AROUND THE HORN
■ Angels: SS Andrelton Simmons opted out of the remainder of the season, the Angels announced Tuesday. They didn’t give a specific reason. “This year has presented unique challenges for so many and the Angels respect Andrelton’s decision,” the team said in a statement. The Angels had five games remaining on their schedule; they opened a two-game series against the Padres in San Diego on Tuesday night before a three-game weekend road series against the Dodgers to conclude their regular season. Simmons, 31, battled an ankle injury earlier this season and has appeared in just 30 games, batting .297 with no HRs and 10 RBIs. The Angels (24-31) entered Tuesday’s game on the verge of being eliminated from postseason contention.
■ Cubs: All-Star 3B Kris Bryant was out of the lineup against the Pirates because of a right oblique muscle injury suffered during an at-bat Monday. Manager David Ross said Bryant was feeling better and didn’t need an MRI. “I definitely feel like it’s frustrating,” Ross said after Monday’s 5-0 win. “He was pretty emotional (in the clubhouse). It’s a unique year, and he’s dealt with a lot.” Bryant, who’s day to day, has already had wrist and finger issues this season. He also was a late scratch one game due to a gastrointestinal problem that wasn’t related to COVID-19. Bryant is hitting .195 with five RBIs in 32 games.
■ Cardinals: RHP Dakota Hudson was placed on the 45-day IL, ending his season. Hudson left his start Thursday against Pirates after two innings with elbow tightness, and Cards president John Mozeliak said an MRI exam revealed a “flexor tendon issue.” Hudson was supposed to see Cardinals medical director Dr. George A. Paletta Jr. for another exam Tuesday but that was delayed. The 25-year-old Hudson, who won 16 games last season, went 3-2 with a 2.77 ERA in eight starts this season.
■ Mariners: 2B Dylan Moore was placed on the seven-day concussion list, ending his season. Moore was hit in the head for the second time in a week, taking a 92 mph fastball from Astros reliever Brandon Bielak off the helmet in Monday night’s game. Moore remained in the game, but began to feel effects afterward, Mariners manager Scott Servais said. Moore also briefly stayed in the game after taking a 99 mph pitch to the head from Giants reliever Sam Coonrod on Sept. 16. He was pulled before taking the field the next inning. Moore returned to the lineup the next day. Ty France takes over Moore’s place at second.
■Nationals, Phil lies: Austin Voth threw his first career complete game and earned his first victory in 10 starts this season, and the Nationals staved off playoff elimination with a 5-1 victory over the visiting Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader. The defending World Series champions have only a distant chance of reaching the postseason. Voth (1-5) posted season highs in innings (seven) and strikeouts (seven), allowing three hits and one run.