MLB News

Mark Vientos  • 3B  •  Mets

Mark Vientos Walks It Off With Second Home Run

New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos got the scoring going for the Mets in Friday's 6-4 win over the Reds with a two-run home run in the first inning, then finished it off with a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning. It was part of a 3-for-5 day at the plate, giving him four multi-hit games in his last five and eight of his last 13. The former second-round draft pick has gone into full breakout mode in 2024 since he arrived for good in May, slashing .289/.342/.563 with 20 doubles, 24 home runs, and 62 RBI in just 91 games. Despite being a zero in the stolen base department, he's greatly increased his fantasy stock for 2025.
Sep 7   
Yordan Alvarez  • LF  •  Astros

Yordan Alvarez Homers Twice, Drives In Six

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez blasted a pair of three-run home runs in a 2-for-4 effort during Friday's 8-0 win over the Diamondbacks, giving him six RBI on the day. The 27-year-old is up to 32 home runs on the season and has driven in 79, along with 89 runs scored, and six stolen bases. It was the 3x All-Star's third multi-homer game in his last nine games and he's coming off a month in which he recorded a .382/.481/.697 slashline. Alvarez is hitting .310 now on the season with a .406 wOBA and 170 wRC+, making him one of the top options for fantasy again in 2024.
Sep 7   
Manny Machado  • 3B  •  Padres

Manny Machado Belts Two Home Runs, Plates Three In Win

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado went 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs in Friday's 5-1 win over the Giants, tying the franchise record for most home runs with 163 for San Diego in his career. The home runs represented numbers 24 and 25 this year, and he also collected three RBI in the contest, scored twice, and stole a base. The 32-year-old has been hitting well lately, going 20-for-59 (.339) over the last two weeks (14 games) with five home runs and has now put together a .274-25-89-69-9 line with a .338 wOBA and 121 wRC+ for the season. Fantasy managers will hope he remains hot heading into the fantasy baseball playoffs.
Sep 7   
Teoscar Hernández  • RF  •  Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Likely To Go On Injured List

Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (foot) is "not doing great" after leaving Friday night's game at Dodger Stadium against the Cleveland Guardians when he was hit on the left foot by a pitch. X-rays on Hernandez's left foot came back negative, but Roberts said he thinks the outfielder will be going on the 10-day injured list. The 31-year-old was hit by a pitch in the first inning and was replaced by pinch-runner Chris Taylor, who also replaced him in left field. The main priority for the Dodgers at this point will be to get Hernandez healthy for a deep playoff run in October. Taylor should see an increase in playing time with Hernandez hurt, but the Dodgers could also use Kevin Kiermaier or rookie Andy Pages in left field. Hernandez is having an excellent first year in LA but may not be able to help fantasy managers much the rest of the way. UPDATE: Hernandez was in a walking boot when he left the stadium. Roberts said the concern level on Hernandez's injury is "high."
Sep 7   
Jackson Merrill  • CF  •  Padres

Jackson Merrill Injures His Knee On Friday

San Diego Padres rookie outfielder Jackson Merrill (knee) fouled a ball off his leg (just above his knee) in Friday night's win over the division-rival San Francisco Giants at Petco Park and was replaced in center field by Tyler Wade due to a left-patellar contusion, according to the team. Before hitting the showers early, Merrill went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the 5-1 victory. The good news for the 21-year-old is that X-rays came back clear on his knee, so fantasy managers can consider him day-to-day heading into Game 2 of the series on Saturday. Don't be surprised if Merrill is out, though. The former 27th overall pick in 2021 has been a huge clutch piece of the Friars' offense in his first year in the big leagues in 2024 and entered Friday's game with a .292/.323/.498 slash line with an .821 OPS, 22 homers, 82 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Merrill is relevant in all fantasy formats and hopefully won't miss too much time.
Sep 7   
Kenley Jansen  • RP  •  Red Sox

Kenley Jansen Dealing With A Lat Issue

Boston Red Sox right-handed closer Kenley Jansen (lat) said after Friday night's 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park that he's dealing with a lat issue. Jansen last pitched on Wednesday, when he allowed four earned runs on one hit while walking three and striking out one in one-third of an inning versus the New York Mets. The veteran closer was apparently unavailable on Friday night, which is why Josh Winckowski entered with a two-run lead in the ninth to pitch a clean inning to earn the first save of his career. The 36-year-old Jansen said he won't pitch again until he's past the lat issue, but it's anyone's guess when that might be, and he could very well require a trip to the injured list. It's unclear how Boston might approach the ninth inning if Jansen misses extended time, but Winckowski and Chris Martin could be the top options for fantasy managers still scrounging for saves.
Sep 7   
Nolan Arenado  • 3B  •  Cardinals

Nolan Arenado Leaves Friday With Shoulder Soreness

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (shoulder) left Friday's game early with left-shoulder soreness in an eventual 6-1 loss at Busch Stadium to the visiting Seattle Mariners. Arenado went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in the contest before being replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Carpenter in the ninth inning. Until we know more on the severity of Arenado's shoulder injury, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day and check back to see if he's able to play on Saturday. However, it would be wise to expect the 33-year-old to miss at least one game. If Arenado requires a stint on the injured list, there's a chance we may not see him for the rest of the 2024 season, while Jose Fermin would be the favorite to pick up regular starts at third. Arenado, an eight-time All-Star, has had a down year in his fourth season in St. Louis with just 15 home runs and 64 RBI in 134 games.
Sep 7   
Teoscar Hernández  • RF  •  Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Injures His Ankle On Friday

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (ankle) was forced from Friday night's contest early at Dodger Stadium in the first inning against the visiting Cleveland Guardians when he was hit by a pitch on his left ankle. Hernandez appeared to be in a lot of pain and limped to first base before being replaced by pinch-runner Chris Taylor, who also replaced Hernandez in left field. The Dodgers announced that Hernandez left with a left-foot contusion, which implies that it's not a serious injury, although he's likely to undergo further testing. For now, fantasy managers should consider the 31-year-old to be day-to-day, but check back for further updates. Hernandez entered Friday's game with 28 homers, 87 RBI, 10 steals and a .266/.330/.488 slash line with an .818 OPS, so the Dodgers can ill-afford to lose him for any stretch of time as the playoffs near.
Sep 7   
Ramón Urías  • 3B  •  Orioles

Ramon Urias Confident He'll Return This Year

Baltimore Orioles running back Ramon Urias (ankle) is progressing with his sprained right ankle but has yet to resume baseball activities. However, Urias is confident that he can play before the regular season ends at the end of September. The 30-year-old veteran infielder suffered a sprained ankle on Aug. 31 and landed on the 10-day injured list. With Jordan Westburg (hand) still also on the IL, the Orioles have been forced to mix and match at the hot corner with rookie Coby Mayo, Emmanuel Rivera and Nick Maton. Mayo has the most upside of the trio as one of the team's top prospects, but he's struggled in his first 23 big-league at-bats with just two hits, three runs scored, three walks and 13 strikeouts in nine games played entering Friday. Depending on when Westburg returns, Urias could become the top option at the hot corner if he returns before the postseason.
Sep 7   
Ozzie Albies  • 2B  •  Braves

Ozzie Albies Not Feeling Great Swinging From Left Side

Atlanta Braves switch-hitting second baseman Ozzie Albies (wrist) isn't feeling great while swinging from the left side right now, according to manager Brian Snitker. However, Albies is doing well swinging from the right side as he recovers from a fractured left wrist. It remains to be seen if the Braves will be comfortable bringing the 27-year-old back to the big-league roster in the middle of September as they try to hang onto the final wild-card spot in the National League. Albies last played for the Braves on July 21 and could struggle at the plate when he returns to the majors, especially if he's unavailable to hit from the left side. Utility man Whit Merrifield (foot) has seen more action at the keystone in Atlanta of late with Albies still out, but he fouled a ball off his foot on Friday and could miss some time. Luke Williams figures to be the next man up.
Sep 7   
Lance Lynn  • SP  •  Cardinals

Lance Lynn To Return On Wednesday

St. Louis Cardinals veteran right-hander Lance Lynn (knee) will come off the 15-day injured list to start for the Cardinals next Wednesday at Busch Stadium against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Lynn will return to the big leagues for the final couple weeks of the 2024 regular season and will be in play as a deep-league streamer with limited upside for several start to finish out September. He was able to get up to 80 pitches in a minor-league rehab start last Sunday in which he allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings of work. Lynn should be limited from a pitch-count perspective, but he just doesn't offer much upside at all at this point of his career and hasn't pitched for St. Louis since the end of July. On the flip side, Lynn has been great in his two starts against Cincy in 2024, allowing only three runs (one earned) on seven hits while walking four and striking out 11 in 12 innings pitched.
Sep 7   
Whit Merrifield  • 2B  •  Braves

Whit Merrifield Removed After Fouling Ball Off His Foot

Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield (foot) was pulled from Friday's contest early at Truist Park against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays after fouling a ball off his left foot. Before being replaced at second base by Luke Williams, Merrifield was hitless in his two at-bats with a walk in the eventual 3-1 win. The 35-year-old veteran was returning on Friday for the first time after missing the team's previous two contests after being hit in the head by a pitch earlier this week. Merrifield has dealt with some unlucky injuries in his short tenure with the Braves, and it's unclear how serious his latest foot ailment is. Consider him day-to-day for now. He's been slightly better since joining the Braves recently but is really only relevant in very deep-mixed and NL-only leagues for his speed. In 265 total at-bats in 2024 with Atlanta and Philly, Merrifield has slashed a weak .219/.312/.317 with four home runs, 14 RBI and 16 steals.
Sep 7   
Jo Adell  • RF  •  Angels

Jo Adell Leaves Early With Oblique Irritation

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (oblique) left Friday night's contest early at Globe Life Field against the division-rival Texas Rangers with left-oblique irritation, according to the team. Before being replaced in right field by Kevin Pillar, Adell was hitless in his only at-bat of the contest with a strikeout in the second inning. The fact that the 25-year-old right-handed slugger was pulled immediately doesn't bode well for Adell's chances of returning in short order. And given where we are at in the season with only a few weeks left for the out-of-contention Angels, Adell could very well be shut down for the rest of the 2024 season. The former 10th overall pick in 2017 delivered his first 20-homer season this year while also adding 62 RBI and 15 stolen bases, but he's hitting just over .208 with a .281 and below-average .684 OPS.
Sep 7   
Jeff McNeil  • 2B  •  Mets

Jeff McNeil Injured On Friday

New York Mets infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (wrist) left Friday's contest early against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field early due to a right-wrist contusion after he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning. McNeil will undergo testing on Saturday, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect the former National League batting champion to play on Saturday. The left-handed hitter was 0-for-1 in the eventual extra-innings win over Cincy before being replaced by pinch-hitter Harrison Bader. Veteran Jose Iglesias eventually filled in at second base. The 32-year-old two-time All-Star was never a power hitter and this year has been a drain on fantasy managers' batting average as well despite hitting a league-high .326 in 2022. McNeil came into Friday hitting just .239 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 128 games. If he's forced to miss additional time, Iglesias will probably pick up more starts at second base.
Sep 7   
Michael Toglia  • 1B  •  Rockies

Michael Toglia Smashes Three-Run Homer As Part Of Multi-Hit Game

Colorado Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia crushed his 23rd home run of the season and added a late game double in the Rockies 3-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Toglia's three-run shot off Frankie Montas ended up being a game winner for the Rockies. Toglia's OPS improved to .793 as he continues to be a low average, high power type of hitter for the Rockies. The switch-hitter has taken advantage of consistent playing time thanks to multiple injury stints from Kris Bryant and the Rockies' demotion of Elehuris Montero, clearing the way for Toglia to be the everyday first baseman for Colorado. Fantasy managers who need help at first base should snag up Toglia as soon as possible as his .362 xwOBA ranks in the 89th percentile, making him a must own. He'll look to continue crushing balls on Saturday when the Rockies face off against Brewers scheduled starter Tobias Myers.
Sep 7   
Luis Gil  • SP  •  Yankees

