MLB News

Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Jose Altuve Dealing With Side Injury

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (side) left Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the division-rival Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park early after he appeared to be in pain after taking a swing in the fifth inning. Altuve stayed in the game, bunted foul with two strikes to end his at-bat and then immediately went into the team's clubhouse. He was replaced at second by Mauricio Dubon. The All-Star second baseman is getting treatment on his right side, and manager Joe Espada said he is "not really concerned" about the severity and Altuve is day-to-day. The 34-year-old went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before leaving. It's good news, but fantasy managers should expect Altuve to miss at least a game or two. The Astros finish their series against the A's on Thursday before a series opener on Friday at the Los Angeles Angels. Houston can ill-afford to lose Altuve for any stretch of time as October nears.

Sep 12

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton To Return On Friday

The Minnesota Twins will activate outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) from the 10-day injured list on Friday, with outfielder Austin Martin being optioned to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. Buxton has been on the shelf since the middle of August due to hip inflammation and had a setback that prevented him from returning sooner. Expect the Twins to ease him back into the fold in center field so that they can have him fully healthy if they clinch a playoff spot heading into October. When fully healthy, the 30-year-old oft-injured outfielder will return to everyday center field duties for the Twins. Although Buxton rarely runs these days (only six steals), he's played a big part offensively by hitting .275 (84-for-305) with 16 home runs and 49 RBI in 90 games. However, he hasn't been as good in the second half of the season before getting hurt in August.

Sep 12

Justin Steele • SP • Cubs

Justin Steele Throws Bullpen On Wednesday

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and will throw another bullpen this weekend at Coors Field in Denver. "This is a true day-to-day thing and so we had a really good day today. This is like five days of straight good news, which is encouraging," manager Craig Counsell said. It was the first time that Steele threw off a mound since landing on the 15-day injured list a week ago with left-elbow issues. The 29-year-old southpaw will need to get through another bullpen before then facing live hitters. Barring a setback, Steele should be able to return to Chicago's rotation before the end of the year to help fantasy managers that are still playing for a championship. When healthy in 2024, Steele has been relevant in all fantasy leagues, going 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a career-best 24.9% strikeout rate in 22 starts (128 innings).

Sep 12

Brandon Drury • 2B • Angels

Brandon Drury Exits Early With Hamstring Tightness

Los Angeles Angels infielder Brandon Drury (hamstring) left Wednesday night's 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field early with left-hamstring tightness in the fifth inning. Before departing the contest prematurely, Drury went 1-for-2. He was replaced at second base by Jack Lopez. It's unclear if Drury's hamstring injury is serious enough to keep him out for most of the rest of the regular season, but for now we'll consider him day-to-day until we know more. If it's not serious, he could be back in action for Friday's series opener at home against the division-rival Houston Astros. If Drury misses time, Michael Stefanic is the likeliest candidate to see more playing time at the keystone in Anaheim. The 32-year-old Drury has been awful in his second season with the Angels and has missed time with injury, hitting just .167/.245/.229 with four homers and 15 RBI in 87 games.

Sep 12

Chad Green • RP • Blue Jays

Chad Green Gives Up Four Runs, Blows Save On Wednesday

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Chad Green (4-6) blew a save on Wednesday, as his team lost to the New York Mets 6-2. Green entered the game in the ninth inning when the game was tied 1-1 and, in 2/3 IP, gave up one hit and three walks, allowing two runners to score on sacrifice flies. After that, Francisco Alvarez proceeded to hit a three-run homer off of Genesis Cabrera, where two of those runners he inherited from Green. Overall, Green was charged for allowing four runs. This marks the fourth blown save from Green in his last five appearances. In that time, his ERA on the season has climbed from 1.61 to 3.49. Green is still Toronto's closer and worth holding onto in leagues for fantasy managers needing the saves.

Sep 12

Jake Irvin • SP • Nationals

Jake Irvin Pitches Quality Start, Earns Win No. 10

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jake Irvin (10-12) delivered a quality start on Wednesday as the Nats defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-1. Irvin allowed one run on two hits and walked one while striking out five in six innings. He also earned the win. Pitching in his second season, Irving has taken tremendous steps forward and has become a promising young player that the Nationals can build around. In 30 starts (172 IP), Irvin has pitched to a 4.19 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Both are vast improvements over his numbers in 2023 (4.62 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 121 IP). The 27-year-old is scheduled for two starts next week and will look to keep things rolling in his next scheduled start Monday on the road against the New York Mets.

