Witt did not come out for the top of the seventh inning in a game the Royals won 2-1. Maikel Garcia shifted from third base to shortstop and Nick Loftin entered at third and took Witt's spot in the batting order.
Any missed time for Witt could be a massive blow to the Royals, who entered Friday two games out of the final wild-card spot in the American League.
A two-time All-Star and the runner-up for AL MVP last year, Witt is batting .294 with 21 homers and 77 RBIs and is one of baseball's best defensive infielders.
--Field Level Media
Contreras had appealed his discipline for throwing his bat while arguing with umpires during an Aug. 25 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will be eligible to play Tuesday when the Cardinals visit the Seattle Mariners.
Contreras struck out in the seventh inning of the Aug. 25 game and was ejected for arguing with umpire Derek Thomas. He also bumped Thomas and unleashed foul language at the umpire, according to Major League Baseball.
The outburst continued as Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and hitting coach Brant Brown held Contreras back from the umpire. After tossing his helmet onto the ground, Contreras tossed his bat behind him, hitting Brown in the arm. He finished off the tirade with a bubble gum toss from the dugout.
Contreras, 33, is batting .254 with 20 home runs and a career-best 78 RBIs in 130 games for the Cardinals.
Contreras was a three-time All-Star during his seven-year stint with the Chicago Cubs and is a career .257 batter with 172 homers and 546 RBIs in 1,073 games.
St. Louis activated catcher Yohel Pozo from the seven-day concussion list and optioned infielder Cesar Prieto to Triple-A Memphis.
Pozo, 28, is batting .242 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 62 games. Prieto, 26, was 1-for-6 in three games with St. Louis.
--Field Level Media
Lopez has been sidelined due to a strained muscle in his right shoulder. He pulled himself from a game against the Athletics on June 3 while warming up for the sixth inning due to tightness in the shoulder.
Lopez, 29, made three recent rehab starts for Triple-A St. Paul and went 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA over 11 innings.
A 2023 All-Star, Lopez is 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA in 11 starts for Minnesota this season.
The Venezuela native is in his third season with the Twins after spending his first five seasons with the Miami Marlins. He has a 59-52 record and a 3.84 ERA in 169 career starts.
Minnesota outrighted right-hander Noah Davis to St. Paul. Davis, 28, was 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in four relief appearances for the Twins this season.
--Field Level Media
Manager Dave Roberts said Glasnow was experiencing back tightness and is expected to be pushed back a few days, with a possible return early next week.
Glasnow threw seven innings in his last game but struggled with command over his past two starts, including a four-walk effort in four innings against the Padres on Aug. 23.
Ohtani, originally scheduled to start Monday against Colorado, instead returns to the mound Friday after missing his previous outing with a chest cold. He continued to hit during the illness, going 2-for-5 in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but the Dodgers held him out of pitching duties.
Friday's start marks Ohtani's 12th of the season as he builds back his workload following a second elbow surgery. The Japanese star debuted as a Dodgers pitcher in June after nearly two years away from the mound. He is 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA and 44 strikeouts through 32 1/3 innings.
--Field Level Media
Judge is playing right field and batting third in the Yankees' lineup as they go toe to toe with the American League East leaders, whom they trail by three games.
Judge suffered a flexor strain in his right elbow in late July, though there was no damage to the UCL, and he spent time on the injured list. When he returned Aug. 5, he was only used as the designated hitter while he built up strength in his throwing elbow.
That forced the Yankees to use Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield for the first time since 2023. Stanton even played three straight games in left field in the Yankees' series at the Houston Astros earlier this week, while Cody Bellinger took right.
In Friday's lineup, Bellinger is manning left field while Stanton returns to his familiar DH role.
The two-time AL Most Valuable Player leads the majors with a .322 batting average to go with 43 homers and 97 RBIs in 130 games. His 100 walks and 112 runs top the AL.
Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is also in the lineup a day after suffering contusions on both knees.
--Field Level Media
The move is retroactive to Monday.
Finnegan was injured Wednesday while warming up in the bullpen during a game against the New York Mets. He shut down the session and walked over to the clubhouse.
"We got him evaluated. It's mild," Detroit manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "That's a good sign, but the only way to strengthen and rehab this is to have a little period of shutting down (from) games. So we'll keep his arm moving and continue doing things. But we're gonna miss him for the 15 days, and then we'll see how he responds and when he'll be available."
Finnegan was acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline and has been superb in 12 relief appearances for the Tigers. He hasn't allowed a run in 14 1/3 innings and has given up just three hits and three walks while striking out 19 and recording four saves.
Finnegan, who turned 34 on Thursday, was 1-4 with a 4.38 ERA and 20 saves in 40 appearances for the Nationals.
Finnegan feels he'll be ready for the postseason.
"I'm feeling really confident about where I'm at already," Finnegan told reporters. "We're just going to trust the plan. I expect to throw a few more games in the regular season and be ready in the postseason."
Detroit also activated outfielder Parker Meadows (quadriceps) from the 10-day injured list. Meadows, 25, is batting .200 with two homers and nine RBIs in 38 games this season.
--Field Level Media
Senga, 32, has endured a rocky stretch since returning from a right hamstring strain in mid-July, posting a 6.56 ERA over his last eight starts.
An All-Star and runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2023, Senga is in the third season of a five-year, $75 million deal. He owns a 7-6 record and 3.02 ERA across 22 appearances this year. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the focus was on "getting him right" amid the late-season playoff race.
To replace Senga, New York plans to call up the team's No. 5 prospect, right-hander Brandon Sproat, to start Sunday against Cincinnati. The move will leave three rookies -- Sproat, Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong -- in the Mets' six-man rotation.
