MLB Player News

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Wednesday that Clement "will have to earn" the second-base job next season, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Atkins was quick to add that Clement "always has" earned regular playing time. The 30-year-old Clement slashed .296/.318/.433 in the first half but just .203/.235/.259 in the second half, which included a .386 OPS in September. Clement should ultimately get a chance at regular reps again in 2027, though it's too soon to say whether that will come mainly at second base or in a super-utility role.

Chisholm is not in the lineup Tuesday for Game 1 of the wild-card series against the Red Sox.

The left-handed-swinging Chisholm was often held out of the lineup this season when the opposition had a tough opposing southpaw on the bump, and Game 1 starter Payton Tolle qualifies. It will be Anthony Volpe handling second base while Chisholm begins the contest on the bench.

Meidroth (hamstring) will start at second base and bat eighth Tuesday in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card series in Houston.

Meidroth's final regular-season start came last Thursday, as he dealt with a left hamstring issue down the stretch. He did appear off the bench Saturday, and the infielder is ready to give it a go in his first career postseason contest. Meidroth was one of the White Sox's better hitters in the second half, slashing .286/.364/.473 with nine home runs.

Atlanta selected Williams' contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

Williams spent virtually all of the 2026 season at Gwinnett, slashing only .218/.311/.367 with 37 steals in 103 games. He will be available as a utility option and pinch runner off the bench.

Johnson (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day injured list Sept. 21.

Johnson landed on the shelf Sept. 10 due to an unspecified injury and wasn't able to return before the end of the campaign. He played in 73 games this year for Triple-A Louisville, batting .247 with 11 home runs, 31 RBI, 15 stolen bases and 32 runs.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Arraez (ankle) will not be included on the National League Wild Card series roster, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Arraez suffered a left ankle sprain last Thursday while trying to avoid a tag at first base, and he has yet to resume baseball activities. It's possible he will return to play at some point if the Phillies advance, but Arraez's health status for the time being is very much up in the air. Otto Kemp will take Arraez's spot on the Phillies' roster.

Stott went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Rays.

Stott helped the Phillies clinch a playoff spot Sunday, and he's certainly heating up ahead of the postseason. He's hit safely in eight of his last 10 games, picking up multiple hits four times during that stretch. Stott hit .256 with 10 homers, 67 RBI, 71 runs scored and 27 stolen bases in 536 at-bats this regular season.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Monday that Westburg (elbow) will begin a hitting progression this week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May and missed the entire 2026 season. However, because he's a position player and not a pitcher, he has a good chance to head into the 2027 season without any limitations. Westburg has slashed .264/.312/.456 over parts of three major-league seasons and, assuming health, could open next season as the Orioles' primary third baseman.

The Astros recalled Delgado from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Delgado will give the Astros some extra depth in the infield for Sunday's regular-season finale. He's appeared in 19 games for the Astros this season, going 9-for-37 (.243) with one home run and four RBI in the majors. Ronel Blanco was optioned to the minors in a corresponding move.

The Rangers recalled Cauley from Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Cauley will provide the Rangers with infield depth for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Twins, with catcher Logan O'Hoppe being optioned in a corresponding move. Cauley has appeared in 34 major-league games this season and has a .626 OPS with one steal and a solo home run across 65 plate appearances.