Sep 12

Matthew Boyd • SP • Guardians

Matthew Boyd Strikes Out Nine On Wednesday

Cleveland Guardians starter Matthew Boyd pitched well on Wednesday as his team beat the Chicago White Sox 6-4. Boyd went 4 1/3 innings, gave up four runs (one earned) on six hits, walked two and struck out nine. He did not factor into the decision. Boyd, who missed the end of last year and most of this year recovering from elbow surgery, has been very good since making his season debut on August 13. In six starts (33 IP), he is (2-1) with a 2.18 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 7:35 BB: K. Boyd's strong return brings promise to the Guardians, as they are in for a tight (and exciting) September and October. The southpaw can be used as a streamer in his next start on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins.

Sep 12

Lane Thomas • RF • Guardians

Lane Thomas Records Three Hits, Four RBI On Wednesday

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas had a big day at the plate on Wednesday as his team beat the Chicago White Sox 6-4. Batting fifth, Thomas went 3-for-4 (three singles) with four RBI and one run scored. Thomas has had a mediocre season (.246 AVG, .718 OPS) but has been super hot as of late. In his last 15 games, he is slashing .370/.408/.652 with three homers and 14 RBI. This is great news for the Guardians, as they are looking to keep their lineup potent, heading into what promises to be a tight postseason race and postseason. Thomas is rostered in 64% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is worth adding in most leagues while he's swinging a hot bat.

Sep 12

Bowden Francis • SP • Blue Jays

Bowden Francis Pitches Gem, Loses No-Hitter In The Ninth Inning

Toronto Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis was excellent on Wednesday as his team fell to the New York Mets 6-2. Francis pitched eight no-hit innings until giving up a home run to Fransisco Lindor in the ninth frame. He did not factor into the decision. Still, Francis' line was incredible: he pitched eight innings, gave up one hit, and walked and struck out one. The 28-year-old has been on a tear since returning to the Jays' rotation. In his past seven starts, he is (4-1) with a 1.50 ERA, a 0.44 WHIP, and a 5:46 BB: K in 48 IP. Francis seems to have at least earned a chance to compete for a rotation spot in 2025, and with that, he has increased his fantasy value and draft stock, too. Francis will look to continue his torrid stretch at his next start on Wednesday on the road against the Texas Rangers.

Sep 12

Bailey Falter • SP • Pirates

Bailey Falter Blanks Marlins, Picks Up Win No. 8 On Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (8-7) was excellent on Wednesday night, as his team beat the Miami Marlins 3-1. Falter pitched 7 1/3 innings, only gave up two hits, and walked three while striking out five. The 27-year-old also recorded his eighth win of the season. Falter has been a consistent starter for the Pirates almost all season, except when he missed a couple of turns in the rotation because of a tricep injury in July. In 25 starts, Falter has pitched to a 4.20 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He has certainly increased his fantasy value and draft stock heading into 2025. Falter will look to build on Wednesday's performance in his next start on Wednesday on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Sep 12

Martín Pérez • SP • Padres

Martin Perez Heads To Paternity List

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Martin Perez has been placed on the paternity leave list on Wednesday. The left-hander can miss up to three games as he spends time with his family. The assumption is that Perez will be back in time to take the mound for his scheduled start on Friday. He has been solid since joining the Padres roster. Perez has a 2.84 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across seven starts in San Diego. He'll be a decent streaming option assuming he's back in time to make his next start.

Sep 11

Merrill Kelly • SP • Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly Avoids Major Injury

Updating a previous report, Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (hamstring) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's start against the Texas Rangers. The right-hander was pulled in the fifth inning due to right-hamstring cramping. It sounds like a minor issue, and the team is hopeful that Kelly can make his next start against the Colorado Rockies. Before exiting, Kelly gave up three earned runs over just four innings of work. For now, fantasy managers should consider Kelly as day-to-day.

Sep 11

Teoscar Hernández • RF • Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Returning On Wednesday

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (ankle) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs. This is good news after Hernandez missed four games due to an ankle issue. It was uncertain if he was truly day-to-day or going to be placed on the injured list. Hernandez appears good to go and he'll cover left field and bat cleanup against Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks. Hernandez is crushing lefties to the tune of a .299 batting average with 10 home runs and 26 RBI this season. Fantasy managers should make sure to get him back in their lineups ahead of Wednesday's contest.

Sep 11

Luis Campusano • C • Padres

Luis Campusano Optioned To Minors

San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday. The Padres were carrying three catchers with Elias Diaz and Kyle Higashioka also on the roster. Campusano was the odd man out which isn't shocking given his performance this season. He's hitting .227 with eight home runs and 40 RBI in 91 games. At one point, Campusano was viewed as the catcher of the future in San Diego. It's uncertain if that's still the case, but for now fantasy managers can go ahead and move on from him.

