Per Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Jones clarified everything. Per Joyce, Jones is dealing with a sore left foot, due to the wear-and-tear from playing on turf. But, Jones downplayed it. “It’s no big deal,” Jones said. Hence, it was a precautionary measure.

Jones should be back pretty much immediately. The 25-year-old has played in 80 out 153 games. However, it hasn’t been because of injuries like in this case against the D-Backs, but because of inconsistent play.

Jones’ season has been a hit-and-miss year

Spencer Jones has not played full-time for the New York Yankees because of high strikeout numbers and a minor league demotion earlier in the 2026 MLB season. Jones shows massive raw power, but he struggles to make consistent contact, striking out 96 times in his first 80 games.

In July, the Yankees optioned Jones back to Triple-A to help him adjust his batting approach. The team wanted him to fix his in-zone contact issues before giving him a longer look in the majors, but since has been called back.

Jones still has plenty of upside

Spencer Jones has shown significant raw power and improved production since his July recall. Since returning to the majors on July 22, he has batted .271 with 8 of his 10 home runs, proving his capability to adjust against major league pitching, including strong performance against left-handers.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Burnes is expected to make his return on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals. Following an extensive rehabilitation process, the right-handed ace is set to rejoin the starting rotation and bolster Arizona’s playoff bid.

Burnes has been sidelined since June 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Following a recovery process that spanned more than a year, he is finally poised to rejoin the active roster.

The veteran starter’s return comes at a pivotal moment for Arizona, which is also navigating Ketel Marte’s ongoing status while manager Torey Lovullo continues to advocate for his second baseman’s return to the lineup.

Burnes’ rehab progress

Ahead of his targeted return against Kansas City reported by Gambadoro, Burnes has made significant strides throughout his minor league rehab assignment, which began on August 29 with Triple-A Reno.

He kicked off his rehab stint with the Reno Aces by tossing two scoreless innings before following up with a simulated game to build up his pitch count and stamina.

Potential impact on the rotation

While it may be unrealistic to expect peak dominance immediately after missing more than a full calendar year of big-league action, Burnes still gives Arizona a crucial boost down the stretch.

With key rotation members like Zac Gallen and Ryne Nelson battling late-season injuries and workload constraints, Burnes provides an elite, high-leverage arm. Even on a pitch count early on, his presence will significantly ease the burden on an overworked bullpen.

“I think if you chop up those words, maybe he’s taking some accountability. You know, like he feels like he has done some things, and you want to see it better. That’s all I read,” Lovullo said following the D-backs’ series-opening loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

By sporting a hat embroidered with the phrase, “May the Bridges I Burn Light the Way,” Marte signaled his focus on finishing the regular season strong, even as questions linger over his abrupt August 22 absence from the team.

Marte also addressed his standing with the fanbase. The star second baseman came under intense scrutiny after reports surfaced that he was spotted at a casino while away from the team on what was initially presumed to be an injury-related leave.

Marte’s stats in his comeback

In his long-awaited return to the Diamondbacks’ lineup on Monday, August 31, Marte served as the designated hitter and batted cleanup, delivering a solid effort at the plate.

Facing Philadelphia, Marte went 1-for-3 with a walk, reaching base twice without striking out. Despite his productive night, Arizona dropped the series opener 2–1, missing a key opportunity to gain ground in a tight postseason race.

Now back at full strength with Marte back in the middle of the order, expectations remain high in Phoenix. At 73-67, the Diamondbacks sit right in the thick of the postseason hunt, trailing the San Diego Padres (73-66) by just a half-game in the NL Wild Card standings.

“Going back to the press conference, when the question was asked, I didn’t really quite understand the word that was used,” he said, via Arizona Sports. “I’m never going to stop loving my fans and that’s what I want them to understand.”

During a press conference, Marte was asked if he had any kind of message for the fans following his injury. The player, in silence, shook his head to indicate that he did not, something that clearly did not sit well with the D-Backs fanbase.