Luis Gil Dominant In Return From Injured List On Friday

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil was dominant on Friday in his return from the 15-day IL, throwing six shutout innings and striking out seven in the Yankees' 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs. Gil allowed just one hit and walked two batters while picking up the win and improving his record to 13-6. Prior to hitting the IL with a lower back strain Gil had been struggling mightily with his control, posting a 19% BB% in his last four starts while posting a 5.19 ERA in that timespan. Today's outing with just two walks showed a little more control from the 26-year-old, especially when paired with Gil being able to go six innings deep, something he hadn't done since before the All-Star break. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable with getting Gil back in their starting lineups. He will look to string together solid performances when he starts next Wednesday at Yankee Stadium when the Kansas City Royals come to town.
Sep 7   
Kyle Harrison  • SP  •  Giants

Kyle Harrison Done For The Season

Updating a previous report, San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (shoulder) was placed in the injured list on Friday with left-shoulder inflammation. The Giants have shut him down for the remainder of the season and will look towards 2025 for the lefty. Harrison's velocity had been down in the second half of the season, resulting in a very subpar 5.63 ERA in eight starts after the All-Star break. The 23-year-old was able to make 24 starts this season and posted a 4.56 ERA, though it was paired with a 4.85 xERA (17th percentile). Harrison will have work to do to improve in 2025 and stabilize the back end of a solid Giants rotation. Fantasy managers who are looking to replace Harrison on their roster may want to look at Hayden Birdsong, who has struck out 64 batters in 52 IP, though his 5.19 ERA may cause some worries.
Sep 7   
Jordan Romano  • RP  •  Blue Jays

Jordan Romano Won't Return To Blue Jays This Season

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano (elbow) won't return to the Blue Jays' roster this season. Though Romano has been throwing in Florida as part of his recovery over the last few weeks, he simply hasn't had enough time to fully recover. Combine that with the Blue Jays being nine games back of a playoff spot and rushing the 31-year-old back simply wouldn't have made sense. Romano had arthroscopic surgery in July to fix an impingement in his right elbow and hasn't pitched since late May. When Romano pitched this season he was not his normal self, posting a 6.59 ERA with 10 ER in just over 13 innings pitched. Blue Jays fans and fantasy managers alike will have to wait until 2025 to see Romano on the mound again. Those looking for relief pitching help may want to look at Chad Green who has six saves in the last 30 days, leading the Blue Jays with ease. However, take caution as Green also has a 7.45 ERA in that same timespan. Brendon Little and his 2.38 ERA over the last 30 days may be a safer option but with much less opportunity for saves.
Sep 7   
Gavin Stone  • SP  •  Dodgers

Gavin Stone Placed On 15-Day IL With Right Shoulder Inflammation

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone was placed on the 15-Day IL on Friday with right shoulder inflammation. Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of operations, said that the plan for Stone would be for him to be shut down for about 10 days and then see how Stone feels before taking the next steps. The 25-year-old hitting the IL is yet another blow to a Dodgers rotation that simply cannot find a way to stay healthy. The rookie's 3.53 ERA was a pleasant surprise to the bruised and battered Dodgers pitching staff, keeping them in games and helping keep them atop the NL West with an 11-5 record. At this point in the season fantasy managers should prepare for Stone to be out until the playoffs, negating his fantasy value in 2024. Those looking for starting pitching help from the Dodgers likely can only choose from Walker Buehler or Bobby Miller, neither of which have provided any sort of fantasy value in 2024 and are likely best left on the waiver wire.
Sep 7   
J.T. Realmuto  • C  •  Phillies

J.T. Realmuto Exits Game Early With Bruised Knee

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) exited Friday's game early with a bruised knee. Realmuto fouled a ball off his knee in the second inning before notching his second RBI single of the night. He wasn't replaced until the top of the fourth when he was pinch-hit for by Garrett Stubbs. Fantasy managers will want to monitor Realmuto's status going forward but it should be assumed the catcher will be day-to-day going forward as the injury isn't a serious one. The 33-year-old has put up solid offensive numbers yet again, hitting for a 105 OPS+ with 40 RBI. When healthy the right-hander will provide solid value from the catcher position. If Realmuto is forced to miss any time then expect Stubbs to start in his place, though his 64 OPS+ on the season makes him irrelevant in all fantasy formats.
Sep 7   
LEGEND
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