MLB News

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Not In Mets Lineup On Saturday, Could Be Available Off Bench

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) is not in the Mets lineup on Saturday, according to general manager David Stearns. The GM continued to add that Lindor may be available off the bench, which is a great sign for Mets fans and fantasy managers alike that were worried about the severity of Lindor's injury. The 30-year-old stated on Friday night that he would have pushed harder to stay in the Mets' 11-3 win over the Phillies if the game had been closer and that he had hoped to play Saturday. It would appear that the Mets are approaching this with a bit of caution in having him sit on Saturday. While the Mets have yet to officially release their lineup, they did recall infield prospect Luisangel Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday and optioned outfielder DJ Stewart to Triple-A. If Acuna gets the start on Saturday in place of Lindor, he likely won't be a great fantasy or DFS option, posting just a .654 OPS in Triple-A this year. Fantasy managers should simply wait for Lindor's eventual return. If he's back in the lineup on Sunday, then he will face off against Phillies scheduled starter Cristopher Sanchez.

5 days ago

Chris Stratton • RP • Royals

Chris Stratton Placed On 15-Day Injured List With Right Forearm Strain

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Chris Stratton was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm flexor strain on Saturday, and left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Stratton pitched the ninth inning in Friday night's 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and gave up two runs and three hits in the outing. With just over two weeks left in the regular season, Stratton won't pitch again until October if his forearm cooperates. The 34-year-old started the season solid but has been a disaster in the second half, posting a 7.08 ERA since the All-Star break. Fantasy managers have likely already moved on given his second-half struggles, but if they haven't, then now is the time to do so. Those needing bullpen help to finish out the season may want to consider Lucas Erceg, who leads the Royals with six saves over the last 30 days. His 5.40 ERA in that same timespan is worrisome, but the saves help balance that out from a fantasy perspective.

5 days ago

Kris Bryant • 1B • Rockies

Kris Bryant Not Close To Returning From Injury, Season May Be Over

Colorado Rockies first baseman Kris Bryant (back) is "probably not real close" to returning this season, according to manager Bud Black. The skipper went on to say that, "as each day goes on, it's becoming increasingly possible that Kris' season may be over." Bryant has been doing back exercises in hopes he can return to baseball activities and finish off the season with the Rockies, but it doesn't appear that there's a good chance of that. The 32-year-old has been the source of much frustration for Rockies fans and fantasy managers alike, as his tenure with Colorado has been injury-riddled; he's played in only 159 games for the Rockies since signing in 2022. His production at the plate when healthy has also subsided over the past couple years, as he's hit for just a .663 OPS in the last two seasons, well below his career .855 OPS. Fantasy managers that haven't already cut bait should do so now, as Bryant won't have any further impact in 2024. Those in dynasty leagues that are worried about Bryant's future may want to consider Michael Toglia, whose .363 xwOBA ranks in the 90th percentile and has helped him carve out an everyday starting job at first base for the Rockies.

5 days ago

Antonio Senzatela • SP • Rockies

Antonio Senzatela Expected To Be Activated Off IL, Make Season Debut On Monday

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (elbow) is expected to be activated off the IL on Monday and make the start for the Rockies in their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Senzatela has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and hasn't pitched in a Major League game since May of 2023. In his rehab assignments he has pitched to a 5.29 ERA in 17 innings while striking out 18 batters with a 1.176 WHIP. While the 18 strikeouts show a significant increase over Senzatela's normal strikeout numbers (career 5.97 K/9) it should be noted he didn't face above Double-A competition in his rehab assignments. His return will be more significant to the Rockies more than it will for fantasy managers. Senzatela will likely be on a short leash in his debut on Monday in his return, especially considering that current Diamondback batters have hit for a .432 wOBA against him in 148 PA. Fantasy managers and DFS managers alike should avoid Senzatela in his return and wait to see what 2025 brings for the 29-year-old.