It is well known how important the Dominican second baseman is to Torey Lovullo’s team. It will be a matter of seeing how the games unfold to determine whether the relationship between both sides can be repaired during a crucial stretch of the 2026 MLB season.

Lovullo wasn’t surprised by Marte being booed

Ketel Marte’s arrival on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies was far from easy. The team’s manager revealed that the boos did not surprise him, but said that his player rose to the occasion.

“I think he handled it very well,” the manager said, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Marte’s experience allowed him to rise above the situation, which he will have to somehow remedy moving forward.

Marte’s performance against the Phillies

In his return to the lineup, Ketel Marte gave the Diamondbacks a slight spark in their late-game comeback push against the Phillies. After drawing a free pass in the sixth, he came through with a base hit in the eighth, though Arizona ultimately fell just short in a tight 2-1 loss.

Nightengale reported that several D-backs players are “incensed” over Marte’s latest antics, a frustration amplified by the fact that he previously left the club for three unapproved days following last season’s All-Star break.

With the regular season heading into the home stretch, Arizona must now navigate major internal friction. Even as Marte nears a return from the injured list, questions surround his focus and commitment, with reported comments from inside the room underscoring a rift within the roster.

While manager Torey Lovullo publicly insists the Diamondbacks are preparing for Marte’s imminent reactivation, the damaging report paints a far more complicated picture for a team that desperately needs total cohesion to stay afloat in the postseason chase.

Marte’s questionable actions

Marte drew heavy scrutiny following an unauthorized absence during a road series, mysteriously failing to report to the ballpark. Public backlash intensified after footage surfaced showing him gambling at a casino near the team facility shortly after being placed on the IL.

The fallout threatens to leave lasting scars on the franchise’s internal culture. Marte’s abrupt disappearance and the optics that followed have severely strained relations with both team leadership and the veteran core during a critical postseason push.

Marte’s potential comeback

Despite the brewing controversy, Marte could make a return to the diamond sooner than expected, targeting an August 31 return date. If activated, he would rejoin the Diamondbacks just in time for their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back in this environment,” Lovullo said following a matchup against the Chicago Cubs, one of the National League’s top contenders.

Lovullo’s comments offer hope to a fanbase eager to see the three-time All-Star back on the field. Marte’s stint on the injured list was a tough pill to swallow for Arizona, coming on the heels of an unannounced absence ahead of a series opener against the Boston Red Sox.

After Lovullo grew visibly emotional when addressing Marte’s situation, the club is now simply waiting for him to clear all medical hurdles and rejoin the roster. His presence will be vital for a 69-63 Diamondbacks squad fighting to secure a wild-card berth.

Marte’s injury explained

Marte was officially placed on the 10-day injured list due to left knee inflammation. The ailment initially caused him to miss time against Boston before he returned to Phoenix for diagnostic testing and physical therapy.

The IL move followed a brief placement on the restricted list after Marte unexpectedly failed to report to Fenway Park without advance notice. Once medical imaging confirmed the knee issue, Arizona shifted him to the IL, with a target return date set for August 31.

As the Diamondbacks enter a critical stretch to lock up a playoff spot, having Marte healthy and productive could make all the difference with just 30 games remaining on the regular-season schedule.

“I want to keep it private,” Lovullo revealed when pressed on Marte’s status. “I’m not worried about it, but I just love him and care for him. He’s going to be okay. He’s fine, but I just want you guys to know that I care for these players on a personal level.”

Lovullo’s emotional postgame comments came after Marte was placed on the restricted list prior to first pitch following an unexcused absence, leaving the club short-handed ahead of a lopsided loss at Fenway Park.

Much like the New York Yankees navigating injuries to star sluggers like Aaron Judge, Arizona now finds itself in limbo as the organization awaits further developments surrounding their All-Star second baseman.

