MLB News

Orlando Arcia  • SS  •  Braves

Orlando Arcia Belts A Pair Of Home Runs On Friday

Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo home runs and a walk in Friday's 7-2 win over the Phillies. Arcia has had a bit of a power surge in August, belting six of his 15 home runs this month. Arcia tends to be a bit streaky though and he was not hitting for average heading into this game, as he was just 10-for-60 (.167) in the two weeks prior to Friday's contest (17 games), so he can be frustrating for fantasy purposes. For the season, the 30-year-old has a .228-15-41-41-1 line with a .283 wOBA and 73 wRC+. Despite playing in a good lineup, there are better options at shortstop on the waiver wire in most leagues.
Aug 31   
Austin Wells  • C  •  Yankees

Austin Wells Drives In Four Runs In Two-Homer Day

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and four RBI in Friday's 6-3 win over the Cardinals. The two home runs brought him to 12 total for the season, nine of which have come in the last two months. The 25-year-old backstop has increased his batting average each month of the season so far, now hitting .319 in August. For the season, the former first-round draft pick is slashing .256/.348/.444 with a .343 wOBA and 124 wRC+. Managers looking for a hot bat in a good lineup for fantasy should give Wells a look and he's available in almost 75% of Yahoo leagues.
Aug 31   
Shota Imanaga  • SP  •  Cubs

Shota Imanaga Strikes Out Eight, Improves To 11-3

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga went six innings in Friday's 7-6 victory over the Nationals, allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight on the way to picking up his 11th win of the season. It was the southpaw's 15th quality start of the year out of 25 starts, and he's now got a 3.14 ERA on the season with a 1.05 WHIP and a 21.2% K-BB%. The 30-year-old lines up with Pittsburgh at home in his next start, a team he shut down over seven innings at home earlier this season, allowing no runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven.
Aug 31   
Clayton Kershaw  • SP  •  Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw Leaves Start Early With Toe Injury

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (toe) left his start on Friday early against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field with left big-toe pain. Kershaw made it through only one inning in the start of a huge weekend series in Arizona, and he gave up three earned runs on three hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out none before he hit the showers. It's not an arm injury, but it's yet another ailment for the 36-year-old, who hasn't been able to stay healthy in recent seasons. The future Hall of Famer came into Friday's start having made only six starts in 2024 due to a left-shoulder injury. The 10-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner will now be up in the air for his next start, depending on the severity of his injury. Heading into the final month of the regular season, the Dodgers' top priority will be having Kershaw healthy for another playoff run in October.
Aug 31   
Josh Naylor  • 1B  •  Guardians

Josh Naylor Suffers Bruised Ankle, Has Big Night At The Plate

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (ankle) managed to have a big offensive night in Friday's 10-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressing Field despite leaving the contest early due to a left-ankle bruise. Naylor was replaced late in the game by Tyler Freeman after he apparently rolled his ankle. Before leaving, though, Naylor went 3-for-5 with a double, four RBI and a run scored. Naylor's two-run double in the first inning got Cleveland's scoring started. The 27-year-old appears to have avoided a serious injury, thankfully, but he could be held out as a precaution for Saturday's contest. Fantasy managers should consider him to be day-to-day for now. Naylor, a first-time All-Star in 2024, came into Friday's game with a career-high 28 home runs, and now he's at a career-high 98 RBI through 127 games after driving in four this evening.
Aug 31   
Yoshinobu Yamamoto  • SP  •  Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Next Rehab Start To Come On Tuesday

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) played catch on Friday and will throw a bullpen session on Sunday. Yoshinobu's next minor-league rehab start will come on Tuesday with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and the plan is for him to go three innings. It will be the 26-year-old Japanese pitcher's second rehab start after he allowed one run (on a homer) while striking out two in two innings (31 pitches) for Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Dodgers aren't going to rush Yamamoto back into the rotation, so fantasy managers should expect to maybe get a few outings out of him once he returns in the middle of September, barring any setbacks. Yamamoto will be a key piece of the rotation going into the postseason when he's healthy after going 6-2 with a tidy 2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 84 K's in 74 innings in his first 14 starts in 2024 in the States.
Aug 31   
Kodai Senga  • SP  •  Mets