5 days ago

Cal Quantrill • SP • Rockies

Cal Quantrill Expected To Return From Injured List On Sunday

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (triceps) is expected to be activated off the IL on Sunday and make the start in the series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Quantrill hasn't made a start since August 27th against the Miami Marlins but his return will be welcome for a Rockies rotation that's been dealing with a litany of injuries dating back to 2023. The 29-year-old has pitched to a 4.63 ERA in his first year with the Rockies, though he's been hit significantly harder in the second half of the season (.930 OPS) compared to the first half (.753 OPS). Quantrill's return to the rotation will likely mean much more to the Rockies than it will to fantasy managers given's Quantrill's second half struggles and lack of strikeouts. With the season nearing its end, only managers in deeper leagues that are desperate for help should consider the Rockies' righty. Better options can be found on the waiver wire for those in need.

5 days ago

Merrill Kelly • SP • Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly Expected To Make His Next Start

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-hander Merrill Kelly (hamstring) is expected to make his next start after leaving his last outing on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers with hamstring cramping. Kelly's next start will be either on Monday or Tuesday at Coors Field against the division-rival Colorado Rockies, depending on how Kelly feels. "We're going to see it through Merrill's eyes. He's fine today, he should be fine tomorrow. If he continues to be fine every day, we will make a decision if it's going to be Monday or Tuesday," Lovullo said on Friday. Coors Field isn't an ideal location to pitch after an injury scare, but the 35-year-old Kelly will be close to a must-start in that one just based on the opponent. Kelly has been inconsistent in his six starts since returning from a long IL stint on Aug. 11, posting a 5.85 ERA with 23 K's, 10 walks and seven homers allowed in 32 1/3 innings.

5 days ago

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. • LF • Diamondbacks

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. To Play In Rehab Game On Saturday

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (calf) is scheduled to play in a minor-league rehab game on Saturday at Salt River Fields. Gurriel has been on the 10-day injured list since Sept. 3 with a calf strain, and manager Torey Lovullo said he will likely return to the big-league lineup after catcher Gabriel Moreno (groin), who could be back next week in the series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. "If I had to choose between one or the other, I would say Gabi first then Lourdes," Lovullo said. "Their returns are coming and they are getting very close and they are both feeling very good." When he's ready, the 30-year-old will return to regular duties in left field in the desert. Veteran Randal Grichuk has seen more run in the starting lineup since Gurriel has been out. In 125 games this year, Gurriel has provided fantasy managers with 17 homers, 70 RBI and seven steals while hitting a respectable .274.

5 days ago

TJ Friedl • CF • Reds

TJ Friedl Homers, Collects Three RBI On Friday

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl went 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored in Friday's 8-4 win over the Twins. It has been a season marred by injury for the 29-year-old but he's showing signs of life in September, hitting .262 with a pair of home runs, 11 RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games. For the season, the left-handed hitter has a .221-12-51-32-9 line with a .302 wOBA and 87 wRC+. Friedl still boasts an 83.2% contact rate and a better-than-average strikeout rate of 16.0%, so there's hope he can finish strong and come into 2025 as a healthy multi-category contributor for fantasy.

5 days ago

Gabriel Moreno • C • Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno Could Return Next Week

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he is confident that catcher Gabriel Moreno (groin) will be back in the lineup soon, possibly as early as this upcoming week. Lovullo said on Friday that the team will assess how Moreno is after he plays five innings at catcher at a camp continuation game at Salt River Fields on Saturday with no restrictions. Moreno has been on the 10-day injured list with a groin strain since Aug. 6, but Lovullo said it's possible he could return for the series in Colorado against the Rockies next week. However, there is some concern about Moreno returning in the 5,000-foot elevation. Although the 24-year-old backstop hasn't been much of a fantasy contributor in 2024 with only five home runs and 41 RBI in 275 at-bats, the Snakes surely could use him back as they try to get back to the postseason this October. Rookie Adrian Del Castillo has filled in nicely of late for the D-backs.