Marte’s impact on the Diamondbacks this season

While fans await an official update from the front office, Marte’s teammates have made it clear that Arizona is a fundamentally different ballclub when he is in the lineup. Here is a look at what the veteran switch-hitter has produced so far this season:

• Offensive anchor: Marte remains the focal power source for Arizona’s lineup. Through mid-August 2026, he leads the Diamondbacks in both home runs (21) and RBIs (67).
• Defensive focus: Following a strong offensive campaign the previous year, Marte made a concerted effort during the 2026 offseason and spring training to elevate his defensive play at second base, publicly declaring his goal to earn his first Gold Glove Award.
• Positional flexibility: While the majority of his appearances have been as the starting second baseman, the D-backs have also utilized him periodically as the designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup while managing his workload.

As the Diamondbacks fight to secure a National League wild-card berth, the club is gearing up for Game 2 against a surging Red Sox squad that has bounced back from a slow start to emerge as a force in the American League playoff race.

Speaking after the win, Roberts pointed to a key moment in the seventh inning when Arizona elected to intentionally walk Ohtani rather than challenge him with a runner on third base. “You want there to be a tax when you walk Shohei,” Roberts said, according to MLB.com.

The strategy ultimately backfired for the Diamondbacks. Ohtani later scored during a two-run inning that proved decisive, helping the Dodgers improve their recent run of success even as manager Roberts, who recently opened up on Kike Hernandez’s injury update, continues to guide a roster managing various health concerns.

Ohtani continues to power Dodgers offense

Ohtani wasted no time making his presence felt. He opened the game with a double and later came around to score on Freddie Freeman’s ninth home run of the season. In the second inning, he delivered again, ripping a two-run triple to right field after Dalton Rushing and Alex Freeland reached base.

The Dodgers built an early advantage behind Ohtani’s production, and although Arizona mounted a late comeback attempt, Los Angeles held on for the victory. Ohtani finished the night with two extra-base hits and continued a stretch that has seen him reestablish himself as one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.

Since May 12, Ohtani has been one of the hottest players in the league, batting .420 with 13 extra-base hits. That surge comes after a difficult opening stretch in which he hit .233 across his first 38 games while searching for consistency at the plate.

Dodgers thriving as Ohtani finds his rhythm

The timing of Ohtani’s turnaround has coincided with one of the Dodgers’ strongest stretches of the season. Los Angeles has won 15 of its last 19 games, using a combination of elite pitching and improved offensive production to remain among the National League’s top contenders.

As the Dodgers continue their push through the summer months, Ohtani’s resurgence gives the club another reason for optimism. And based on Roberts’ comments, opposing teams may continue to think twice before pitching to him in critical situations.

With two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth inning, Vitello removed right-hander Caleb Kilian and turned to left-hander Matt Gage to face Ketel Marte. Two pitches later, Marte launched a game-winning three-run homer into left field to hand San Francisco another frustrating defeat. “Went with a fresh arm, different look, and made the wrong decision, cost us the game,” Vitello told reporters afterward. “Obviously, it’s on me.”

The loss dropped the Giants to 20-29 on the season and overshadowed several strong individual performances earlier in the game. San Francisco’s bullpen had repeatedly escaped trouble before the ninth‑inning collapse, but the club also struggled offensively, finishing 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Despite the challenging campaign and outside noise, the Giants reportedly not consider a Rafael Devers trade.

Vitello explains late bullpen decision

Vitello’s decision came after Kilian had already thrown 25 pitches while working through multiple high-pressure situations. Marte’s switch-hitting ability also created a difficult matchup decision late in the game.

The Giants manager explained that he wanted to give Arizona a different look by bringing in Gage, who had performed well for San Francisco throughout the season. However, the move quickly backfired once Marte connected for the decisive home run.

Before the ninth inning, the Giants had managed to survive several dangerous moments. Kilian escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning, while Keaton Winn also worked through pressure situations earlier in the game with help from solid defensive plays behind him.