Kodai Senga Playing Catch From 90 Feet, Progressing Well

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (calf) is playing catch from 90 feet and is progressing well, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. Though it's unlikely Senga will pitch again this season, Mendoza noted that the Japanese star is playing catch "like normal" and that it's a good sign for both him and the team. The 31-year-old only pitched in one game for the Mets this season after dealing with a shoulder strain for the entire first half of the year before injuring his calf in his only start in 2024. While the Mets are fighting for a wild-card spot (3.5 games back) it shouldn't be expected that the Mets will rush him back. Should Senga return in 2024, it'd likely be during the playoffs. Fantasy managers that need starting pitching help should instead pivot to David Peterson, whose 2.83 ERA will be a great addition to any fantasy roster.
Aug 31   
Christian Scott  • SP  •  Mets

Christian Scott Throws Off Mound On Friday

New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott (elbow) threw off a mound on Friday in a positive bullpen session. Scott only threw his fastball and changeup but will be able to throw his other pitches in his next bullpen session. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza did say he expects Scott to join the Mets again this season but won't be built up pitch-count-wise. The major implication here for fantasy managers is that if Scott does rejoin the major league club that he likely won't be back in the Mets' rotation. Fantasy managers that were hoping for the rookie to help out in the playoff push will need to recalibrate and look for other options to help from a starting pitcher perspective. Left-hander David Peterson and his 2.83 ERA would be a fine addition for any fantasy roster he isn't on and should be swept up off the waiver wire if available.
Aug 31   
Thairo Estrada  • 2B  •  Giants

Thairo Estrada Outrighted To Triple-A Sacramento

San Francisco Giants second baseman Thairo Estrada was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. The 28-year-old posted a .590 OPS in 381 PA this season, especially struggling over the last couple weeks by posting just a .486 OPS in 35 PA. Estrada had been dealing with a wrist injury he sustained in late July and hasn't quite regained his form from the first half of the season. With Estrada being demoted, Casey Schmitt is in place to get most of the starts at second base. His 82 wRC+ isn't quite that appealing, but it does outpace the production Estrada was giving San Francisco. The Giants also recalled Brett Wisely in a corresponding move with Estrada's demotion. Wisely's 82 wRC+ at the major league level gives the Giants similar production at second base. Only fantasy managers in deeper leagues should even be considering adding Schmitt or Wisely to their lineups. Other fantasy managers needing help at second base can likely find better options on the waiver wire.
Aug 31   
Yandy Díaz  • 1B  •  Rays

Yandy Diaz Leaves Game Early With Left Knee Patellar Tendinitis

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz left Friday night's game against the San Diego Padres early with left knee patellar tendinitis. Diaz was replaced in the bottom of the fourth after hitting a single and was pinch-ran for by Jonathan Aranda. The team has not announced how long Diaz is expected to be out, but fantasy managers should expect him to sit out at least the rest of the weekend to give his tendinitis time to heal. His absence will loom large in Tampa as his 136 hits easily leads the Rays. If Diaz is expected to miss much time then expect Brandon Lowe to get more starts at first base, Christopher Morel to slide to second base and Junior Caminero to start at third base. Jose Caballero will likely get more starts at DH. With Caballero's 85 OPS+ he'd make a solid option in deeper leagues, though there are likely better options on the waiver wire.
Aug 31   
Jorge López  • RP  •  Cubs

Jorge Lopez Could Return To Cubs This Weekend

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jorge Lopez (groin) could return to Chicago's bullpen this weekend, according to manager Craig Counsell. Lopez has been dealing with a groin injury since Aug. 23 but recently completed a bullpen that went well. The 31-year-old has been fantasy relevant in his stint with Chicago, pitching to a 0.79 ERA in 22 2/3 innings. His return will be very welcomed by both fantasy managers and Cubs fans alike. Although Chicago is likely out of the National League Central race, they're five games back of a wild-card spot, and a reliable arm like Lopez will help their outside chances. Fantasy managers that have been holding Lopez out of their lineups need to ensure he's back in as soon as he's announced on the active roster. With Chicago's next five games against the subpar offenses of the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates, Lopez will likely be used often when Chicago has a lead.
Aug 31   
Trevor Story  • SS  •  Red Sox

Trevor Story To Start Rehab Assignment On Sunday

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (shoulder) is set to start as the designated hitter for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday. Story will then start at shortstop on Monday, take Tuesday off and then work full speed toward a return to the majors after that. This will mark the first game action for the 31-year-old since he fractured his shoulder in April. His start to the season was underwhelming, hitting just .226 in 31 AB before hitting the IL. On the heels of another injury-shortened season in 2023, fantasy managers certainly will have their concerns about Story's health going forward. However, current shortstop Ceddanne Rafaela has provided spotty production for the Red Sox, leaving the door open for Story to get consistent at-bats if he's able to return in the last few weeks of the season. Fantasy managers needing help at the shortstop position in the playoff run probably won't need to look Story's way, but in deeper leagues there may be an opportunity to stash him on your bench if needed.
Aug 31   
Jordan Wicks  • SP  •  Cubs