The Mets also activated catcher Francisco Alvarez, who will attempt to finish the season while managing a torn thumb ligament and fractured finger, and added reliever Wander Suero after claiming him from Atlanta. To round out the moves, catcher Hayden Senger (.174 in 30 games) was optioned to Syracuse along with Senga. Right-handed reliever Reed Garrett was sent on a rehab assignment to Double-A Binghamton on Thursday.
Alvarez, 23, is batting .265 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in 56 games this season.
--Field Level Media
The move is due to back tightness and is retroactive to Sept. 2.
In a corresponding move, the Brewers recalled Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville.
The news of Mears' injury is not welcome for a team that is already struggling with injuries in the bullpen.
The Brewers have already lost Shelby Miller (right UCL sprain) for the season and Logan Henderson (right flexor tendon strain) for at least the remainder of the regular season.
DL Hall (right oblique strain) isn't expected back until late September. Grant Anderson (right ankle tendinitis) is starting a rehab assignment this weekend at Triple-A Nashville. Closer Trevor McGill (right flexor strain) threw a bullpen session on Thursday and could return by Sept. 16, per Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy.
Mears, 28, is 5-3 with a 3.42 ERA over 52 2/3 innings in 59 bullpen appearances for the Brewers this season.
He is 7-9 with a 4.61 ERA in 165 career games (zero starts) with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2020-22), Colorado Rockies (2023-24) and Brewers.
Rodriguez, 23, pitched 6 1/3 innings over two games out of the bullpen this season for the big-league club, earning a 1-0 record and a 9.95 ERA. He is 3-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) in Triple-A this season.
--Field Level Media
Skenes (10-9) further solidified his case for his first National League Cy Young Award with another stellar performance. Lowering his ERA to an MLB-best 1.98, he picked up his third win in as many starts and has allowed only one earned run over that span (19 innings).
The reigning National League Rookie of the Year's latest gem helped the Pirates secure their fifth win in their past six games. They are 12-4 over their past 16 games.
The Pirates continued to play spoiler against the Dodgers, who have lost four of their last five games.
Phillies 2, Brewers 0
Trea Turner snapped a scoreless tie with a run-scoring single in the seventh and Ranger Suarez tossed six shutout innings to pace visiting Philadelphia to a shutout victory over Milwaukee in a matchup between division leaders.
Alec Bohm ignited the go-ahead rally in the seventh with a one-out triple off Tobias Myers (1-2). Bryson Stott grounded out, but Turner lined an 0-2 pitch to left for an RBI single. The Phillies added a run in the ninth off Joel Payamps on a leadoff double by Harrison Bader and Stott's two-out double.
In the bottom of the ninth, Bader robbed Andruw Monasterio of an apparent home run with a leaping grab above the center field wall. Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, who entered with a major league-best 16 victories, allowed two hits over five scoreless innings.
Yankees 8, Astros 4
Ryan McMahon recorded a multi-hit, multi-RBI game and Trent Grisham clubbed a backbreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning as visiting New York topped Houston to take the rubber match of a three-game series.
The Yankees closed to within three games of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East. The Yankees will host Toronto in a three-game weekend series starting Friday. Carlos Rodon (16-7) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings.
After the Astros shaved a three-run deficit to 4-3 in the seventh, McMahon (3-for-4, three RBIs) bounced a single that extended the Yankees' lead to 5-3 in the eighth. Grisham followed with his 30th home run. Yordan Alvarez (4-for-5, two RBIs) socked a two-out solo home run off Rodon in the third and scored on a Jose Caballero throwing error following his leadoff double in the sixth. Alvarez added an RBI single in the ninth.
Royals 4, Angels 3
Bobby Witt Jr. hit Kansas City's fourth solo home run of the night, a tiebreaking drive in the eighth inning, and the host Royals rallied for a victory over Los Angeles.
Luis Rengifo's three-run, first-inning homer off Kansas City rookie Noah Cameron gave the Angels a 3-0 lead. But the Royals' Adam Frazier and Vinnie Pasquantino homered off Angels starter Kyle Hendricks, who yielded just one other hit over six innings.
Cameron walked five and allowed five hits but no more runs after the first in his five-inning outing.
Rays 4, Guardians 2
Ryan Pepiot dominated over five no-hit innings as Tampa Bay beat Cleveland for its season-best seventh straight win.
Pepiot (11-10) allowed just two walks while striking out six. Christopher Morel went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI for the Rays.
Jose Ramirez homered and singled while Kyle Manzardo went deep for the Guardians, who have lost 10 of their past 15 games. Logan Allen (7-11) yielded four runs (three earned) on six hits in five-plus innings.
White Sox 11, Twins 8
Kyle Teel went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double and four RBIs, and Chicago outlasted Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Colson Montgomery homered and drove in three for Chicago, which completed a four-game sweep and won its season-high fifth game in a row. Curtis Mead doubled twice and drove in a pair. White Sox rookie right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez (1-0) earned his first career victory in his 11th relief appearance.
Mickey Gasper finished with three RBIs to lead Minnesota, which completed its seven-game homestand with a 2-5 record. Matt Wallner and Kody Clemens each added a solo home run. Twins right-hander Travis Adams (1-3) gave up four runs on three hits in one inning of relief. Starter Taj Bradley yielded four runs on eight hits in five innings.
--Field Level Media
The move is retroactive to Monday.
Lugo, 35, was initially listed to start Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels before being pushed back two days. Then he was evaluated further Thursday and was placed on the IL.
The 2024 All-Star has struggled of late. He had a 3.06 ERA after his start on Aug. 3 and has been racked in four of his ensuing five starts, going 0-2 with a 10.23 ERA.
Lugo's ERA now sits at 4.15 to go with an 8-7 record.
Meanwhile, the Royals are hoping to get another 2024 All-Star back soon in left-hander Cole Ragans (2-3, 5.18). He has been on the IL for nearly three months with a strained left rotator cuff.
