MLB News

Michael Wacha  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Wacha Dominates Twins For 12th Win

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha was excellent on Sunday, shutting out the Minnesota Twins for seven innings in a 2-0 win. Wacha allowed just four hits and a walk while punching out seven in this one. The 33-year-old veteran has been clinical for most of the season, just as he has been since the 2022 campaign. He is a reliable source for a good ERA, decent WHIP, and some strikeouts while being a workhorse capable of 175-plus IP. He is a great back-end arm in any fantasy rotation.
Sep 9   
Jack Flaherty  • SP  •  Dodgers

Jack Flaherty Finally Gets Through Seven Innings

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty had a terrific start on Sunday, shutting out the Cleveland Guardians over 7 innings and picking up his 12th win. Flaherty allowed just four hits and struck out six while walking none. It was his best start as a Dodger and maybe his best start of the year as well, as it's the first time he has been able to get through seven innings this year. Despite that, he has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors this year and is trustworthy in basically every matchup. He is a must-start for the remaining few weeks of the fantasy season.
Sep 9   
Connor Norby  • 2B  •  Marlins

Connor Norby Whacks Pair Of Homers

Miami Marlins second baseman Connor Norby continued to torch the ball on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a pair of homers and four RBI in a 10-1 win. Both of Norby's homers were two-run shots, with the first opening up the score in the first inning and the second breaking the game wide open in the third. The trade deadline acquisition has been fantastic since his move to Miami, belting six homers and hitting .329 in 73 at-bats. He looks to be a big part of the Marlins' future and might be a fantasy mainstay as well. He should be rostered in most leagues for fantasy playoffs.
Sep 9   
Pavin Smith  • RF  •  Diamondbacks

Pavin Smith Goes Deep Three Times Sunday

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder/first baseman Pavin Smith had a game to remember on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with three homers and eight RBI in a 12-6 win over the Houston Astros. Smith did all of his damage in the first five innings, hitting a three-run homer in the 2nd, a grand slam in the third, and a solo shot in the fifth. The monster game brings the 28-year-old up to a .270 AVG and .905 OPS in 89 at-bats this season. Those numbers aren't too shabby, but the lefty hasn't been able to get into the starting lineup consistently and has spent most of his time in the minors. With a game like this, maybe the D-Backs will get him in the lineup more often. Still, it's hard to trust that one game will change things, so he isn't of much value in fantasy.
Sep 9   
JP Sears  • SP  •  Athletics  |  Osvaldo Bido  • RP  •  Athletics

Osvaldo Bido Set To Rejoin Rotation, JP Sears Bumped Back

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Osvaldo Bido will rejoin the starting rotation on Tuesday against the Houston Astros. Bido was skipped on Saturday, potentially to reduce his workload as he is nearing his total from last year. This is an important move for fantasy, as Bido becomes a two-start pitcher this week (as long as the A's don't skip his next start as well) with the second matchup being against the lowly White Sox. He is a solid option in standard-size leagues, especially points leagues. Also noteworthy is that JP Sears is no longer a two-start pitcher and will lose the juicy White Sox matchup.
Sep 9   
Porter Hodge  • RP  •  Cubs

Porter Hodge Notches Fourth Save

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge was called upon to hold a one-run lead during Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. The right-hander has been outstanding in a high-leverage role for the Cubs this season. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday to earn his fourth save of the season. Hodge currently has a 14-inning scoreless streak where he's allowed only four hits and struck out 20 batters during that time. He figures to be the primary closing option for the Cubs down the stretch of the season with Jorge Lopez (groin) on the injured list. Fantasy managers who are seeking saves should check the waiver wire to see if Hodge is available.
Sep 9   
Jack Flaherty  • SP  •  Dodgers

Jack Flaherty Keeps Looking Strong

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty was excellent on the mound for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. The right-hander walked no one and only allowed four hits over 7 1/3 innings of work. The Guardians had no answers for Flaherty as he continued his fantastic second half of the season. Flaherty is now 5-1 with a 2.61 ERA over sevens starts with Los Angeles. He'll look to keep the good times rolling against the Atlanta Braves during his next time out.
Sep 9   
Shohei Ohtani  • DH  •  Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Blasts 46th Home Run

