MLB News

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Throws Six Innings Of No-Hit Ball In Win

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen tossed six innings of no-hit ball in Wednesday's 6-4 victory over the Giants but was pulled after 100 pitches despite the no-hitter in progress. The 29-year-old walked four batters in the contest which pushed his pitch count higher, but he also struck out eight batters before handing the game over to the bullpen. The former All-Star notched his 11th quality start and picked up his 11th win of the season, now 11-6 with a 3.69 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 14.8% K-BB%. The righty will square off with the Rangers at home in his next start on Tuesday of next week.

Sep 5

George Kirby • SP • Mariners

George Kirby Fans Nine, Picks Up 11th Win On Wednesday

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby picked up his 11th win of the season in Wednesday's 16-3 victory over the Athletics, tossing six innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, walking none and striking out nine en route to his 17th quality start of the year. It was a nice way to start September after a dreadful month of August in which he posted a 6.84 ERA with a 1.72 WHIP and a 7.92 K/9 in five starts. Still, the 26-year-old is having a fine season overall, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 20.5% K-BB% thanks to a minuscule 3.0% walk rate. The former first-round draft pick will take on the Padres in his next start at home next Tuesday.

Sep 5

Jesse Winker • LF • Mets

Jesse Winker Hits A Grand Slam On Wednesday

New York Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker put the Mets on the board early on Wednesday, blasting a first-inning grand slam in a game the Mets would go on to win 8-3 over the Red Sox. It was Winker's only hit in the contest, going 1-for-3 and getting on base via walk once as well. The 31-year-old has been fairly productive since coming over from the Nationals, slashing .306/.341/.471 in 91 plate appearances. For the year, he owns a .268-14-58-63-14 line with a .349 wOBA and 126 wRC+. With a strong OBP of .368 on the year thanks to a 12.3% BB%, if Winker can continue to get on base, it should be more fruitful for fantasy in the Mets offense that is putting up 4.79 runs/game (seventh-best) compared to the Nationals' offense that is putting up 4.20 runs/game (bottom-third).

Sep 5

MacKenzie Gore • SP • Nationals

MacKenzie Gore Strikes Out Nine In Quality Start

Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore tossed six innings of one-hit ball in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins, allowing just one run and one walk while striking out nine batters, but did not factor into the decision. It marked the third consecutive quality start for the 25-year-old after collecting just five quality starts over his first 25 games. The southpaw lowered his ERA on the season to 4.32, although his FIP (3.56) and xFIP (3.90) suggest he's been better than that. The former third-overall draft pick also has a 1.50 WHIP and 15.4% K-BB% for the year. His next start will come at home against Atlanta next Tuesday. He's faced the Braves three times this year, dominating them for a 1.65 ERA over three starts, allowing three earned runs on 19 hits and one walk while striking out 21 in 16 1/3 innings pitched.

Sep 5

Gunnar Henderson • SS • Orioles

Gunnar Henderson Homers In Three-Hit Effort

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson went 3-for-4 in Wednesday's 8-1 loss to the White Sox, homering for the 35th time this season in the contest. The home run gave him the most single-season home runs all-time for an Orioles shortstop, passing both Cal Ripken Jr. and Miguel Tejada in the process. The hits extended Henderson's current hit streak to five games, going 8-for-19 (.421) with a pair of home runs, six RBI, five runs, a 5:4 BB:K, and two stolen bases. The 23-year-old now has a .280-35-84-107-17 line through 139 games with a .385 wOBA and 156 wRC+, making him one of the most valuable fantasy assets in all of baseball.

Sep 5

Matt Chapman • 3B • Giants

Giants Sign Matt Chapman To Six-Year Extension

The San Francisco Giants have signed third baseman Matt Chapman to a six-year, $151 million contract extension. The new contract replaces the old one in which Chapman could have opted out at the end of the season and test free agency. It will begin in 2025 and run through 2030, with no money being deferred and it also includes a no-trade clause. At age 31, Chapman is posting the best contact rate of his career (79.3%) which is leading to his lowest strikeout rate since 2019 (the last and only year he was an All-Star), amounting to a .247-22-69-90-13 line with a .337 wOBA and 118 wRC+. He's also played Gold Glove-caliber defense, which he's already won four times in the past.

Sep 5

Andrew McCutchen • DH • Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Still Dealing With Knee Issues

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday against the division-rival Chicago Cubs because his knee was a "little cranky" when he showed up to the field. "He's 37 years old, and some days he wakes up and feels better than he does. He's still available," Shelton said. The Pirates probably could have used McCutchen on Wednesday, as they were no hit by lefty starter Shota Imanaga and two relievers in an 12-0 blowout loss. McCutchen recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in the same knee, so this isn't a great sign. In four games since his return, he's gone 4-for-15 with two homers and six RBI. With McCutchen out on Wednesday, Oneil Cruz was the DH and Michael Taylor got the start in center field. The Pirates aren't going to rush the aging veteran back into the lineup at this point.