Ragans, 27, pitched batting practice Wednesday and manager Matt Quatraro was impressed.
"He looked good," Quatraro told reporters. "He was healthy and threw the ball free and easy. He got to face hitters -- amped up the adrenaline a little bit -- and so far so good. ... Everything was positive."
Lugo finished second in the American League Cy Young Award balloting last season. Ragans placed fourth.
The Royals promoted right-hander Stephen Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday and he might end up being the Saturday starter.
Kolek, 28, was acquired at the trade deadline from the San Diego Padres and was sharp in his lone start for Kansas City, allowing one run and four hits in six innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers last Saturday.
Counting his time with San Diego, Kolek is 4-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 15 starts this season.
Left-hander Noah Cameron (7-6, 2.92) was set to start Thursday's game against the Angels.
--Field Level Media
Sproat is the No. 5 prospect in the New York organization, according to MLB Pipeline.
Sproat, who turns 25 on Sept. 17, is 8-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 26 appearances (25 starts) for Triple-A Syracuse.
Sproat was a second-round pick (No. 56 overall) in the 2023 draft.
The recall of Sproat comes after New York recently promoted top right-handed pitching prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong.
McLean is 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four starts since being promoted, while Tong beat the Miami Marlins last Friday in his big league debut. He gave up four runs (one earned) and six hits over five innings.
The Mets hold the third-playoff spot in the National League entering Friday's opener of a three-game set with the Reds.
--Field Level Media
Chapman, who earlier Wednesday appealed a one-game suspension from MLB for his actions in a benches-clearing incident a day earlier, also doubled and drove in four runs for San Francisco. Meanwhile, the Giants' 17-game homer streak is the franchise's longest since relocating to San Francisco and second longest in club history.
Drew Gilbert also homered and Heliot Ramos and Patrick Bailey each had two hits and two runs for the Giants, who have won four in a row and 10 of their past 11. Manager Bob Melvin was ejected at the end of the fifth inning by plate umpire Dan Bellino. Reliever Joel Peguero (1-0) threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings for his first career win, and Ryan Walker got the last two outs for his 14th save.
Hunter Goodman had three hits and Kyle Karros, Tyler Freeman and Jordan Beck contributed two hits apiece for the Rockies. Reliever Luis Peralta (1-3) gave up four runs while recording only one out. Starter German Marquez gave up four runs on eight hits over five innings.
Diamondbacks 2, Rangers 0
Zac Gallen pitched six scoreless innings, Corbin Carroll doubled and scored, and Arizona beat Texas in Phoenix.
Gallen (11-13) stretched his scoreless streak to 12 innings, and Jake Woodford pitched the ninth for his third save. Gabriel Moreno and Jake McCarthy had the RBIs for Arizona, which took the last two games of the three-game series.
Jack Leiter (9-8) gave up two runs on three hits in six innings for the Rangers, who outhit the Diamondbacks 5-3 but went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Blue Jays 13, Reds 9
Addison Barger homered and drove in four runs to help visiting Toronto overcome an early five-run deficit and post a victory over Cincinnati.
Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk belted back-to-back homers in the fourth inning and Barger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. followed suit in the fifth. Barger had a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning and an RBI single in the eighth as the Blue Jays banged out 18 hits to win the decisive contest of the three-game series.
Cincinnati's Noelvi Marte ripped a two-run double to cap a five-run second inning and added an RBI single in the seventh. Jose Trevino and Matt McLain each drove in two runs for the reeling Reds, who have lost 10 of their last 13 games.
Braves 5, Cubs 1
Ha-Seong Kim blasted a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning to help visiting Atlanta avoid a sweep of the three-game series with a win against Chicago.
Kim, who was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, slammed the first pitch he saw from Drew Pomeranz over the fence in left to give Atlanta a 3-1 lead. Atlanta starter Bryce Elder (6-9) allowed one run, which was unearned, and four hits over seven innings.
Chicago starter Cade Horton threw five no-hit innings before he was replaced after 75 pitches.
Rays 9, Mariners 4
Junior Caminero drove in runs in back-to-back four-run innings, Yandy Diaz went 5-for-5 and Tampa Bay ran its winning streak to six in a sweep-claiming blowout of visiting Seattle.
The Rays won for the ninth time in 11 games and moved to within 2 1/2 games of the Mariners for the third American League wild-card spot. Chandler Simpson and Jake Mangum had three hits apiece in Tampa Bay's season-high 19-hit explosion.
Cal Raleigh recorded his American League-leading 109th RBI and Julio Rodriguez homered for the Mariners. George Kirby (8-7) was battered for eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in a career-low two innings.
Tigers 6, Mets 2
Kerry Carpenter blasted a three-run homer and host Detroit salvaged the finale of a three-game series against New York.
Riley Greene supplied a two-run single while Colt Keith had two hits and scored twice for the Tigers. Casey Mize (13-4) gave up one run and five hits in five innings.
Mets starter Clay Holmes (11-7) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. Pete Alonso had three hits and an RBI.
Astros 8, Yankees 7
Yordan Alvarez produced a four-hit game as Houston rallied from a three-run deficit to defeat visiting New York.
Alvarez went 4-for-5 while teammate Jeremy Pena finished 2-for-4. Reliever Bryan King (5-3) threw one perfect inning for the win.
Yankees reliever Devin Williams (3-6) was charged with four runs in two-thirds of an inning. He and manager Aaron Boone were ejected in the eighth. Giancarlo Stanton, Austin Wells and Cody Bellinger homered for New York.
Nationals 10, Marlins 5
Nasim Nunez went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and his first two major league home runs, helping Washington sweep visiting Miami.
Reliever Jackson Rutledge (3-2) threw one scoreless inning as the Nationals completed a series sweep for the first time since May. Washington's Brady House added a two-run homer.