5 days ago

Tyler Glasnow • SP • Dodgers

Dodgers Get Good News On Tyler Glasnow

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-hander Tyler Glasnow (elbow) got a scan on Friday and that the medical staff described the results as "promising." However, Roberts didn't have anymore specifics about what the scans showed. The Dodgers shut down Glasnow's scheduled simulated game on Friday after he experienced more discomfort in his right elbow on Friday, and Roberts described it as a setback. The 31-year-old has received good news on his tests, but there's still a pretty good chance we won't see him make a start again in 2024 in the regular season. The Dodgers' main priority right now is getting Glasnow healthy for a deep playoff run. Glasnow had an elite 32.2% strikeout rate in his first year with the Dodgers, going 9-6 with a 3.49 ERA and 0.95 WHIP on his way to his first All-Star appearance. The Dodgers need Glasnow in their rotation for the postseason.

5 days ago

Kolby Allard • SP • Phillies

Kolby Allard To Face The Mets On Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Kolby Allard will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to rejoin the team's starting rotation on Saturday to take on the division-rival New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Allard will take over for Seth Johnson after his bad outing against the Miami Marlins last Sunday. The 27-year-old southpaw will be making his first start for the Phillies since Aug. 25, when he gave up two earned runs while walking none and striking out five over five innings for a win over the Kansas City Royals. He has only made four appearances (three starts) in the big leagues for the Phils in 2024 but has been decent with a 3.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. The Mets present a tough challenge for Allard as they seek a wild-card spot in the National League. They rank 10th in baseball with a .737 OPS, making Allard a shaky deep-league streaming option on Saturday.

5 days ago

Alec Bohm • 3B • Phillies

Alec Bohm Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (hand) and infielder Edmundo Sosa (back) will begin their minor-league rehab assignments on Saturday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Bohm has been showing progress and could be activated from the 10-day injured list on Monday before they start a series against the Milwaukee Brewers, barring a setback down on the farm this weekend. A strained left hand has kept Bohm sidelined since late August, but he's apparently made good progress of late and should be back in the Phillies' lineup at some point next week. Although fantasy managers would like to see more power from the 28-year-old third baseman, they can't really complain about the way his 2024 campaign has gone. The first-time All-Star has slashed .290/.343/.462 with an .804 OPS, 13 homers, a league-leading 44 doubles, 89 RBI and five steals in 131 games. Bohm will be a must-start when he's back for the Phils.

5 days ago

Luisangel Acuña • SS • Mets

Mets Calling Up Luisangel Acuna

The New York Mets are calling up infield/outfield prospect Luisangel Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, according to sources. Acuna will mostly serve as infield insurance for the Mets after shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) left Friday night's game against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies due to lower-back tightness. While the 22-year-old is the team's No. 12 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, he shouldn't be expected to get any kind of regular run with the Mets in the midst of a push for a wild-card spot in the National League. In his first taste of Triple-A this year, Acuna has hit .258/.299/.355 with seven home runs, 50 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 131 games at Syracuse. The 5-foot-8, 181-pounder is the brother of Ronald Acuna Jr. and is mostly known for his blazing speed. Acuna will most likely serve as a pinch-runner for the Mets down the stretch.

5 days ago

Dylan Cease • SP • Padres

Dylan Cease Fans 10, Records 13th Win On Friday

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease tossed six innings of shutout ball in Friday's 5-0 victory over the Giants, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters on the way to earning his 13th win of the season. It was a nice bounceback game after the Giants roughed him up for four earned runs his last time out. Cease came into the game with a 4.38 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in eight appearances since throwing a no-hitter back in July. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old has a solid 3.58 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 21.5% K-BB% on the season. The righty will face off against Houston at home in his next start on Wednesday next week.