Sep 5

Kyle Tucker • RF • Astros

Kyle Tucker "Unlikely" To Return On Thursday

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said it's "unlikely" that the team will activate outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) from the 60-day injured list on Thursday for the series finale on the road against the Cincinnati Reds, but the skipper also didn't rule it out. Espada termed the decision "day-to-day" at this point. Returning in Cincinnati was also a bit optimistic for Tucker, who has been out since early June after fouling a ball off his shin and fracturing it. The 27-year-old All-Star is on the cusp of a return, though, and fantasy managers that have been stashing him all this time should have him back at some point this weekend in Houston at Minute Maid Park for a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hopefully, Tucker can pick up where he left off for fantasy managers and be a difference-maker down the stretch in the final few weeks of the regular season.

Sep 5

Shota Imanaga • SP • Cubs

Shota Imanaga Leads The Way In Combined No-Hitter

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga led the way on Wednesday evening in a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw logged seven innings and allowed just two free passes while striking out seven. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell then turned to Nate Pearson to pitch in the eighth and Porter Hodge to close out the final frame. This was an excellent bounce-back for Imanaga, as he has carried a 3.68 ERA since the start of August. In addition, this was another strong sign that Hodge is growing into a closer role in the Northside as he was called upon to close out the no-hitter. The 23-year-old has tallied two saves in his past five outings with no earned runs and a 1.06 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who sees the majority of save opportunities down the stretch in Chicago. Imanaga is currently lined up to face the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers in his next start.

Sep 5

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Bryce Harper Says He's Good After Hit-By-Pitch

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star first baseman Bryce Harper (elbow) said he felt better after receiving treatment on Wednesday for his left elbow after leaving the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre early when he was hit by a pitch. Harper said he's good, and manager Rob Thomson described the decision to pull Harper early as "more precautionary" with his elbow stiffening up. He didn't have an official at-bat in the 4-2 win and was replaced by pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa before his second at-bat. The 31-year-old has also dealt with nagging right elbow and wrist injuries of late, so it would be a surprise to see Harper in the lineup on Thursday for the series opener in Miami against the division-rival Marlins. But thankfully for fantasy managers and the Phils, Harper appears to be day-to-day and should return to action at some point this weekend.

Sep 5

Landon Knack • SP • Dodgers

Landon Knack Set To Be Recalled To Start On Friday

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Landon Knack is set to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Knack is set to fill in for Clayton Kershaw (toe), who was placed on the 15-day IL on Saturday with a bone spur. Knack has held a solid 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 12:44 BB:K ratio across 48 innings of work split between a starter and relief role in the majors this summer. At Triple-A, he posted a 3.71 ERA and 1.26 WHIP, with a 31:79 BB:K ratio in 68 innings. Knack is worth adding as a flier in deeper leagues as he may eventually earn a consistent spot in the starting rotation going forward. However, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to return on Tuesday, which may move Knack back to the bullpen or Triple-A.

Sep 5

Matt Chapman • 3B • Giants

Matt Chapman A Late Scratch On Wednesday

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (undisclosed) was a late scratch on Wednesday evening. Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reported that the 31-year-old infielder was removed from the starting nine for an unspecified reason. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding the slugging third baseman following Wednesday's game. As a result, infielder Tyler Fitzgerald will enter the lineup and cover shortstop, while Brett Wisely will shift over to the hot corner. Chapman was swinging a hot bat over the past few days with a stellar .346 AVG and .654 SLG. Fitzgerald and Wisley will face Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen, who surrendered five runs in his previous start and sits with a disappointing 3.87 ERA this summer.

Sep 5

J.T. Realmuto • C • Phillies

J.T. Realmuto Stays Hot On Wednesday Afternoon

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto stayed hot at the plate on Wednesday by going 1-for-4 with a solo shot to power the Phillies to a series sweep over the Toronto Blue Jays. Entering this game, the backstop carried a strong .333/.350/.667 line with four doubles, three home runs, and nine RBI in his past ten games. Overall, the 33-year-old has maintained a solid .261/.317/.422 slash line with 12 home runs and two stolen bases this summer. Fantasy managers should continue to keep Realmuto in their lineups throughout the remainder of the season. The catcher will look to continue this hot surge on Thursday as he faces Marlins right-hander Adam Oller who currently carries a modest 3.31 ERA.