Marlins starter Eury Perez (6-5) gave up seven runs on eight hits in four innings. Joey Wiemer socked his first home run of the year.
Orioles 7, Padres 5
Baltimore used the long ball early, then held on to beat San Diego and complete a three-game road sweep.
The Orioles led 7-0 after the third inning as they got back-to-back-to-back home runs by Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo and Alex Jackson, all off Nestor Cortes (2-4). It was the second time this season Baltimore has hit three homers in a row. Jackson Holliday also went deep off Cortes to start the game for his 16th homer and third leadoff shot of the season. Cade Povich (3-7) benefited from the offensive outburst to notch his first victory since June 15 and his first as a starter since April 24. In five-plus innings, the lefty gave up four runs on seven hits.
Manny Machado hit a two-run homer off Povich in the sixth, and Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the San Diego seventh with a homer off Keegan Akin. Cortes lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits.
Pirates 3, Dodgers 0
Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen each homered and Joey Bart hit an RBI double to propel host Pittsburgh past Los Angeles.
The Pirates have won four of their past five games and are 11-4 over their past 15. Pittsburgh's hitting was enough to back up a stellar effort from Braxton Ashcraft, Mike Burrows (2-4), Evan Sisk, Isaac Mattson and Dennis Santana, who combined to allow just five hits in Pittsburgh's MLB-leading 17th shutout this season.
The Dodgers have lost four of their past five games. Emmet Sheehan (5-3) got the call to start after Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled start and served as Los Angeles' DH. Manager Dave Roberts said pregame that Ohtani was dealing with a chest cold. Ohtani still recorded two hits, including his 20th double of the season.
Guardians 8, Red Sox 1
Gabriel Arias hit a two-run home run in a six-run second inning that propelled Cleveland to a win over host Boston.
The Guardians received a strong pitching performance from Joey Cantillo (4-3), who limited Boston to a run on five hits in six innings. Steven Kwan had three hits and C.J. Kayfus and Bo Naylor each added two hits for Cleveland, which ended a three-game losing streak.
Romy Gonzalez collected two of the Red Sox's seven hits. Brennan Bernardino (4-3), one of five pitchers the Red Sox used, exited the mound after recording two outs in the first inning, giving up a run on one hit and one walk. Jordan Hicks then surrendered four of the six runs Cleveland scored in the second.
Brewers 6, Phillies 3
Isaac Collins' three-run homer highlighted a ferocious start by Milwaukee in a win over visiting Philadelphia.
Jose Quintana (11-5) allowed three runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings for the Brewers, who scratched Christian Yelich due to low back soreness. Milwaukee didn't need him early as they scored five runs before the Phillies recorded an out. Sal Frelick singled on a play that also featured a throwing error by center fielder Harrison Bader, allowing two runs to score. Then Collins smacked one over the right field wall for his ninth homer of the year.
Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola (3-8) was charged with six runs on six hits in five innings. Weston Wilson's two-run homer was the offensive highlight for the Phillies.
Angels 4, Royals 3
Jo Adell clubbed a three-run, go-ahead homer in the sixth inning, then drove in the tiebreaking run with an infield single in the eighth and visiting Los Angeles beat Kansas City.
Clayton Dana, recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to start for the Angels, allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits over five innings, and Reid Detmers retired the side in the ninth to notch his third save. With these back-to-back wins, the Angels secured their first winning road series since July 18-20 and improved to 5-4 on their 10-game trip.
Michael Massey had two hits for the Royals, a wild-card contender who has lost seven of 11. Kansas City's Ryan Bergert allowed just one run on one hit over five-plus innings.
Cardinals 5, Athletics 1
Willson Contreras drove in four runs as St. Louis defeated the visiting Athletics in the decisive game of a three-game series.
Contreras went 3-for-4 with a triple and Nolan Gorman finished 3-for-3 with a homer for the Cardinals, who won for the fifth time in seven games. Matthew Liberatore (7-11) threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and JoJo Romero got the last five outs for his seventh save.
Nick Kurtz hit a homer for the Athletics, who lost for the fifth time in six games. Jeffrey Springs (10-10) allowed two runs on five hits in six innings.
White Sox 4, Twins 3
Michael A. Taylor hit a two-run double in the ninth inning to lift Chicago to a comeback win over host Minnesota.
Brooks Baldwin also drove in a run as part of a three-run inning for the White Sox, who trailed 3-1 entering the ninth. The rally snapped a string of 205 consecutive losses for Chicago when trailing after eight innings. Rookie reliever Grant Taylor (1-4) earned his first career victory, allowing one hit in 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The White Sox won their fourth game in a row and their fifth straight against the Twins.
Royce Lewis went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two stolen bases to lead Minnesota. Luke Keaschall doubled in a run and Byron Buxton had a double and a triple. Right-hander Justin Topa (1-5) gave up one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning as the Twins' bullpen spoiled a quality start by right-hander Zebby Matthews, who limited Chicago to one run on three hits in six innings.
--Field Level Media
Chapman's suspension was supposed to begin Wednesday, but he's appealed the decision.
Freeland, Giants shortstop Willy Adames and slugger Rafael Devers were fined undisclosed amounts.
Tuesday's incident began when Devers took his time admiring his first-inning two-run homer off Freeland, who took offense. The two began yelling at each other as Devers walked up the first-base line.
As more players began to converge near the mound, Chapman entered the fray and pushed Freeland. Adames also made contact with the Rockies hurler as both benches cleared.
Chapman, Freeland and Adames were all ejected. Devers didn't finish rounding the bases until eight minutes after his 397-foot home run, according to MLB.com.
"I just found it extremely disrespectful to show me up like that in the first inning after hitting a home run," Freeland told reporters postgame.
