MLB news, Saturday, September 19, 2026
18 full Posterior articles, with the original source linked.
Brandon Lowe is a likely qualifying offer candidate as Pirates weigh a career year
Per MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, Pittsburgh can and should extend Lowe a QO after a 31-HR season, a defensive reversal, and WAR figures of 4.4 and 4.9.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Petey Halpin's three-run homer lifts Cleveland past Chicago in AL Central showdown
Backup CF Petey Halpin, entering 1-for-35 against southpaws this season, hit a go-ahead three-run homer off Sean Newcomb to give Cleveland a rubber-match win over Chicago, per FanGraphs.
Source · FanGraphs
Brice Matthews activated by Astros; Jorge Barrosa designated for assignment
Houston activated outfielder/infielder Brice Matthews from the 60-day IL, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, clearing space by designating outfielder Jorge Barrosa for assignment.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Willson Contreras confident he avoided hand fracture but remains day-to-day
Contreras believes he escaped a fracture after being hit by a pitch, per MLB.com's Ian Browne, but his hand remains "still really sore" and his availability is uncertain.
Source · MLB.com
Aaron Judge placed on IL with right calf strain, playoff availability uncertain
Aaron Judge is on the IL with a right calf strain, per CBS Sports' Mike Axisa; the Yankees have given no return timeline and postseason availability remains in doubt.
Source · CBS Sports
Braxton Ashcraft's 2026 season ends early with right arm fatigue
Ashcraft's breakout 2026 campaign has been cut short by right arm fatigue, per MLB.com, with the Pirates right-hander now focused on next season.
Source · MLB.com
Braxton Ashcraft dealing with right arm fatigue after breakout 2026 season cut short
Pirates righty Braxton Ashcraft is looking ahead to next season after right arm fatigue ended his breakout campaign, per MLB.com's Aiden Stepansky; severity and timeline remain unspecified.
Source · MLB.com
Cal Quantrill starts for Rangers vs. Blue Jays as Texas navigates Wild Card race
Texas Rangers RHP Cal Quantrill takes the mound Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Field, per Yahoo Sports, as a 77-77 club sits 1.5 from the Wild Card cut line.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Jac Caglianone apologizes after punching dugout wall, injuring left hand
Royals prospect Jac Caglianone publicly apologized after punching a dugout wall and injuring his left hand, per MLB.com's John Perrotto; no diagnosis or timetable has been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Jac Caglianone apologizes for punching dugout wall, injuring left hand
Royals prospect Jac Caglianone injured his left hand punching a dugout wall and issued a public apology; no diagnosis or timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Justin Steele logs best rehab outing yet as Cubs weigh next steps
Justin Steele completed his fourth rehab start — described as his best yet, per MLB.com — with Chicago still determining what comes next for his return.
Source · MLB.com
Trey Yesavage expected to start Monday vs. Orioles in return from knee IL
Yesavage is reportedly set to come off the IL and start Monday in Baltimore after one rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo; no club announcement has been made.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Aaron Judge back on IL with calf injury, targets return before postseason
Aaron Judge returned to the IL with a soleus muscle strain, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com; no return timeline has been given, though Judge expressed confidence he can be back before the postseason.
Source · MLB.com
Andy Pages plays sim game, on track to return for Dodgers' next series
Andy Pages completed a sim game and is expected back for the Dodgers' next series per MLB.com's Sonja Chen, as Los Angeles manages multiple returns heading into October.
Source · MLB.com
Cal Quantrill exits vs. Blue Jays with right lat tightness as Rangers hold AL West lead
Rangers starter Cal Quantrill lasted four outs Saturday before leaving with right lat tightness, his fastball down to 87.8 mph, per the club and Charlie Wright at MLB Trade Rumors.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck making progress in rehab, Red Sox targeting returns
MLB.com's Ian Browne reports both Boston starters are moving in the right direction in their injury rehabs, though no timetable has been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Phillies reportedly sending Orion Kerkering to Triple-A after rough second half
Philadelphia is reportedly sending reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A following an 8.10 ERA in 22 second-half appearances, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Mariners manager Dan Wilson unlikely to return in 2027, per Seattle Times
Sources told Adam Jude of the Seattle Times that Dan Wilson is unlikely to return as Seattle's manager in 2027 after the Mariners fell to 72-83.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors