MLB News

Brayan Bello  • SP  •  Red Sox

Brayan Bello Fires Eight Shutout Innings, Strikes Out Nine

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello fired eight shutout innings in Wednesday night's victory over the visiting division-rival Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, striking out nine hitters in the win. Bello was outstanding against Toronto on Wednesday, scattering two hits and one walk as he cruised to his 12th win of the season. In his last six starts, the 25-year-old right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 36 1/3 frames for the Red Sox.
Aug 29   
Lawrence Butler  • RF  •  Athletics

Lawrence Butler Homers, Swipes Bag In Win

Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler homered and swiped a bag in Wednesday night's win over the hosting Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Before legging out an RBI groundout in the seventh inning, Butler led off the game with a home run to right field to give the Athletics a 1-0 lead over the Reds on Wednesday. The 24-year-old right fielder has become a lineup fixture in Oakland as a leadoff man during his first full year in the major leagues this season, batting .307 (47-for-153) with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 31 runs scored in his last 41 games.
Aug 29   
Mason Miller  • RP  •  Athletics

Mason Miller Earns 23rd Save Against Reds

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller nabbed his 23rd save of the campaign in Wednesday night's win over the hosting Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, working around a hit and a walk in the victory. Miller struck out Reds outfielder Will Benson to seal the Athletics' 9-6 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday, fanning two during a scoreless ninth inning. The hard-throwing 24-year-old right-hander has solidified himself as a franchise cornerstone for the A's and one of the top closers in the game in 2024, accruing a 2.08 ERA and 0.85 WHIP while punching out 86, walking just 18, and converting 23 of his 25 save opportunities over 52 innings.
Aug 29   
Osvaldo Bido  • RP  •  Athletics

Osvaldo Bido Logs Quality Start Wednesday

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Osvaldo Bido logged a quality start in Wednesday night's win over the hosting Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park, striking out five in the victory. Bido tossed six innings of two-run ball in a tough spot at a hitter-friendly ballpark on Wednesday against the Reds, giving up just three hits for his fifth win of the year. The 28-year-old Dominican right-hander has been a serviceable asset for the A's and fantasy managers this season, posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 56 punchouts and 24 walks over 56 frames (eight starts).
Aug 29   
Drue Hackenberg  • SP  •  Braves

Drue Hackenberg Getting Promoted To Triple-A

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Drue Hackenberg is getting promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves' ninth-ranked prospect looked good at both High-A and Double-A this season, posting a 3.42 ERA over 21 starts with a 1.25 WHIP and 17.5% K-BB%. The command needs work with a 10.4% BB%, but the stuff isn't in question, even recording a game for Double-A in which the righty struck out 16 batters in seven innings pitched. The Braves have been aggressive in promoting their young arms over the last few years, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Hackenberg in Atlanta at some point next season. It's not certain he'll make it as a big league starter, rather a long-relief bullpen arm, but he'll need to be on the fantasy radar due to his strikeout potential.
Aug 29   
Bubba Chandler  • SP  •  Pirates

Bubba Chandler With Another Strong Outing At Triple-A

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Bubba Chandler continued his impressive run for Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, logging another five innings in which he allowed just one run (zero earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out five batters. The outing lowered his ERA at Triple-A to 1.17 over four starts (23 IP) to go along with a 0.91 WHIP and 6:28 BB:K. The former third-round pick has performed better as the competition has increased, posting a 4.75 ERA over 24 starts at High-A in 2023, then a 3.70 ERA in 16 starts at Double-A in 2024, then going on this impressive four-game stretch at the highest level of the minors. Chandler looks primed to make his big league debut next season, so even redraft managers will want to keep tabs on his performance over the final weeks of the season.
Aug 29   
Chase DeLauter  • OF  •  Guardians

Chase DeLauter Settling In At Triple-A

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter smacked his second home run in six Triple-A games on Wednesday for Columbus. He's now got a mini four-game hit streak at the highest level of the minors and has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games overall (20-for-56; .357). After missing almost three months of the season due to complications from his previous foot injury, the 22-year-old has been putting his hit and power tools on display since his return, potentially putting himself in position for a promotion to the big leagues when rosters expand in September. Either way, he's on track to be on the big league club next season, so managers in all leagues need to take notice.
Aug 29   
Samuel Basallo  • C  •  Orioles

Samuel Basallo Records First Triple-A Hit

A day after making his Triple-A debut, Baltimore Orioles catching/first base prospect Samuel Basallo collected his first hit for Norfolk. Even so, MLB's 11-ranked prospect has gotten off to a rough start in his short two-game tenure with the Tides, going 1-for-8 with five strikeouts. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old is the youngest player in Triple-A and remains another bright spot in the Orioles' future. Over 106 games at Double-A, the Dominican slashed .289/.355/.465 with 16 home runs and even chipped in nine stolen bases. Look for Basallo to potentially make his big league debut next season and he'll likely end up as a "must-stash" prospect for fantasy, although it will likely be as a first baseman and not catcher with Adley Rutschman holding things down behind the dish.
Aug 29   
Kumar Rocker  • SP  •  Rangers

Kumar Rocker Excels In Triple-A Debut

Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kumar Rocker shined in his debut at Triple-A Round Rock, tossing five scoreless innings in which he allowed just one hit and no walks while striking out a career-high 10 batters. After dominating Double-A competition to the tune of a 0.46 ERA (one earned run in five starts), 0.61 WHIP, and a 36.6% K-BB% in 19 2/3 innings pitched, the 24-year-old was promoted to Triple-A for a crack at some tougher opposition. Still, it was Rocker who came out on top again. The former first-rounder got a late start to the season recovering from Tommy John but is looking like the force to be reckoned with that he was expected to be before succumbing to injury. It might be a stretch to think he'll see the majors at this point in the season, but his arrow is certainly pointing way up for fantasy.
Aug 29   
Kirby Yates  • RP  •  Rangers

Kirby Yates Secures 24th Save Wednesday

Texas Rangers closer Kirby Yates secured his 24th save of the season in Wednesday afternoon's resumption of Tuesday night's suspended game against the hosting Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Yates induced a groundout from Brooks Baldwin for the final out of Wednesday's win over Chicago, earning the save with two strikeouts and working around a walk in a scoreless ninth inning as the Rangers won the game 3-1. The 37-year-old veteran right-hander hasn't looked back after taking over as Texas' closer in favor of Jose Leclerc during the first month of the campaign, registering a 1.25 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 73:23 K:BB while converting 24 of his 25 save opportunities in 2024. He's been one of fantasy's best additions off waiver wires this year.
Aug 29   
Julio Rodríguez  • CF  •  Mariners

Julio Rodriguez Ends Power Outage In Win

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez ended a longstanding power outage in Wednesday's win over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park, going deep for the first time since July 20 in the victory. Rodriguez took Rays left-hander Tyler Alexander deep for a two-run home run to put the Mariners up 5-1 in the fifth inning on Wednesday against Tampa Bay. The 23-year-old superstar center fielder has cooled off dramatically after a red-hot July, going 11-for-58 (.190) with five RBI, four runs scored, and zero stolen bases in the month of August. Fantasy managers are hoping he gets further removed from his ankle woes as we enter the stretch run in September.
Aug 29   
Randy Arozarena  • LF  •  Mariners

Randy Arozarena Goes Deep Against Rays

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena put together a strong revenge game in Wednesday afternoon's win over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park, putting up three hits and a home run in the victory. Arozarena sent a solo homer over the wall in center field to extend the Mariners' lead to 6-2 in the eighth inning on Wednesday against the Rays. The streaky 29-year-old left fielder has been more of the same since landing in Seattle, but overall, he's slashing an improved .242/.385/.394 with three big flies, 10 RBI, 20 runs scored, and four stolen bases through 99 at-bats (28 games) with the M's. His fantasy upside the rest of the way will remain capped, however, by a pitcher-friendly home ballpark and a poor Seattle lineup.
Aug 29   
Yordan Alvarez  • LF  •  Astros

Yordan Alvarez Has A Monster Day Wednesday

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez had a monster day at the dish in Wednesday afternoon's victory over the hosting Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Banks Park, collecting four hits and three homers in the win. Alvarez tormented the Phillies on Wednesday, first hitting an opposite field two-run home run in the fourth inning to cap off a five-run inning for the Astros. He then slugged his second home run of the game to extend the Astros' lead to 7-0 in the seventh frame. Finally, Alvarez dropped the hammer with his third homer of the game to center field, pushing the Astros' lead to 10-0 in the eighth. The 27-year-old slugging superstar is enjoying a prolific month of August, slashing .385/.489/.744 with eight long balls, four doubles, 15 runs scored, and 16 RBI through 78 at-bats.
Aug 29   
Spencer Arrighetti  • SP  •  Astros

