MLB Player News

The Mets claimed Hummel off waivers from the Mariners on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Hummel, 29, went 2-for-23 at the plate during his time with the Mariners in 2023 but slashed .262/.409/.435 with eight homers and 26 steals at Triple-A Tacoma. He offers unique versatility with an ability to catch and also play the outfield. New Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was the Brewers' general manager when they drafted Hummel in 2016.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Wednesday that Morel will play first base in winter ball, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Morel has never appeared in a game at first base at any level of professional ball, but the Cubs are hoping that he might take well to the position and be an option for them there in 2024. The 24-year-old was primarily used at designated hitter down the stretch in 2023 because his defense anywhere in the field proved to be too unreliable.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday that Harper will strictly play first base moving forward, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Harper is almost a full calendar year removed from his November 2022 Tommy John surgery and there has been some thought that he could return to the outfield in 2024, but the 31-year-old slugger apparently took a liking to first base this past season and will now make it his permanent position in Philadelphia. Dombrowski noted that he spoke to Harper at length behind the scenes before making this information public. Dombrowski also said he relayed the news to Rhys Hoskins, who could depart in free agency this winter.

Carpenter (elbow) exercised his $5.5 million player option for 2024 on Friday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Carpenter slashed .176/.322/.319 across 236 plate appearances with the Padres in 2023 and was unlikely to attract a large offer in the open market, so he'll opt into $5.5 million heading into his age-38 season. Carpenter battled injuries and saw his playing time decrease during the latter half of the season, and it's possible he remains in a reserve role to begin the 2024 campaign.

The Padres sent Seagle outright to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Seagle was selected to the major-league roster as a depth piece during the final days of the regular season and registered only one plate appearance. He slashed .209/.261/.296 across 230 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, and he'll now return to the minors without the benefit of a 40-man spot.

Pham will start at designated hitter and bat fifth Monday in Game 6 of the NLCS in Philadelphia, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Pham was removed for a pinch runner in Game 3 and for a pinch hitter in Game 4 before not starting Game 5. He'll get another shot to start Game 6 as the Diamondbacks attempt to stave off elimination. Pham is just 1-for-13 with six strikeouts so far during the NLCS.

Pham isn't in the Diamondbacks' lineup for Game 5 of the NLCS versus the Phillies.

Pham has gone 1-for-13 with six strikeouts through the first four games of the NLCS, so he'll get a chance to regroup as he sits out Game 5. Pavin Smith will serve as Arizona's designated hitter instead and bat fifth.

Pham (toe) will return to the outfield Thursday in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Phillies, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Pham has been limited to DH duties since late September because of turf toe, but he's feeling better now and will give the Diamondbacks a slightly different lineup look as they try to rebound from an 0-2 series deficit. Pham is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts so far in the NLCS, but he went 7-for-22 (.318) with six runs scored in five games between the Wild Card Series and NLDS.

Pham revealed Tuesday that he's been limited to DH duties because of turf toe, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Pham served as the Diamondbacks' everyday designated hitter over the final week of the regular season and will remain in that role for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday against the Brewers. He said he might receive an injection before the game to help him get over the hump, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to play the outfield at all in Arizona's best-of-three series versus Milwaukee.

Winker (quad/back) is on the Brewers' roster for their NL Wild Card Series matchup versus the Diamondbacks.

Winker missed the final two months of the regular season due to back and quad injuries, but he has suddenly reemerged -- likely as a pinch-hitting option against righties -- for this best-of-three series against Arizona. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter owns a career .853 OPS versus right-handed pitching.