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani continued his MVP-type season during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Ohtani took Tanner Bibee deep for his 46th home run of the season during Sunday's 4-0 victory. He finished the day 2-for-4 and has been a force at the top of the lineup for this offense. There's still a few weeks left, so Ohtani does have a chance to get to 50 home runs before the regular season ends. Fantasy managers should continue to ride with Ohtani into the postseason.
Sep 9   
Kyle Freeland  • SP  •  Rockies

Kyle Freeland Looks Solid On Sunday

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland looked sharp on the mound during Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The southpaw was able to induce a ton of soft contact during this game. He allowed one unearned run while striking out four batters across six innings of work. It's not an easy task to hold this Brewers lineup in check. Freeland has been better as of late with three quality starts in his last four outings. He could be a low-end streaming option for his next outing against the Chicago Cubs.
Sep 8   
Ty Madden  • SP  •  Tigers

Ty Madden Strikes Out Seven In Win

Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden showed off his swing-and-miss stuff during Sunday's game against the Oakland Athletics. The rookie right-hander came in after opener Beau Brieske threw a scoreless inning. Madden looked sharp as he struck out seven batters while allowing only one run over five innings of work. The Tigers might not push Madden too hard in September, but he's expected to be a big part of their future. He holds a 2.57 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio over three appearances this season. He probably won't be worth adding in fantasy leagues this season, but is someone worth keeping an eye on heading into 2025.
Sep 8   
Trey Sweeney  • SS  •  Tigers

Trey Sweeney Collects Four Hits

Detroit Tigers infielder Trey Sweeney put together an excellent performance at the plate during Sunday's game against the Oakland Athletics. The former first-round pick has struggled early in his big league career, but had the bat going on Sunday. Sweeney took A's starter J.T. Ginn deep in the third inning for his third homer of the season. It would just continue from there as Sweeney finished the game 4-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and a stolen base in the win. He's still not worth rostering in most fantasy formats, but maybe this is a sign of good things to come for Sweeney.
Sep 8   
Kris Bryant  • 1B  •  Rockies

Kris Bryant Remains Without A Timetable

Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant (back) is "questionable" to play again this season, according to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. Manager Bud Black expressed that the 32-year-old is "feeling good" and "doing better" but is running out of time to return to the diamond. Bryant has appeared in just 37 games this season and has held a modest .218/.323/.301 slash line with two home runs. 15 RBI, and a 13:48 BB:K. Bryant has been hindered by back injuries all season and may stay out for the remainder of the season. For now, fantasy managers should expect the rookie Jordan Beck and 31-year-old Jake Cave to see most of the starting opportunities in right field down the stretch.
Sep 8   
Jeffrey Springs  • SP  •  Rays

Jeffrey Springs Hits 15-Day IL With Elbow Injury

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) was placed on the 15-day IL on Sunday afternoon (retroactive to Thursday, September 5) due to left elbow fatigue. The 31-year-old will not be eligible to return until late in September. Springs began his 2024 season later after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season. Through 33 innings of work this season, the southpaw has held a 3.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and an 11:37 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Springs' status as he may not take the major league mound again this summer. For the time being, 30-year-old Tyler Alexander should be the front-runner to take claim the open spot in the starting rotation.
Sep 8   
Jacob deGrom  • SP  •  Rangers

Jacob deGrom Sharp In Rehab Outing, Nearing Return

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) looked sharp in his fourth rehab outing on Saturday and could be nearing a return to the major leagues. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last season and has logged four rehab outings since late August. He logged his longest outing so far on Saturday as he tossed four shutout frames while striking out five batters and surrendering just one hit. Last season in Texas, the two-time Cy Young winner logged 30 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a stellar 0.76 WHIP. The 36-year-old could be an excellent starting pitcher down the stretch and is worth stashing on your roster in all formats.
Sep 8   
Brenton Doyle  • CF  •  Rockies

