this season. The 35-year-old is set to hit free agency this winter. We'll see what kind of interest he draws considering he might miss all of 2026.
Source: Adam McCalvy
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Source: Adam McCalvy
Josh Naylor Moves into Three-Hole
Josh Naylor will move into the three-hole in the lineup ahead of Monday's Game 7 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Naylor has mainly been batting cleanup or fifth during this series. However, he'll move into the third spot with Jorge Polanco sliding into the cleanup spot during this elimination contest. Naylor has been on fire at the plate with a .341 batting average and three home runs during the postseason. The Mariners want to keep their hot hitting left-handed slugger near the top of the order for this one. We'll see if he's able to do any damage against right-hander Shane Bieber and help send his team to their first ever World Series.
Source: mlb.com
Seattle Mariners first baseman Source: mlb.com
George Springer Remains in Leadoff Spot
George Springer (knee) will remain in the leadoff spot ahead of Monday's Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Springer made an early exit during Game 5 of this series on Friday night. Luckily, he was able to return in Game 6, but went 0-for-4 at the plate. Despite his struggles on Sunday, Springer will remain in the leadoff spot for this elimination contest. He'll serve as the designated hitter and get the first crack at right-hander George Kirby on Monday night.
Source: mlb.com
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Source: mlb.com
Dominic Canzone on the Bench for Game 7
Dominic Canzone is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Monday's ALCS Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Canzone has been in the lineup almost exclusively against right-handed pitching this postseason. However, he has struggled with only three hits during those nine games. That being said, Victor Robles will take over in right field and bat ninth against right-hander Shane Bieber on Monday. Robles has actually been worse as he's 1-for-12 during this series, so it's possible we see both players during this elimination contest.
Source: mlb.com
Seattle Mariners outfielder Source: mlb.com
Kevin Gausman Ready for Possible Game 7 Appearance as Blue Jays Eye AL Pennant
Kevin Gausman has declared his readiness for a potential Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Gausman told reporters he will be "out there cleated up and ready to go" in the bullpen if the series reaches a decisive game. The veteran starter has pitched in both Game 1 and Game 5 of this series, posting a strong 2.12 ERA across the entire postseason while delivering key innings throughout Toronto's playoff run. Gausman has been instrumental to the Blue Jays' success and with both teams adopting a win-by-all-means mindset, Gausman could play a pivotal role if the Blue Jays push the series to its limit.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Source: Arden Zwelling
Bo Bichette Eyeing Return as Running and Swinging Progress Continue
Bo Bichette (knee) has increased his running workload but has not yet advanced to running the bases, according to manager John Schneider. Bichette has been sidelined since September 7 with a left knee sprain and was ruled out for the ALCS. However, optimism remains that he could return if the Blue Jays reach the World Series. Schneider added that Bichette's swing has shown significant improvement, offering a positive sign for Toronto fans.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Source: Arden Zwelling
Trent Thornton Out of Walking Boot; Aims for Early 2026 Return
Trent Thornton (Achilles) is out of his protective walking boot as he continues to recover from a torn left Achilles tendon. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on August 5 after being placed on the injured list four days earlier. The recovery timeline is expected to be around six to eight months, putting Thornton on track for a possible return by 2026 spring training. He has remained in good spirits while supporting his team during their postseason run. Thornton finished the regular season with a 4.68 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP across 42 1/3 innings.
Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners right-hander Source: MLB.com
Tanner Scott Resumes Throwing; Dodgers Hopeful for World Series Return
Tanner Scott (lower body) has resumed playing catch as the team celebrated clinching its World Series berth with a series sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Scott has been sidelined since September 26 after undergoing a procedure to treat a lower-body abscess. The Dodgers remain hopeful the 31-year-old reliever can return in some capacity for the World Series, depending on how manager Dave Roberts chooses to deploy him. Scott had an up-and-down regular season in Los Angeles, posting a 4.47 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He'll look to contribute meaningful innings as the Dodgers aim for back-to-back championships.
Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Source: MLB.com
George Springer Returns to Lineup for Game 6 of ALCS
George Springer (knee) is in the lineup as the designated hitter Sunday night for Game 6 against the Seattle Mariners. Springer was hit squarely on the kneecap by a 96 mph fastball from Bryan Woo in Friday's loss and was questionable to play. X-rays came back negative, and it became a matter of mobility and strength to determine his availability. The Blue Jays are relieved to have their veteran leadoff hitter back for a must-win contest as they look to take two at home and advance to the World Series against the Dodgers. Springer has been a key contributor this postseason, slashing .256/.318/.615 with three home runs in nine games.
Source: MLB.com
Toronto Blue Jays star outfielder Source: MLB.com
Dodgers Expected to Pursue Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker this offseason. This should come as no surprise given the Dodgers pursuit of elite talent over the last few years. The Dodgers consider the outfield an area of need and Tucker is expected to be the best outfielder available on the market. He slashed .266/.376/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases in 134 games with the Chicago Cubs this past season. His numbers did take a dip in the second half, but Tucker still figures to get an enormous contract this winter. This deal would make sense for both sides, but we'll see who else goes after Tucker this offseason.
Source: New York Post
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly ready to spend big this offseason. According to Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are expected to pursue outfielder Source: New York Post
George Springer Feeling Improved
George Springer (knee) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's Game 5 after getting hit by a pitch. He was pulled from the contest after taking a fastball off the knee in the seventh inning. Springer underwent testing that came back negative for any structural damage. Jays' manager John Schneider told reporters on Saturday that Springer is feeling much improved. All signs are pointing towards Springer being available for Sunday's Game 2 against the Seattle Mariners. The team will likely wait until closer to first pitch before making a final decision.
Source: Mitch Bannon
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Source: Mitch Bannon
Tony Vitello Nearing Deal to Become Giants Manager
Source: New York Times
Logan Gilbert Named Game 6 Starter for ALCS
Logan Gilbert has been named the starting pitcher ahead of Game 6 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. As expected, Gilbert will get the ball as he attempts to get his team to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Gilbert gave up three runs (two earned) across three innings of work during Monday's Game 2. The right-hander holds a 2.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP with 11 strikeouts in 11 innings this postseason. He only threw 58 pitches during his last outing, so he should be fairly fresh for this contest.
Source: Ryan Divish
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Source: Ryan Divish
Elly De La Cruz to Stay at Shortstop
Elly De La Cruz won't be moving positions for the upcoming 2026 season. There was speculation that the Reds would shift De La Cruz elsewhere after leading the league in errors. The thought was that the Reds would move De La Cruz into the outfield much like the Pittsburgh Pirates did with Oneil Cruz due to his defensive skills. The Reds also have shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo waiting in the wings, so moving De La Cruz does make sense on paper. For now, the Reds are keeping De La Cruz at shortstop, but they might have to make a tough decision once Arroyo is ready for the big league level.
Source: mlb.com
Cincinnati Reds shortstop
Source: mlb.com