Sep 11

Brandon Lockridge • CF • Padres

Brandon Lockridge Recalled On Wednesday

San Diego Padres outfielder Brandon Lockridge has been recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday. The 27-year-old was acquired by the team at the trade deadline in the move that sent Enyel De Los Santos to the New York Yankees. This could end up being a nice addition for the Padres. Lockridge is slashing .306/.410/.397 with two home runs and 46 steals in Triple-A this season. He might not be an everyday starter at the MLB level, but he could be a solid contributor. The Padres will likely use him as depth and a defensive replacement or pinch-runner. Fantasy managers can continue to ignore Lockridge.

Sep 11

Jose Miranda • 3B • Twins

Jose Miranda Heads To The Bench

Minnesota Twins infielder Jose Miranda heads to the bench ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. This is a much-needed day off for Miranda who has started in each of the last 10 games. The 26-year-old is in the middle of a breakout campaign. Through 115 games, Miranda is hitting .295 with nine home runs and 49 RBI in 2024. He has moved around from first base, third base, and the designated hitter spot this season. Carlos Santana moves first base while Trevor Larnach serves as the designated hitter and bats cleanup versus right-hander Jack Kochanowicz on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should expect Miranda to be back in the lineup after this game.

Sep 11

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Being Suspended For Three Games

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta is being suspended for three games and fined for intentionally hitting Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos in the eighth inning of the game on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. Uceta has the right to appeal MLB's ruling, which would allow him to continue pitching until the appeal is heard. Manager Kevin Cash was also suspended for the contest in Philly on Wednesday. If the 26-year-old Uceta accepts the ban, he'll miss the next three games and won't be eligible to pitch again for the Rays until Saturday in Cleveland against the Guardians. In his first year with the Rays in 2024, Uceta has gone 2-0 with a tidy 1.49 ERA, a 0.79 WHIP, his first two career saves, a career-high 51 strikeouts and only six walks in 36 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.

Sep 11

James Paxton • SP • Red Sox

James Paxton To Retire After The Season

Boston Red Sox left-hander James Paxton (calf) told WEEI's Rob Bradford on Wednesday that he plans to retire this offseason. Paxton has decided to call it quits after finishing the 2024 season on the 60-day injured list with Boston due to a partial tear in his right calf. The 35-year-old Canadian southpaw has had trouble staying healthy in recent years and won't attempt a comeback. He began the year pitching in the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation and even won nine games, but he was eventually cut after posting a 4.43 ERA (4.99 FIP) with a 1.45 WHIP and a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate in 18 starts. Paxton made only three starts in Boston before injuring his calf. Paxton entered the big leagues in 2013 with the Seattle Mariners and spent six seasons with them before bouncing around with the Yankees, M's, Red Sox and Dodgers in 11 total seasons.

Sep 11

Willi Castro • 2B • Twins

Willi Castro Returns To Twins Lineup

Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro (illness) is starting in left field and is batting sixth for Minnesota on Wednesday at Target Field against the visiting Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Jack Kochanowicz. Castro was feeling so bad that he was taken out of Monday's game early and also had the day off on Tuesday. The 27-year-old utility man will return on Wednesday, though, and has a good enough matchup to consider him as a sleeper in DFS lineups. However, fantasy managers also need to consider the fact that he has only one hit in 21 at-bats (.048) with two walks and eight strikeouts in eight games since the calendar flipped to September. Overall, the Puerto Rican switch-hitter has been a first-time All-Star in 2024 and enters the day with a .246/.329/.389 slash line with a career-high 11 home runs, a career-high 52 RBI and 13 steals in 142 games.

Sep 11

Eloy Jiménez • DH • Orioles

Eloy Jimenez Out Against A Right-Hander

Baltimore Orioles outfielder/designated hitter Eloy Jimenez is not in the team's starting lineup on Wednesday at Fenway Park against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. Jimenez finds himself on the bench again in favor of Anthony Santander, who is serving as the DH and batting third against Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta. Austin Slater is in right field and is batting seventh for the O's. Jimenez, 27, continues to see infrequent playing time in Baltimore towards the end of the season. He's now played in 29 games in Baltimore since being acquired in late July by the Chicago White Sox, and he's slashed a mediocre .253/.293/.345 with only one home run, five RBI and seven RBI in his 92 plate appearances. Without frequent playing time in Baltimore, it's hard to recommend holding Jimenez in most mixed fantasy leagues.

Sep 11

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