Sep 5

Yoshinobu Yamamoto • SP • Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto To Return On Tuesday

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (triceps) is scheduled to return from the 60-day IL on Tuesday evening against the Chicago Cubs, according to David Vassegh of SportsNet LA. Yamamoto has been sidelined since June with triceps tightness and is on the verge of returning to the major league mound. The right-hander allowed three earned runs while striking out three batters through his four-inning rehab assignment. Before the injury, the 26-year-old held his own through his first taste of the major leagues, posting a solid 2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 17:84 BB:K ratio across 74 innings of work. Fantasy managers should feel confident placing Yamamoto back into their starting lineups down the stretch.

Sep 5

Luis Robert Jr. • CF • White Sox

Luis Robert Jr. Leaves Wednesday's Game Early With Hamstring Injury

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (hamstring) left Wednesday's game early due to a tight hamstring, according to Vinnie Duber of CHGO Sports. It appeared the outfielder suffered the injury sometime when running the bases in the sixth inning. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding the star outfielder before their game on Friday evening against the Boston Red Sox. Before the injury, Robert was in the midst of a 4-for-31 slump after posting a strong .381/.385/.548 line through the early part of August. Even though the 27-year-old has had a disappointing season, fantasy managers playing in five-outfielder leagues should still slot him back into their lineups for the remainder of the summer.

Sep 5

Yu Darvish • SP • Padres

Yu Darvish Activated, Starting On Wednesday

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (elbow) was activated off the injured list earlier on Wednesday and is slated to start this evening against the Detroit Tigers. It has been a long recovery process for the 38-year-old as he has not taken a major league mound since late May due to elbow inflammation. However, despite the lengthy timetable, Darvish did not embark on a rehab assignment, which could suggest he may face a minor pitch limit through his first handful of starts. Before the injury, Darvish held a 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 15:53 BB:K ratio across 56 innings of work. Darvish should be rostered in all leagues down the stretch and should be started in all formats this evening against the Tigers, who hold a high 24.3% K rate against right-handers this summer.

Sep 4

Brooks Baldwin • 2B • White Sox

Brooks Baldwin Hits 10-Day Injured List

Chicago White Sox second baseman/shortstop Brooks Baldwin (wrist) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist sprain. In a corresponding move, the White Sox recalled infielder Bryan Ramos from Triple-A Charlotte. The 24-year-old came off the bench on Tuesday evening after sitting out the previous seven games but will now sit out for at least the next ten days. Since joining the major leagues in mid-July, Baldwin has posted a mere .211 AVG with only eight extra-base hits. Fantasy managers should expect Lenyn Sosa and Nicky Lopez to serve as the everyday second baseman and shortstop on the Southside down the stretch. Both Sosa and Lopez have been unable to produce consistently this summer and are not worth adding in standard leagues.

Sep 4

Clay Holmes • RP • Yankees

Clay Holmes Losing Grip On Ninth Inning Duties

New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes could be losing his grip on save opportunities. Jack Curry of the YES Network reported that manager Aaron Boone expressed that the team will get "creative with the closer role in the short term." Boone further expressed that Holmes should continue to be in the mix. While fantasy managers should not expect Holmes to immediately shift to a low-leverage role, his position as the bona fide ninth-inning option is shifting for now. Holmes surrendered four earned runs on Tuesday evening in his third blown save in his past ten innings. While the Yankee skipper did not mention any direct names of those who could see ninth-inning duties, fantasy managers should expect Mark Leiter Jr. to get one of the first chances as he typically pitches in the eighth inning and is worth stashing in deeper leagues if you are lacking in saves.

Sep 4

Scott Alexander • RP • Athletics |

Joe Boyle • SP • Athletics

Joe Boyle Optioned To Triple-A, Scott Alexander Activated

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Joe Boyle was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday. In a corresponding move, the Athletics activated Scott Alexander (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list. Since rejoining the Athletics in mid-August, Boyle has posted a hefty 7.04 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP across four starts while holding a 13:20 BB:K ratio. Alexander will likely return to his typical bullpen role, where he performed quite well before hitting the IL. In his past ten outings, the southpaw allowed just one earned run with a 4:11 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should expect J.T. Ginn to continue to hold the final spot in the Oakland rotation going forward, while Alexander should serve as a high-leverage set-up man for closer Mason Miller.

Sep 4

Josh Naylor • 1B • Guardians

Josh Naylor Remains Sidelined On Wednesday

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (back) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday evening as the Guardians look to close out a three-game sweep on the division-rival Kansas City Royals. The slugging first baseman was removed from Tuesday's game due to a back spasm and will need at least another day to rest. The Guardians will likely take caution with the 27-year-old as they have their sights on competing in October. As a result, rookie Kyle Manzardo will get the starting nod on Wednesday and bat in the six-hole. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Cleveland lineup, as Naylor could return as early as Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manzardo could be a sneaky play in DFS against Royals right-hander Seth Lugo, as the young infielder has tallied five hits across his past three games.

Sep 4

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