News
Ryan Jeffers is making a rare second consecutive start behind the plate in Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Blue Jays.
The only change from Tuesday is that Jeffers has been dropped to eighth behind Matt Wallner in the order. The Twins almost exclusively had Jeffers and Christian Vázquez alternate games during the regular season. Fortunately, Rocco Baldelli isn’t sticking to that in the postseason.
Jorge Polanco is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Yankees.
Polanco continues to sit regularly against left-handed pitchers due to an ongoing side issue that limits his ability to swing right-handed. His overall performance hasn’t been hurt at all this season as he’s batting .327/.372/.673 with 10 homers, 29 RBI and one steal through 31 games in his Seattle debut. He’ll open Tuesday’s contest on the bench with southpaw Max Fried toeing the rubber for New York. It’ll be Mitch Garver taking over at DH to open Tuesday’s contest at T-Mobile Park.
Tommy Pham is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Mets.
Pham is available off the bench after serving a league-issued one-game suspension during Monday’s series opener against the Mets.
Yu Darvish (elbow) will make a minor league rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A El Paso.
Padres manager Mike Shildt told reporters late Monday that Darvish will make his first rehab start later this week. The 38-year-old former fantasy ace doesn’t figure to need too many tune-up outings before he’s ready to make his season debut. He’s been on the shelf since spring training recovering from elbow inflammation. It’s possible he’s ready to make his return to San Diego’s rotation by the end of the month.
Evan Carter is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Rockies.
Carter takes a seat with veteran southpaw Kyle Freeland toeing the rubber for Colorado on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field. The 22-year-old former top prospect is hitting .240 (6-for-25) with one homer and two steals in seven games since returning to the majors earlier this month. It’ll be Sam Haggerty getting a chance in center field for Tuesday’s contest.
Athletics activated RHP Michel Otañez from the 15-day injured list.
Otañez returns to the Athletics’ high-leverage relief mix after missing the first six-plus weeks of the season with a shoulder impingement. The 27-year-old righty posted a solid 3.44 ERA across 36 relief appearances last year in his rookie campaign.
Athletics recalled RHP Jason Alexander from Triple-A Las Vegas.
Alexander provides the Athletics with some extra long relief depth in the wake of veteran lefty T.J. McFarland hitting the injured list with a groin strain. The 32-year-old righty struggled in three relief outings earlier this year in the big leagues.