Jordan Wicks Nearing Return

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (oblique) is nearly ready to return to the big league roster. The left-hander was scratched ahead of his start at Triple-A Iowa on Friday. The organization did this so they could have Wicks fresh for a possible start this weekend against the Washington Nationals. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said they could reshuffle their starting rotation over the next few days. Wicks hasn't been great for the Cubs this season, but he gives the team another viable arm down the stretch of the September. The southpaw has a 4.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 32/10 K/BB ratio across seven games (six starts) with the Cubs this season. He could be a streaming option against the Nats lackluster offense, but isn't a great long term fantasy option.
Aug 30   
Anthony Rizzo  • 1B  •  Yankees

Anthony Rizzo Nearing Return

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (forearm) appears to be extremely close to making his return to the big-league club. The 35-year-old has been working his way back from a forearm injury that has sidelined him since mid-June. The good news is that Rizzo is going to play a rehab game on Friday and could return when the roster expand on Sunday. Rizzo hasn't given the Yankees much production with the bat this season. He's hitting .223 with eight home runs and 28 RBI in 70 games. Ben Rice will likely lose some playing time once Rizzo is back in the mix.
Aug 30   
Lucas Erceg  • RP  •  Royals

Lucas Erceg Considered Day-To-Day

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg (hand) is likely going to miss a few days after taking a comebacker off his right hand during Thursday's game. The right-hander is considered as day-to-day as he's still dealing with soreness and swelling in his hand. At least Erceg didn't suffer a serious injury and isn't expected to miss a lengthy amount of time. In the meantime, James McArthur will likely step into the closer role for the next few days. He could have some streaming appeal to fantasy managers in category leagues.
Aug 30   
Jordan Walker  • RF  •  Cardinals

Jordan Walker To Play Every Day

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has been recalled from Triple-A on Friday. This move comes after outfielder Tommy Pham was designated for assignment. That being said, Walker is expected to play every day going forward, according to Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. The Cardinals have high expectations for Walker that he hasn't quite lived up to yet. Last season, Walker did solid as he hit .276 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 117 games. In 2024, Walker is hitting .145 with four RBI in 24 games. He'll cover right field and bat seventh versus right-hander Marcus Stroman on Friday. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues don't need to rush to the waiver wire. It might be better to wait and see if Walker can bounce back at the plate before snagging him.
Aug 30   
David Bednar  • RP  •  Pirates

David Bednar Removed From Closer Role

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.
Aug 30   
Deyvison De Los Santos  • 3B  •  Marlins

Deyvison De Los Santos Launches Home Run No. 36

Miami Marlins first base/third base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos went 2-for-6 with a double and his 36th home run of the 2024 campaign. De Los Santos was traded to the Marlins at the deadline in exchange for left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk. The infielder opened the campaign at the Double-A level and posted an excellent .372/.426/.696 line through a 38-game stint. Then, through 77 games at Triple-A (split between Reno and Jacksonville), he sits with a .278/.326/.562 line with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. De Los Santos has emerged as one of the best power hitters in the minor leagues and could be in contention for a late-season major league debut. Deeper league managers should continue to stash the 21-year-old as he could provide elite power down the stretch.
Aug 30   
Max Kepler  • RF  •  Twins

Max Kepler Held Out On Friday

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-year-old outfielder continues to deal with a lingering left knee issue. The hope is that Kepler can rest on Friday and be available to play this weekend. For now, fantasy managers should consider Kepler as day-to-day. Matt Wallner will play right field and bat cleanup against right-hander Kevin Gausman on Friday. Wallner has eight hits, two home runs, and three RBI over his last five games. He's worth a look as a streaming option until Kepler is back in the mix.
Aug 30   
Carson Williams  • SS  •  Rays

Carson Williams Goes Deep On Thursday Evening

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop prospect Carson Williams went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI on Thursday evening. This was his second round-tripper over the past three games. Since the start of the month, the top prospect has held a solid .253/.367/.434 line with two doubles, two triples, three home runs, 17 RBI, and four stolen bases. Overall, through his first extended look at Double-A ball, the former first-round pick has posted a .256/.354/.463 line with 18 doubles and 17 home runs. MLB.com ranks Williams as the No.2 best prospect in Tampa Bay, only behind Junior Caminero and the fifth-best in the entire sport. Dynasty managers should continue to stash Williams as he could make a case for his major league debut next summer.
Aug 30   
LEGEND
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