New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo launched a pinch-hit homer in a blowout victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Verdugo didn't start the game, but came in as a pinch-hitter for Jasson Dominguez late in the game and took advantage of the opportunity. The lefty has seen his playing time dwindle lately due to poor performance and the depth of the Yankees outfield. Verdugo will have a hard time cracking the lineup for the postseason and will likely be a bench option. The same can be said for the 2025 season, causing his fantasy value to tank.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (ankle) remains out of the lineup for Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field versus the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Suzuki suffered a sprained right ankle in Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and will now miss his second straight start as a result. The Cubs are eliminated from the postseason, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Suzuki is unable to return for the final three games of the season. For now, the 30-year-old should be considered day-to-day. With Suzuki out again, rookie Kevin Alcantara, who was just called up this week, will make another start in right field and bat ninth against Reds right-hander Nick Martinez. The 22-year-old Dominican will be playing in just his second MLB game after going 1-for-4 with a strikeout in his debut on Wednesday in the loss to the Phillies.

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (head) is back at second base and atop the batting order as the leadoff hitter for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Chicago Cubs and right-hander Jameson Taillon at Wrigley Field. India was hit in the head by a pitch from Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee on Tuesday and entered the league's concussion protocol. The 27-year-old only missed Wednesday's contest with the Reds having Thursday off. He'll be back in there for the final three games of the regular season this weekend. India has two hits with an RBI in four career at-bats against Taillon but enters Friday's contest on a cold streak of late, going 6-for-28 (.214) with a homer, triple, two RBI and three strikeouts in nine games since Sept. 15. The former National League Rookie of the Year in 2021 will be looking to finish off his 2024 campaign strong.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth for the Cubbies on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez at Wrigley Field. Busch was hit by a pitch earlier this week and missed one game as a result, but he's back now and ready to go for the final three games of the 2024 regular season this weekend. Cody Bellinger is making another start at first base, with rookie Kevin Alcantara making his second big-league start in right field. Busch does not have a hit in four career at-bats against Martinez. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has produced his first 20-homer season and has also driven in 65 in 149 games in his first full season in the majors with the Cubs in 2024. Busch has been cold at the plate lately, going 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer, double, one RBI and six strikeouts in his last seven games played.

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that the team isn't overly concerned about first baseman Freddie Freeman's (ankle) injury that he suffered in the win over the division-rival San Diego Padres on Thursday night that clinched the National League West title. However, Freeman won't play in the final regular-season series in Colorado against the Rockies this weekend, but Friedman said he likely could have if the Dodgers hadn't already clinched the division. Freeman was on crutches and wearing a walking boot in the Dodgers' clubhouse on Thursday night during their celebration. The 35-year-old injured his ankle while trying to apply a tag at first base on a pickoff attempt. With the Dodgers having a first-round bye in the postseason, Freeman should be ready to roll when the Division Series starts.