"Standing there watching it, taking your sweet time getting down to first base. I've been in this league for quite some time, and I know he has as well. I just find that extremely disrespectful and felt that I needed to let him know about that."
"I didn't do anything wrong," Devers told reporters in Spanish. "I didn't do anything different from when I hit a home run. I don't know why it bothered him."
The two teams will meet again Wednesday night at 8:40 p.m. ET to finish off their three-game series. San Francisco is looking to sweep Colorado after taking the first two contests.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Ohtani was feeling under the weather but was feeling well enough to hit. Ohtani will remain in the lineup as leadoff hitter and designated hitter, while right-hander Emmet Sheehan will replace him on the mound.
Roberts alluded to Ohtani feeling ill the past couple of days, including Tuesday's affair in which he hit a double and a home run with two RBIs in a 7-9 loss.
Ohtani, 31, is coming off his first win of the season on the mound, a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 27. That outing, also his longest of the season at five innings, saw him strike out nine, walk two and surrender two hits and a run.
The five-time All-Star is batting .279 with 46 home runs and 87 RBIs this year. His ERA sits at 4.18 over 32 1/3 innings.
Sheehan, 25, is 5-2 with a 3.56 ERA this season.
Los Angeles entered Wednesday 2 1/2 games ahead of the San Diego Padres in the NL West.
--Field Level Media
The teammates dismissed the idea, with Valdez apologizing for miscommunication on pitch selection after the 7-1 loss, and Valdez's agent took extra steps Wednesday to defend his client.
"There's no questioning what Framber is and what he represents to the team and his thought process on the team," agent Ulises Cabrera, who represents Valdez, told the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday.
"The idea that he's intentionally trying to injure one of his teammates is preposterous. It's a complete lack of respect for who he is as a person and who he is as a player. And his body of work demonstrates that. Anything to the contrary is just completely misguided and it's not right."
Valdez, 31, who has spent his entire major league career with Houston and earned All-Star nods in 2022 and 2023, got into trouble when loading the bases in the Yankees' half of the fifth inning with the Astros down 2-0.
When Valdez appeared to shake off Salazer's sign for a curveball on a 1-0 pitch to New York's Trent Grisham, the catcher waved at him to step off the mound. Instead, Valdez threw a sinker, which Grisham blasted for a grand slam.
The Yankees' Anthony Volpe was the next batter. With a 1-0 count, a sinker hit Salazar's chest protector, catching him off guard because he was expecting a curveball. Valdez turned his back to the plate and paused as Salazar and Volpe stared at him.
Valdez explained after the game through interpreter Otto Loor that "we got crossed up."
"When we got down to the dugout, I excused myself with (Salazar) and I said sorry to him and I take full responsibility for that," Valdez said. "He called for a curveball, but I was already in mind that I was going to throw a sinker so that's what I threw and that's what happened."
Both Salazar and Valdez said they have a good relationship, with Valdez saying, "I would never want to hurt somebody on purpose, but it's stuff that happened and we were able to talk through it. We're good."
Salazer, 29, said he pressed the wrong button on the PitchCom transmitter, and no one heard it as the home ballpark, with many Yankees fans celebrating, remained buzzing after Grisham's homer.
"It was a big spot for the Yankees," Salazar said. "The stadium was loud and I thought I pressed the button, but I pressed the wrong button and I was expecting another pitch, but that was it. I pressed the wrong button and yeah, that's what it was."
Valdez's agent, Cabrera, said his client didn't expect observers to think he intentionally hit Salazar with the pitch.
"In no way, shape or form does the starting pitcher intentionally try to hurt his teammate," Cabrera told the Chronicle. "Mix-ups happen all the time, just like a pitcher shaking (off a pitch) all the time. This is just not an issue.
"But it does become an issue when people question Framber's quality as a teammate and his interest in defending his fellow players in the dugout on the field. He messed up. He admitted it. He got mixed up, done. But to suggest anything other than that is just wrong and it's not acceptable."
Valdez took the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits -- including two home runs -- and one walk, with eight strikeouts over five innings.
--Field Level Media
In a corresponding move to open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated left-hander Joe Jacques, a minor leaguer, for assignment.
Castillo, 29, last pitched on Friday, allowing one run on four hits with two strikeouts and no walks in two innings of a 19-9 home win over the Miami Marlins. He was designated for assignment on Saturday.
He was a combined 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA, nine walks and 22 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings over 21 relief appearances this season for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Mets.
Castillo, who missed the entire 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is a career 4-5 with a 4.50 ERA, 25 walks and 77 strikeouts in 62 innings for the San Diego Padres (2018-19, 2022-23), Diamondbacks (2025) and Mets (2025).
Jacques, 30, was acquired by the Mariners from the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 2 for right-hander Will Klein. He has pitched this season for the Dodgers' and Mariners' Triple-A affiliates, going a combined 2-1 with three saves, a 6.51 ERA, 22 walks and 53 strikeouts in 47 innings over 42 games (one start).
His major league career spans parts of two seasons with the Boston Red Sox (2023-24) and Diamondbacks (2024). He is 2-1 with one save, a 5.46 ERA, 11 walks and 22 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings over 25 games (one start).
--Field Level Media
Anthony grabbed his back after he struck out in the fourth inning of Boston's 11-7 triumph over Cleveland (68-69) on Tuesday. He was replaced in right field by Nate Eaton in the top of the fifth by the Red Sox (78-62).
"He's going on the IL. He has an oblique strain," Cora said Wednesday. "Timetable, we don't know... Usually takes from 4-6 weeks."
The left-handed-hitting Anthony said he first felt discomfort during a check swing earlier in the at-bat.
"Pretty sudden," he said after Tuesday's game. "I'm hoping for the best and staying positive, but any time I'm not out there, I'm pretty (angry). It (stinks)."