5 days ago

Carlos Correa • SS • Twins

Carlos Correa Returning On Saturday

The Minnesota Twins will activate shortstop Carlos Correa (foot) from the injured list on Saturday and will option outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. Correa should be back in the starting lineup on Saturday at Target Field against the Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez, but fantasy managers will want to check back later for further confirmation. The 29-year-old has been away from the Twins since the All-Star break due to plantar fasciitis, so there certainly could be a bit of a rust factor now that he's back. The Puerto Rican infielder was hitting a strong .308/.377/.520 with an .896 OPS, 13 home runs, 47 RBI and 51 runs scored in 279 at-bats before his injury, so fantasy managers are hoping he can somehow pick up where he left off. Don't be surprised if the Twins look to ease Correa back in at shortstop after all the time he has missed.

5 days ago

Elly De La Cruz • SS • Reds

Elly De La Cruz Hits First Career Grand Slam

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz hit his first career grand slam in Friday's 8-4 win over the Twins. It was the 22-year-old's only hit of the night but gave the Reds a 7-1 cushion before they added another run an inning later. The dynamic youngster set the Reds' single-season record for home runs by a switch-hitter, now with 24 on the year. He's been scuffling at the plate recently, going just 5-for-32 (.156) over the last nine games. Still, he's put together a fine season, as the 2024 All-Star now has a .259-24-69-97-64 line with a .351 wOBA and 120 wRC+.

5 days ago

Aaron Judge • CF • Yankees

Aaron Judge Hits Go-Ahead Grand Slam On Friday

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge went 2-for-3 with a walk and a go-ahead grand slam in Friday's 5-4 win over the Red Sox. The blast came in the seventh inning with the Yankees down 4-1 but would give them a one-run lead that they would not relinquish. It also snapped a 16-game homerless drought for the 32-year-old and gave him 52 long-balls on the year. It has, of course, been an incredible season for the veteran slugger, now with a .321-52-130-111-8 line with an astronomical .470 wOBA and 213 wRC+.

5 days ago

Julio Rodríguez • CF • Mariners

Julio Rodriguez Homers In Four-Hit Performance

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez went 4-for-5 at the plate in Friday's 5-4 win over the Rangers, collecting a pair of singles, a double, and a go-ahead home run in the contest. The 23-year-old's home run was a three-run blast in the bottom of the eighth that would prove to be the eventual game-winner. It has been a disappointing season by Rodriguez's standards and for fantasy managers who drafted him where they did, but his BA (.263) and OBP (.319) are nearing career averages while there hasn't been a significant drop in contact rate or increase in strikeout rate, plus the barrel rate is still 9.6%. So, there's a chance for a strong finish and reason for optimism heading into 2025.

5 days ago

Hunter Goodman • RF • Rockies

Hunter Goodman Homers Twice, Drives In Seven

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and collected seven RBI in Friday's 9-5 win over the Cubs. The first home run was a two-run shot in the second inning that gave the Rockies a 2-1 lead, while the second was a go-ahead grand slam that broke a 5-5 tie in the eighth, putting the Rockies up 9-5. The home runs gave the 24-year-old 11 of them on the season, but he has yet to string together a productive stretch of games at the plate, hitting just .191 with an OBP of .231 and a K% of 28.2% at the major league level this year. The power is legit, however, as the slugger had a span of eight games at Triple-A back in April in which he belted seven home runs. We'll see if this performance gets him going.

5 days ago

Alec Marsh • SP • Royals

Alec Marsh Ties Career High With 11 Strikeouts, Records Eighth Win On Friday

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh struck out 11 batters in 5.1 innings of dominating pitching in the Royals' 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. The 11 strikeouts matches a career high for Marsh who struck out 11 against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. The righty improved his ERA to 4.52 and recorded the win, making him 8-8 on the season. Marsh has been a solid option for the Royals since getting recalled from the minors but Friday night's performance was easily his best performance of the season. With the Royals fighting to keep their 2.0 game lead in the wild card race, more high quality performances from Marsh will be needed. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues likely should consider adding Marsh to their rosters to finish out the season. Marsh currently doesn't have another scheduled start listed but Kansas City does have an open spot in their rotation set for next Wednesday when the Royals host Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers.

6 days ago

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