Rafael Devers, Landen Roupp provide positives despite loss

Even with the tough ending, San Francisco still saw encouraging performances from several key players. Rafael Devers delivered one of his strongest all-around games of the season, homering in the second inning shortly after Willy Adames also went deep.

Starting pitcher Landen Roupp added six solid innings while allowing only one run on seven hits and collecting three strikeouts in his first quality start since late April.

Still, the Giants could not capitalize offensively when opportunities appeared, and one late mistake from the bullpen erased much of the positive work done earlier in the night. San Francisco will now try to regroup quickly as the pressure continues building during a difficult stretch of the season.

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Colin Beazley on X, Kelly explained that the decision was based on what he saw late in the game. “Don Kelly said he noticed Paul Skenes’ command and velo drop a little bit in the eighth, leading to the decision to pull him,” Beazley reported. “Skenes struck out the side in the eighth. Just three hitters reached three-ball counts in the game, including two in the eighth.”

Even with the slight dip in command, Skenes still delivered a highly efficient performance, limiting Arizona to minimal traffic on the bases and maintaining control of the game from start to finish. His outing lowered his ERA to 2.36 and improved his record to 5–2, further cementing his role as the anchor of Pittsburgh’s rotation as Mets’ Nolan McLean chases Skenes in the NL Cy Young race.

Pirates prioritize long-term health over complete game

The Pirates’ decision to pull Skenes reflected a clear focus on long-term durability rather than chasing a complete game. Although the right-hander finished the eighth inning by striking out the side, the team noticed subtle signs that suggested fatigue.

Only three Diamondbacks hitters reached three-ball counts during the entire game, but two of them came in the eighth inning. That detail, combined with a small drop in velocity, was enough for Pittsburgh’s coaching staff to act conservatively.

Kelly’s approach highlights how carefully the Pirates are managing their young ace during a season in which he remains central to their long-term plans. Rather than risk unnecessary workload, the organization chose to rely on its bullpen to close out a game they were already controlling.

Skenes continues to lead Pirates’ rotation

Even in a shortened outing, Skenes once again showed why he is considered one of the most important pitchers in the National League. His ability to dominate deep into games has become a consistent theme this season, giving Pittsburgh a reliable foundation every time he takes the mound.

The Pirates improved to 20–17 with the win and continue to stay competitive in a tight NL Central race. While Skenes’ dominance is a major reason for their success, the team’s willingness to manage his workload carefully could be just as important over the course of the season.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the concern lies in a startling drop in Woodruff’s trademark velocity. “Brandon Woodruff exited his start for Milwaukee in the second inning,” Passan reported via X. “His fastball didn’t even reach 87 mph after sitting at 92.5 all year.”

While the club has yet to release an official diagnosis, a 5-mph drop mid-game is almost always a precursor to an IL stint. Reliever Shane Drohan was called upon to bridge the gap in the series finale as the Brewers look ahead to a critical set against the Washington Nationals.

Assessing the rotation depth

Losing a frontline starter like Woodruff is a massive blow, especially on the heels of losing Andrew Vaughn to a season-ending surgery. However, the Brewers’ front office has spent the last year stockpiling “arms” to prepare for this exact scenario.

The current rotation will now rely heavily on a youth movement. Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, Quinn Priester, and Chad Patrick are expected to see increased leverage or rotation stability.

Keep an eye on the farm system. Passan noted that the Brewers possess significant depth at the Triple-A level, specifically pointing to Logan Henderson as a prime candidate for a call-up. “[They have] plenty of starting-pitching depth, with Logan Henderson carving at Triple-A and big league-ready,” Passan added.

The road to October

The Brewers currently find themselves in a precarious position. While they remain firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth, the loss of Woodruff threatens their ability to compete for a deep World Series run.

The focus now shifts to the medical tent. If Woodruff’s injury is long-term, Milwaukee may be forced to be aggressive on the waiver wire or lean even harder on its rookie arms to keep its October dreams alive.