Anthony was named the American League Rookie of the Month for August on Wednesday morning.
He has been one of Boston's most productive offensive players since he was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on June 9. He's batting .292 with a .396 on-base percentage and a .463 slugging percentage in 71 games with the Red Sox. He has eight home runs, 18 doubles, 32 RBIs and 48 runs.
The Red Sox already are down one outfielder; Wilyer Abreu has been on the injured list since Aug. 21, retroactive to Aug. 18, with a right calf strain.
Boston looks to complete a sweep of a three-game series against Cleveland on Wednesday night at Fenway Park.
--Field Level Media
Colorado starting pitcher Kyle Freeland and San Francisco's Matt Chapman and Willy Adames were ejected after the benches cleared and punches were thrown.
Wilmer Flores also went deep for San Francisco, which has homered in 16 straight games to tie a team record since the franchise relocated to the Bay Area. Logan Webb (13-9) allowed two runs and seven hits over five innings as the Giants earned their ninth win in 10 games.
Hunter Goodman had a home run among his three hits and drove in four runs as the Rockies clinched their third straight 100-loss season. Freeland (3-14), who gave up hits to both batters he faced, took the loss.
Blue Jays 12, Reds 9
George Springer belted his franchise-best 23rd leadoff homer in the first inning and added a two-run shot in the fourth, lifting visiting Toronto to a victory over Cincinnati.
Toronto's Bo Bichette launched a three-run shot and Daulton Varsho also went deep for the Blue Jays, who had lost three of their previous four games. Louis Varland (4-3) threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief, and Jeff Hoffman tossed the ninth for his 30th save.
Austin Hays and TJ Friedl belted homers for the Reds, who lost for the ninth time in 12 games. Scott Barlow (6-3) made his first career start after Cincinnati scratched Nick Lodolo hours before the game due to illness. Barlow, in his 433rd major league appearance, allowed four runs in his lone inning.
Mets 12, Tigers 5
Luis Torrens hit a three-run homer, Pete Alonso had a pair of solo shots and visiting New York romped past Detroit. Rookie Nolan McLean (4-0) collected his fourth win in as many starts for the Mets.
Jeff McNeil had three hits and drove in three runs for the Mets, who scored six runs in the seventh inning. Juan Soto supplied two hits, including a homer. Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty each added three hits.
Wenceel Perez collected three hits and two RBIs for the Tigers. Sawyer Gipson-Long (0-2), recalled from Triple-A Toledo for the start, allowed six runs and five hits in four innings.
Pirates 9, Dodgers 7
Jared Triolo produced two doubles and two RBIs and Tommy Pham's two hits included a two-run double as host Pittsburgh earned a win over Los Angeles.
The Pirates picked up their 40th win at home this season and handed the Dodgers their third loss in the past four games. Pittsburgh won for the third time in four games and has nine victories over its past 12 games.
Shohei Ohtani led the Dodgers with three hits, including his 46th home run, a third-inning solo shot off Pirates rookie reliever Bubba Chandler (2-0).
Diamondbacks 5, Rangers 3
Ketel Marte drilled a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, leading Arizona to a victory over Texas at Phoenix.
Marte, Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar had two hits apiece for the Diamondbacks, who won for the fifth time in their past seven games. Nabil Crismatt allowed two runs and seven hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Michael Helman, Alejandro Osuna and Joc Pederson had two hits apiece for the Rangers , who went hitless in nine at-bats with runners in scoring position and had a six-game winning streak halted.
Cardinals 2, Athletics 1
Ivan Herrera hit a two-run homer to lift St. Louis past visiting the Athletics.
The Cardinals won for the fourth time in six games while the Athletics lost for the fourth time in their last five games. St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas (7-10) allowed one run on five hits in six innings.
Athletics starter Luis Severino blanked the Cardinals for five innings on three hits. Reliever Michael Kelly (4-3) took the loss.
Rays 6, Mariners 5
All-Star Junior Caminero reached the 40-homer, 100-RBI mark, drove in four and doubled in the go-ahead runs as Tampa Bay won its fifth straight by edging visiting Seattle.
The Rays won for the eighth time in 10 games and inched to within 3 1/2 games of the Mariners, who hold the last American League wild card spot. Kevin Kelly (1-3) threw 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, and Cleavinger tossed the ninth inning for his second save.
Jorge Polanco was 2-for-2 with a solo homer and two walks for the Mariners while Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez belted back-to-back solo shots. In his shortest start this season, Bryan Woo went five-plus innings and allowed three runs on four hits.
Red Sox 11, Guardians 7
Boston broke open a tie game by scoring four runs in the eighth inning en route to a victory over visiting Cleveland.
Nathaniel Lowe and Ceddanne Rafaela homered for the Red Sox, who have won three in a row. Justin Slaten (2-4) earned the win after pitching a scoreless eighth inning.
The Guardians received home runs from Jhonkensy Noel, Austin Hedges, David Fry and Brayan Rocchio. Hunter Gaddis (1-2) tossed one inning and was charged with one run.
Nationals 5, Marlins 2
James Wood had two hits including a two-run homer, Cade Cavalli pitched five solid innings and Washington beat visiting Miami.
Daylen Lile and Jacob Young added two hits and produced RBIs for the Nationals, who have won their past two after losing eight straight. Cavalli (2-1) allowed two runs on four hits.
Connor Norby had two hits and drove in two runs for the Marlins, who were held to four hits, all singles. Marlins starter Adam Mazur (0-2) allowed five runs (four earned) on 10 hits over six innings.
Angels 5, Royals 1
Mitch Farris allowed a run over five strong innings in his major league debut, earning the win as visiting Los Angeles defeated Kansas City.
Ferris allowed only a third-inning sacrifice fly, three hits and two walks while striking out three on 70 pitches. Jo Adell (3-for-4) backed Ferris with a 454-foot, two-run blast to left field in the sixth inning.
