MLB News

Ben Gamel • RF • Astros

Ben Gamel Heading To Injured List

The Houston Astros will place outfielder Ben Gamel (knee) on the 10-day injured list due to a left-knee contusion. Gamel injured his left knee on Saturday and didn't play on either Sunday or Monday, and now he'll be out for even more time. In his short time with Houston this year, Gamel has been a bench bat against right-handed pitching and was helping to fill in before outfielder Kyle Tucker returned from a lengthy stint on the IL due to a fractured shin. In his 20 games with the Astros, Gamel has gone 15-for-58 (.259) with a homer, three doubles and four RBI in 69 plate appearances. The 32-year-old will be hoping to return just before the end of the 2024 regular season. In his absence, fellow left-handed-hitting outfielder Jason Heyward will see a bit more playing time against right-handed pitching, mainly in left field.

8 hours ago

Kyle Manzardo • 1B • Guardians

Kyle Manzardo Hits Go-Ahead Homer Monday

Cleveland Guardians first baseman/designated hitter Kyle Manzardo continued to produce offensively in Monday's 4-3 win over the Twins. Manzardo went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk. The 24-year-old rookie ambushed an eighth-inning Griffin Jax fastball, launching it into the right-field seats to put the Guardians ahead for good. Manzardo has looked solid since re-joining the team in September, slashing .278/.333/.583 with three HR in 36 at-bats. His playing time still hasn't been quite consistent enough, but he has provided plenty of fantasy value lately when he has been in the lineup.

8 hours ago

Ezequiel Tovar • SS • Rockies

Ezequiel Tovar Hits 24th Homer Of Season Monday

Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar played his part offensively in Monday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks. Tovar went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two strikeouts. The 23-year-old took a fourth-inning Merrill Kelly offering to the opposite field, landing it in the right-center bullpen for his 24th HR of the season. Tovar's season numbers look good overall, but he has struggled in the second half of the season. He is now slashing .244/.270/.465 in 213 second-half at-bats with 10 HR, 26 RBI, and two stolen bases. This batting average is bolstered by a solid July, as he hit just .200 in August and is hitting .182 in September.

8 hours ago

Bryan Ramos • 3B • White Sox |

Miguel Vargas • LF • White Sox

White Sox Prioritizing Playing Time For Bryan Ramos, Miguel Vargas

Chicago White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore said he doesn't have a set plan for third baseman Yoan Moncada, who returned from a lengthy stint on the injured list on Monday. Sizemore said the team is going to prioritize seeing infielders Bryan Ramos and Miguel Vargas at the tail end of the 2024 season. Moncada has been out since straining his groin in early April, so it makes sense for the White Sox to ease him back in while giving more run to Ramos and Vargas late in the year. In Monday's game in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels, Vargas got the start at the hot corner, with Ramos serving as the designated hitter. Ramos, 22, has hit just over the Mendoza Line with two homers, five RBI and 14 K's in his first 22 big-league games in 2024. Vargas, 24, has had a rough year at the plate this year and is hitting just .112 (11-for-98) with a homer and five RBI in 31 games since being acquired from the Dodgers.

8 hours ago

Paul Skenes • SP • Pirates

Paul Skenes Takes Tough Loss Monday

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes pitched well but took the loss in Monday's 4-0 game against the Cardinals. Skenes pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Pirates could not provide any offensive support and were shut down by Andre Pallante. Regardless of the loss, the 22-year-old rookie has been outstanding this season. He is now 10-3 with a 2.07 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and an 11.29 K/9 rate in 21 starts and 126 IP. His next matchup will be on the road at the Reds. While the ballpark is not favorable, Skenes has proven to be a top fantasy pitcher in any matchup.

8 hours ago

Bobby Witt Jr. • SS • Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. Hits Grand Slam, Steals Base Monday

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had another huge offensive game in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Tigers. Witt Jr. went 2-for-4 with a single, a grand slam, five RBI, and a stolen base. The 24-year-old jumped on a third-inning Reese Olson hanging curveball, sending it into the left-field seats for his 32nd long ball of the season. Witt Jr. has provided everything from a fantasy perspective this season, slashing .332/.384/.600 with 122 runs scored, 108 RBI, and 29 stolen bases in 666 plate appearances. His power, speed, and batting average were never in question, but Witt Jr.'s additional counting stats have benefited all season long from the Royals' overall offensive performance.

8 hours ago

Luis Arraez • 1B • Padres

Luis Arraez Removed Early On Monday

San Diego Padres first baseman/designated hitter Luis Arraez (undisclosed) looked to be shaken up after being thrown out at the plate while trying to score on Jurickson Profar's single on Monday night at Petco Park against the Houston Astros and appeared to be favoring his right leg. Arraez batted for himself in the seventh inning, doubled and hobbled to second base. With something clearly still bothering him, Tyler Wade was sent in to pinch run for Arraez. The 27-year-old appeared to be dealing with some sort of lower-body injury, possibly his knee, but he should be considered day-to-day for now until we know more specifics about his ailment. Before leaving, he went 2-for-4 with a strikeout to extend his hitting streak to 14 games while also striking out in the third inning to snap a stretch of 141 plate appearances without a strikeout. The Venezuelan remains an elite contact and average guy (.322) for the Friars.