Spencer Arrighetti Dominates Phillies In Seventh Win

Houston Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti made a statement in Wednesday afternoon's victory over the hosting Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Banks Park, throwing 7 2/3 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts. Arrighetti was stellar on the road on Wednesday against a vaunted Phillies lineup, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning and ultimately scattering two hits and four walks for his seventh win of the year. The 24-year-old rookie right-hander endured a tough start to his big-league career, logging a 2.77 ERA, 71 punchouts, 18 walks, and three wins over his last 55 1/3 frames (nine starts) for the Astros. He's closing in on must-start fantasy status going forward.
Aug 29   
Christian Bethancourt  • C  •  Cubs

Christian Bethancourt Piles Up Seven RBI In Win

Chicago Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt was instrumental in Wednesday's stunning win over the hosting division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, notching three hits, a homer, and seven RBI in the victory. After connecting with a two-run homer to left field in the seventh inning, Bethancourt hooked a two-run double to left field to trim the Cubs' deficit to 10-7 in the eighth frame. He then delivered a two-run single to left field to give the Cubs an 11-10 lead in the ninth. The 32-year-old veteran backstop has hit more homers (three) in 11 games with Chicago than he hit (two) in 38 outings with the Miami Marlins earlier this year, going 11-for-27 with 15 RBI and two stolen bases to boot. He's pushing for more at-bats in the Windy City.
Aug 29   
David Bednar  • RP  •  Pirates

David Bednar Allows Five Runs, Blows Sixth Save

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.
Aug 29   
Liam Hendriks  • RP  •  Red Sox

Liam Hendriks On Track To Return In September

Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks (elbow) remains on track to make his Red Sox debut in September, around 13 months removed from having Tommy John surgery. Hendriks has made three minor-league rehab appearances (one for Triple-A Worcester, two for Double-A Portland) since Aug. 18 and will continue his progression this week for Worcester on Wednesday and Friday. The 35-year-old Aussie allowed an unearned run and struck out two in two-thirds of an inning in his outing with Portland on Sunday, throwing 13 of his 19 pitches for strikes. Hendriks, who has 116 career saves in 13 big-league seasons with five different teams, should become an experienced late-inning setup option in front of closer Kenley Jansen to wrap up the final month of the regular season in September.
Aug 28   
Hunter Stratton  • RP  •  Pirates

Hunter Stratton Has Knee Surgery, Out 7-10 Months

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Hunter Stratton (knee) underwent surgery on Monday to fix a patellar tendon rupture in his left knee and is expected to be out for seven to 10 months. Stratton's 2024 season is over after he suffered the serious knee injury over the weekend. Depending on how his rehab goes this offseason, the 27-year-old's availability for the start of the 2025 campaign will be in question. The former 16th-round pick in 2017 out of Walters State Community College appeared in eight games out of the bullpen in his rookie season in 2023 before throwing 37 2/3 relief frames for the Pirates in 2024, sporting a 3.58 ERA (3.25 FIP), his first career save, a 1.17 WHIP and a 33:7 K:BB. Like this year, Stratton won't be on the fantasy radar at all.
Aug 28   
Ke'Bryan Hayes  • 3B  •  Pirates

Ke'Bryan Hayes Still Being Evaluated

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still in the process of "learning more" about third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes' back injury, and there is no timetable for his return right now. The Pirates have fallen even further out of playoff contention after a sweep at the hands of the division-rival Chicago Cubs this week, so it wouldn't be a surprise at all if we didn't see Hayes at all again in 2024. The 27-year-old is on the injured list for the second time in 2024 with back issues and may need a surgical procedure, depending on what the team finds in their evaluations. Playing at less than 100% has led Hayes to regress further offensively, hitting .233/.283/.290 with only four home runs, 25 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 365 at-bats. Jared Triolo is benefitting from a starting role at third base in Pittsburgh now that Hayes is on the shelf again. The priority for the Pirates at this point is just getting Hayes healthy for 2025.
Aug 28   
Rowdy Tellez  • 1B  •  Pirates

Rowdy Tellez Injured On Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez (undisclosed) was forced from Wednesday's loss to the division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park early due to an undisclosed injury in the eighth inning. Before departing the 14-10 loss, Tellez had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Tellez likely injured himself running to first base in the bottom of the seventh inning, but there is no word on the specific nature of his injury. The good news is Pittsburgh has an off day on Thursday, so if the 29-year-old's injury isn't serious, he could be back in action for Friday's series opener at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians. If Tellez misses extended time with whatever is ailing him, Connor Joe, who replaced Tellez at first base on Wednesday, would benefit from extra playing time at the position.
Aug 28   
LEGEND
✕