The Royals managed only four hits while taking their third defeat in four games. Ex-Angel Michael Lorenzen (5-9) departed after six innings of two-run ball.
Cubs 4, Braves 3
Kyle Tucker hit a key three-run homer and finished 2-for-3 to help lift Chicago over Atlanta for its fourth win in five games.
After Tucker's homer in the third inning, Ian Happ made it 4-0 with an RBI single later in the frame. Shota Imanaga (9-6) threw six innings of three-run ball, and Daniel Palencia worked around two hits in the ninth inning for his 22nd save.
Ozzie Albies and Eli White homered for the Braves, who have lost five of their past six games. Joey Wentz (5-5) yielded four runs on seven hits in four-plus innings.
Orioles 6, Padres 2
Emmanuel Rivera knocked in four runs and Tyler Wells won his first start in more than 16 months as visiting Baltimore defeated San Diego.
Wells (1-0), who has been sidelined since early last season after undergoing elbow surgery, allowed two runs on five hits in five innings. Jeremiah Jackson homered for the Orioles.
Yu Darvish (3-5) permitted six hits and four runs, three earned, in four-plus innings as the Padres took their seventh loss in nine games. Luis Arraez's two-run homer accounted for San Diego's offense.
White Sox 12, Twins 3
Andrew Benintendi went 4-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs as Chicago pulled away from Minnesota. Lenyn Sosa and Kyle Teel also homered for the White Sox, while Will Robertson and Bryan Ramos contributed two RBIs apiece.
Chicago's Brooks Baldwin collected three hits. Davis Martin (6-9) limited the Twins to three runs on six hits in six innings.
Trevor Larnach went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to lead Minnesota. Thomas Hatch (2-1) allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in two innings of relief.
Yankees 7, Astros 1
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham combined for three homers to help visiting New York overpower Houston in the opener of a three-game series.
Chisholm hit home runs in the second and eighth innings, while Grisham belted his third grand slam in seven weeks. Max Fried (15-5) threw seven innings, allowing a run on four hits.
Astros starter Framber Valdez (12-8) saw his struggles continue. He gave up six runs on eight hits over five innings to drop to 1-4 in his past six starts.
--Field Level Media
Wells, 31, has not pitched since April 12, 2024, and was placed on the 15-day injured list four days later with right elbow inflammation.
In June 2024, Wells underwent right elbow revision ulnar collateral ligament surgery with UCL repair and internal brace augmentation, as opposed to Tommy John surgery that was supposed to require a longer rehabilitation process. However, the recovery period was essentially the same.
Wells made six minor league rehab appearances between Triple-A Norfolk and Double-AA Chesapeake and compiled a 2.49 ERA, fanning 24 batters in 25 1/3 innings.
In parts of four seasons with Baltimore, Wells owns a 16-18 record with a 4.06 ERA in 95 games (46 starts).
Wells produced his best season in 2023 when he posted a 7-6 record, 3.64 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over 25 games (20 starts).
The Orioles also reinstated infielder Jorge Mateo from the 60-day IL. Mateo has not appeared in a major league game since June 6 due to elbow and hamstring injuries. He was hitting .180 with 14 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
Mateo, 30, is a .222 career hitter with 105 stolen bases in six seasons with the Padres (2020-21) and Orioles (2021-present). He stole 35 bases in 2022 -- second-most in the majors.
Baltimore optioned catcher Maverick Handley to Triple-A Norfolk and designated right-handed pitchers Corbin Martin and Elvin Rodriguez for assignment.
--Field Level Media
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland and San Francisco's Matt Chapman and Willy Adames were ejected after the benches cleared and punches were thrown.
On the eighth pitch of the game -- a hanging Freeland curveball -- Devers lofted a towering fly ball that landed roughly eight rows deep in the right field stands. Devers took his time leaving the batter's box while tracking the flight of his two-run homer, which drew Freeland's ire. Devers started backpedaling toward first base so he could exchange words with the Rockies left-hander as both teams charged toward the mound.
Chapman was the first to reach Freeland and gave him a shove. While home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi pushed Chapman away, Adames jumped in and appeared to cock his right arm to throw a punch at Freeland.
After things got under control, the umpires huddled and announced the ejections. Antonio Senzatela took over on the mound, while Casey Schmitt and Dominic Smith pinch-hit for Adames and Chapman, respectively.
--Field Level Media
Gurriel, 31, was placed on the 10-day injured list for the time being, but he faces a lengthy recovery from an injury that often sidelines NFL players for around a year.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo told reporters before the Tuesday game that Gurriel likely would require reconstructive surgery, though the team was gathering second opinions.
"He's trying to understand why it happened and what the next several days, ... weeks and months and potentially year will look like," Lovullo said.
"I hurt for him and I could tell he was hurting. I told him that we're going to be OK, because what we do here is we pick one another up. Don't worry about what we're doing, we've got you."
The play occurred on the final out of the top of the sixth inning, when Texas' Rowdy Tellez hit a line drive to left-center. Gurriel pursued the ball from his post in left field and rookie Blaze Alexander came at it from center.
Alexander made an athletic catch while Gurriel made an awkward leap out of Alexander's path to avoid a collision. Gurriel stayed on the ground in obvious pain for several minutes and was eventually carted off the field.
An All-Star in 2023, Gurriel has split his eight-year major league career between the Toronto Blue Jays (2018-22) and Diamondbacks. He is a career .274 batter with 129 home runs and 491 RBIs in 875 games.
Through 129 games this season, Gurriel had 19 homers and 80 RBIs with a .248 batting average.
The Diamondbacks replaced Gurriel on the roster by calling up infielder Connor Kaiser from Triple-A Reno. Kaiser, 28, went 2-for-14 (.143) with two RBIs in five games for Arizona previously this year, all in August.