8 hours ago

Starling Marte • RF • Mets

Starling Marte Hits Walk-Off Single Monday

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte played the hero in Monday's 2-1 extra-innings win over the Nationals. Marte entered the game in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter and hit into a ground-out. His next at-bat came in the bottom of the 10th inning and resulted in a walk-off single. The 35-year-old veteran has cooled off in the second half but has still provided serviceable numbers this season when healthy, slashing .272/.321/.400 with seven home runs, 40 runs scored, 38 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 332 plate appearances. He should continue to offer a decent floor in the bottom of the Mets lineup as they push for a playoff spot.

8 hours ago

Andre Pallante • SP • Cardinals

Andre Pallante Throws Seven-Inning Gem Monday

St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher Andre Pallante turned in an excellent start in Monday's 4-0 win over the Pirates. Pallante pitched seven innings, allowing just four hits and a walk with nine strikeouts. The 25-year-old's strikeout total was the highest of all his outings this season. Pallante has done a solid job for the Cardinals pitching both in the rotation and out of the bullpen and is now 7-8 with a 3.87 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, and a 7.08 K/9 rate in 27 games (18 starts). He will face a tough matchup against the Guardians in his next start. While he has been useful at times for fantasy managers this season, he should be avoided in his next game so late in the fantasy season.

8 hours ago

Shota Imanaga • SP • Cubs

Shota Imanaga Fans 11 In 14th Win Monday

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga continued his excellent rookie season in Monday's 9-2 win over the Athletics. Imanaga pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits (including a two-run home run) and three walks with 11 strikeouts. The 31-year-old has seamlessly adapted to Major League Baseball and is now 14-3 with a 3.03 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and a 9.20 K/9 rate in 28 starts and 166 1/3 IP. His only slight blemish has been his 1.46 HR/9 rate, which was a known part of his game from his time in Japan. His next start will be a favorable one against the Nationals.

9 hours ago

Ryan Weathers • SP • Marlins

Ryan Weathers Listed As Wednesday's Probable Starter

The Miami Marlins are listing left-hander Ryan Weathers (finger) as their probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at LoanDepot Park. Weathers is coming off five scoreless innings in a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Jacksonville. Wednesday's start will be his first game action in the big leagues since June 7, so he'll be a shaky fantasy streamer with a likely short leash in terms of his pitch count. The matchup against the first-place Dodgers is another reason to fade Weathers in his return to Miami. Before his finger injury, the former seventh overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 2018 had a solid 3.55 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP, 67 strikeouts and 20 walks in his first full year with the Fish. He had a quality start in his lone start against LA on May 8, when he allowed three earned runs with one walk and three K's in six innings pitched.

10 hours ago

James McArthur • RP • Royals

James McArthur Leaves Early With Hand Injury

Kansas City Royals right-hander James McArthur (hand) left Monday's contest early with a trainer against the visiting Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium after his right hand was hit while covering first base on a Zach McKinstry single. McArthur stayed in the game for one more batter before he was replaced by Angel Zerpa in the seventh inning. The 27-year-old threw two-thirds of an inning, walking one and striking out one without allowing a run. McArthur began the year as the Royals' closer and has a career-high 18 saves in his second year in the league, but he's ended up in a middle-relief role and has a bloated 4.98 ERA (4.17 FIP) and 1.45 WHIP in his 56 relief innings in 2024. It's unclear how severe McArthur's hand injury is, but it didn't look that bad. For now, he'll be considered day-to-day until we know more. UPDATE: McArthur was diagnosed with right-elbow tightness.

10 hours ago

Jorge López • RP • Cubs

Jorge Lopez Expected To Be Activated In A Couple Days

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Jorge Lopez (groin) has rejoined the team and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list within the next couple of days, according to manager Craig Counsell. Lopez is eligible to come off the IL on Wednesday. The 31-year-old veteran hurler is recovered from a strained right groin and will rejoin Chicago's bullpen this week. There isn't much time left in the 2024 regular season, but the Puerto Rican pitcher could be in the mix for saves for the Cubbies down the stretch. Lopez has posted a solid 3.00 ERA (4.09 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, four saves, 47 strikeouts and 19 walks in 51 combined innings this year with the Cubs and New York Mets. He's been even better with Chicago, posting a 2.19 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and two saves in 24 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers still fighting for a title and in need of saves might want to look to Lopez if he's available.

11 hours ago

Trevor Williams • SP • Nationals

Trevor Williams Expected To Return This Weekend

MASN's Mark Zuckerman writes that it's looking good for Washington Nationals right-hander Trevor Williams (elbow) to come off the injured list to rejoin the team this weekend in Chicago at Wrigley Field for their series against the Chicago Cubs. After getting up to 73 pitches in his most recent minor-league rehab start with Double-A Harrisburg on Sunday, the 32-year-old appears primed to rejoin Washington's starting rotation this weekend in Chicago. Because of the fact that he has been out of action since late May with a right-flexor strain in his elbow, Williams will be a risky fantasy streamer for anyone still playing for a championship. However, Williams was having an excellent start to the year before going down, posting a perfect 5-0 record, a 2.22 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 47:16 K:BB in his 11 starts covering 56 2/3 innings.