Brenton Doyle Sitting Out On Sunday

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (finger) will remain out of the starting nine on Sunday as the Rockies look to clinch a series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Doyle left Saturday's match early after injuring his finger when attempting to make a catch. As a result, 30-year-old Sam Hillard will cover center field on Sunday afternoon. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Doyle's status as we enter the new week. Doyle has enjoyed a great 2024 season boasting a .268 AVG with 22 round-tripper and 26 stolen bases. Hillard has enjoyed a nice surge at the plate as of late, riding a .278 AVG and a .722 SLG. However, he has a difficult matchup against Milwaukee right-hander Freddy Peralta.
Sep 8   
TJ Friedl  • CF  •  Reds

TJ Friedl Remains Out On Sunday

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (chest) will remain sidelined on Sunday as the Reds conclude a series with the New York Mets. Friedl left Saturday's game early after experiencing shortness of breath. As a precaution, he was taken to the hospital and thankfully nothing serious was detected. However, out of precautionary measures, the outfielder will take a seat on Sunday which will open up center field for Will Benson. Fantasy managers should pay attention to the 29-year-old's status ahead of the new week as he could miss a few more games. Benson is worth a look in DFS against the Mets as he will bat in the eight-hole and face Mets right-hander Luis Severino who enters Sunday with a 3.84 ERA.
Sep 8   
Andrew Benintendi  • LF  •  White Sox

Andrew Benintendi Homers, Gets On Base Four Times

Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Red Sox. The 30-year-old also walked once and scored twice in the contest. Most of the season has been one to forget for Benintendi and the White Sox, however, he did have a solid month of August in which he hit .278 (with .224 being his second-best monthly average this year) and seven home runs (no more than three in any other month), so perhaps he can parlay that into some September success. In total, the former seventh-overall draft pick has a .223-16-52-44-3 line on the season with a .293 wOBA and 88 wRC+.
Sep 8   
Jose Quintana  • SP  •  Mets

Jose Quintana Fans Six, Picks Up Eighth Win

New York Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana tossed six-and-two-thirds shutout innings in Saturday's 4-0 victory over the Reds, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six batters on the way to picking up his eighth win of the season. It was the third consecutive start in which the southpaw gave up one earned run or fewer, although it has been somewhat of a mixed bag for fantasy as he also only struck out 12 batters in 18 innings over that stretch (6.00 K/9). It has been much of the same all season, pitching to a 4.09 ERA (4.89 FIP), 1.31 WHIP, a 9.1% K-BB%, and a 6.99 K/9. The 35-year-old gets a tough matchup his next time out on the road against Philadelphia next Friday.
Sep 8   
Connor Norby  • 2B  •  Marlins

Connor Norby With A Home Run And Three RBI On Saturday

Miami Marlins infielder Connor Norby kept on hitting on Saturday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in a 9-5 win over the Phillies. He's now collected at least one hit in 16 of 17 games since the Marlins called him up, posting a .319-4-9-16-2 line over that stretch. If there's something to be concerned about it is the high strikeout rate (33.0%) and below-average walk rate (4.7%) on the season between Baltimore and Miami, but that can be expected from a 24-year-old making his major league debut. Plus, he's marginally improved both during his time with the Marlins. Regardless, the former second-round draft pick looks like the real deal and should prove to be a solid contributor for the remainder of this season.
Sep 8   
Willy Adames  • SS  •  Brewers

Willy Adames Homers Again, Steals Two Bases

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames belted his 30th home run of the season in a 2-for-4 day at the plate during Saturday's 5-2 win over the Rockies. The 29-year-old also swiped a pair of bags in the contest, giving him 18 stolen bases on the season. It was the eighth home run in the last 13 games for the Dominican, and with 101 RBI on the season, he leads the National League in that category. After a poor month of June, the slugger was slashing .229/.321/.408, but has hit well ever since and now has the slashline up to a much more respectable .253/.335/.473 along with a .347 wOBA and 123 wRC+.
Sep 8   
LEGEND
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