In other moves, Arizona optioned right-hander reliever Juan Burgos from Reno and called up right-handed reliever Taylor Rashi.
--Field Level Media
No further details were given about the three-time American League MVP, who played Monday and went 1-for-4 with a run. Trout recorded three hits in the last two games after going 1-for-24 in his previous seven contests.
Trout, 34, is batting .231 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs in 108 games this season, his 15th campaign with the Angels.
He was originally slated to bat third as the designated hitter for Los Angeles. Instead, cleanup batter Jo Adell switched from right field to DH. Chris Taylor drew into the lineup in right field and is batting sixth, among other tweaks to the original order.
--Field Level Media
The move is retroactive to Saturday. In a corresponding move, the Mets recalled outfielder Jared Young from Triple-A Syracuse. New York also optioned left-hander Brandon Waddell to Syracuse and recalled right-hander Kevin Herget from the affiliate.
Regarded as the team's top defensive outfielder, Taylor, 31, has not played since Friday, when he went 2-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs in a 19-9 win over the visiting Miami Marlins.
"We didn't want to push it, obviously, and put him at risk," manager Carlos Mendoza said on Tuesday. "We just decided to kinda slow this thing down and put him on the IL. Hopefully, it's not too long."
Taylor is batting .218 with two home runs and 25 RBIs in 109 games, but since the All-Star break has hit .245 (12-for-49) with a .654 OPS in 23 games.
For his career, Taylor is batting .237 with 50 homers and 196 RBIs in 570 games for the Milwaukee Brewers (2019-23) and Mets (2024-present). The Brewers selected him in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft.
Young, 30, has hit .222 (7-for-41) with three homers and five RBIs in 18 games for New York. He played for the Mets' Single-A and Triple-A affiliates this season and batted a combined .308 with 16 homers, 48 RBIs and a .978 OPS.
Herget, 34, spent time with the Atlanta Braves this season (1-0, 0.00 ERA, one inning) before signing a minor league contract with New York (0-0, 1.29), where he has three relief appearances for a total of seven innings.
Waddell, 31, had no decisions and a 3.45 ERA with 11 walks and 22 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings over 11 games (one start) for the Mets.
--Field Level Media
Kim, who had been dealing with low back inflammation, hasn't played since Aug. 19.
In other moves, the Braves designated right-hander Wander Suero for assignment, placed outfielder Jurickson Profar on the paternity list, optioned right-hander Hunter Stratton to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers and selected the contract of left-hander Hayden Harris from Gwinnett.
Kim, 29, is hitting .214 with two home runs and five RBIs in just 24 games this season as he has faced various injuries, including to his back and recovering from right shoulder surgery he underwent in October 2024 while with the San Diego Padres.
Kim began his MLB career with the Padres, tallying a .242 batting average, 200 RBIs and 47 HRs in 540 games.
He was the first Asian-born infielder to win a Golden Glove, which he won alongside San Diego teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2023. Earlier this year, Kim inked a two-year, $29M contract with the Rays that includes a player option for 2026 which would pay him $16 million.
Suero, who turns 34 on Sept. 15, had an 11.37 ERA with four walks and seven strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings over five relief appearances in his first season with Atlanta.
Stratton, 28, was 0-1 with one save, a 1.86 ERA, two walks and seven strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings across six relief appearances for the Braves, who acquired him from Pittsburgh on July 1. Stratton was 0-0 with a 23.63 ERA in 2 2/3 innings over three relief appearances for the Pirates this season.
Profar, 32, is batting .258 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs in 58 games in his first season with Atlanta. He received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Chorionic Gonadotropin, four games into the season
A first-time All-Star last season in San Diego, Profar is a career .245 hitter with 123 homers and 481 RBIs in 1,177 games for the Texas Rangers (2012-13, 2016-18), Athletics (2019), Padres (2020-22, 2023-24), Colorado Rockies (2023) and Braves.
Harris, 26, has pitched this season for the Braves' Triple-A and Double-A affiliates, going a combined 6-0 with four saves, a 0.56 ERA, 16 walks and 73 strikeouts in 48 innings over 39 relief appearances. The Augusta native played at Georgia Southern in Statesboro and would be making his major league debut.
--Field Level Media
With two outs in the sixth inning, the Texas Rangers' Rowdy Tellez hit a line drive to left-center field, and Arizona center fielder Blazer Alexander made a diving catch. However, on the play, Gurriel jumped behind Alexander to get out of the way and took an awkward fall.
Gurriel immediately grabbed his right knee and teammates summoned the club's medical personnel. Eventually Gurriel stepped onto a cart that drove him away.
After the Diamondbacks lost 7-5 in 10 innings, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Gurriel would have an MRI exam on Tuesday.
Lovullo added, "Say some prayers for him tonight. It's a situation where we're going to hope for the best, but I don't think it looks great."
Alexander was playing center field for the first time in his major league career. He said, according to MLB.com, "I made the play and I had no idea what kind of happened behind me. I made the play, I was kind of looking at the crowd and started running in. I see (shortstop Geraldo) Perdomo running towards me. I was like, what's going on? Looked back and Gurriel was down."
Gurriel, 31, went 0-for-2 on Monday, leaving him with a .248 average, a .295 on-base percentage and a .419 slugging percentage in 129 games this year. He has 19 homers, 80 RBIs and a career-high 10 stolen bases.
After playing for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2018-22, Gurriel signed as a free agent with the Diamondbacks and was an All-Star in his first year with his new team, when he hit .261/.309/.463 with 24 homers and 82 RBIs in 145 games.
In eight major league seasons, Gurriel has a career .274/.319/.454 batting line with 129 home runs and 491 RBIs in 875 games.
--Field Level Media