Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Diego Padres. This is a much-needed rest day for McCarthy who has started in each of the last five games. He has put together a solid season with a .283 batting average with eight home runs, 54 RBI, and 25 stolen bases across 140 games. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Pavin Smith will cover the corner outfield spots against right-hander Yu Darvish on Friday. Gurriel should be started in most fantasy leagues right now.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (ankle) was held out of the starting lineup during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Suzuki injured his ankle on Tuesday and has been sidelined since then. However, his ankle reportedly is doing better on Friday and he could be available on Saturday. The Cubs have already been eliminated from postseason contention, so there is no incentive to play Suzuki at anything less than 100 percent healthy. Kevin Alcantara figures to see a handful of starts over the next few days in right field. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Cubs limit Suzuki to designated hitter duties until the end of the season.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti is available to pitch out of the bullpen this weekend, according to manager Joe Espada. The right-hander is scheduled to start on Sunday, but it sounds like the team would rather use him out of the bullpen. The assumption is that Arrighetti is going to be used as a reliever in the postseason, so they might be trying to gear him up for that. The rookie right-hander hasn't pitched out of the bullpen yet as he holds a 4.61 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 167/62 K/BB ratio across 28 starts in Houston.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Thursday, according to manager Brian Snitker. He added that Lopez felt great and is ready to pitch whenever he's needed. The right-hander has been sidelined since leaving his start against the Washington Nationals a few weeks ago. The team hasn't made any announcements, but it sounds like Lopez could be available for Saturday or Sunday. There is no word on any pitch limits, so hopefully Lopez is a full-go as the Braves look to grab one of the final Wild Card spots.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) has been transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list on Friday. That means Kepler is officially done for the 2024 season. The left-handed slugger has been sidelined since the beginning of September due to a lingering knee issue. The Twins were hopeful he could contribute down the stretch of the season, but that's not going to happen. He'll finish the season with a .253 batting average with eight home runs and 42 RBI across 105 games. The 31-year-old is set to enter free agency this winter and could be forced to take a prove-it deal after a down year in 2024.