11 hours ago

Randal Grichuk • RF • Diamondbacks

Randal Grichuk Day-To-Day With Hamstring Injury

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randal Grichuk (hamstring) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Milwaukee Brewers with right-hamstring discomfort and is day-to-day, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Despite not starting on Sunday, Grichuk entered as a pinch-hitter and doubled but did not play defense. Lovullo expected Grichuk to be available off the bench for Monday's series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The 33-year-old should be able to avoid a stint on the injured list and very well could be back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest against his former team. Now that Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is back from his stint on the injured list, Grichuk isn't going to see as much playing time, but he still has a valuable role for the D-backs as a right-handed hitter with his .288/.344/.508 slash line with 10 homers and 41 RBI in his 236 at-bats in 2024.

11 hours ago

George Valera • RF • Guardians

George Valera To Have Knee Surgery, To Miss 6-9 Months

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect George Valera (knee) was diagnosed with a patellar tendon rupture in his right knee. Valera will have surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be out for six to nine months. It's a tough break for the team's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old spent the entire year at Triple-A Columbus, slashing .248/.337/.452 with a .789 OPS, 17 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and 51 runs scored in 90 games. He was placed on the seven-day injured list at Columbus last Friday due to the serious injury. Even if Valera avoids any setbacks during his rehab this winter, there's a good chance he won't be ready to go for the start of spring training next February. Valera missed time in 2023 as well with wrist and hamstring injuries while also serving a short suspension. The left-handed-hitting outfielder offers 30-homer upside at the next level.

11 hours ago

Robbie Ray • SP • Giants

Robbie Ray Hopes To Make At Least One More Start

San Francisco Giants left-hander Robbie Ray (hamstring) had his live batting practice session on Sept. 11 cut short after 42 pitches due to fatigue, but he's been playing catch and threw another bullpen session on Saturday. Ray said he still hopes to make at least one start for the Giants before the end of the regular season. The 32-year-old southpaw suffered a left-hamstring strain while facing the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 25 and was placed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 27. Ray also missed the entire first half of the season while recovery from Tommy John surgery. He has fanned 43 in his 30 2/3 innings of work over his seven starts this year with the Giants, but he's also allowed 16 earned runs on 20 hits (six home runs surrendered). If Ray does make it back to San Fran's rotation to make one more start in 2024, he'll likely be a poor streaming option with a likely short leash.

11 hours ago

Randy Rodríguez • RP • Giants

Randy Rodriguez Throwing Bullpen Sessions

San Francisco Giants rookie right-hander Randy Rodriguez (elbow) had a 3.93 ERA over 33 major-league appearances this year before landing on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 15. Rodriguez was diagnosed with a flexor strain and was shut down for two weeks before resuming a throwing program on Sept. 3. He threw a 30-pitch bullpen session at Oracle Park on Sept. 12 and threw another bullpen on Sunday. As long as the 25-year-old doesn't suffer a setback as he builds himself back up, he has a shot to return to the Giants' big-league bullpen before the end of the 2024 season at the end of September. Rodriguez has appeared in 33 games (one start) in his first year in the big leagues and has gone 3-2 with a 3.93 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and a 52:16 K:BB in his 50 1/3 innings pitched.

11 hours ago

Adrian Del Castillo • C • Diamondbacks

Adrian Del Castillo Optioned By D-Backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned rookie catcher Adrian Del Castillo to Triple-A Reno after Sunday's contest and recalled right-hander Scott McGough from Reno in a corresponding move on Monday. Del Castillo will head back to the farm for now after regular catcher Gabriel Moreno (groin) returned from the 10-day injured list on Sunday. Moving forward with several weeks left in the 2024 regular season, Jose Herrera will serve as the backup to Moreno. The 24-year-old Del Castillo is the team's No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and showed plenty of promise in his first 25 big-league games when Moreno was injured. In 87 plate appearances, he hit .313/.368/.525 with an .893 OPS, four home runs and 19 RBI. Del Castillo has plenty of pop from the left side of the plate and has been barreling the ball up all year. He should get much more run in Arizona in 2025.

11 hours ago

Caden Dana • SP • Angels

Caden Dana Sent To Double-A

The Los Angeles Angels optioned right-handed pitching prospect Caden Dana to Double-A Rocket City on Monday and recalled left-hander Kenny Rosenberg from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move. With the Angels well out of playoff contention again in 2024, they decided to give several of their young arms some run in the big-league starting rotation late this year. Dana, the club's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has looked overmatched by big-league hitters in his first three starts, allowing 12 earned runs on 14 hits (five home runs) while walking seven and striking out eight in 10 1/3 innings. As a result, the Halos will send the 20-year-old back down to the farm to work on some things before potentially becoming a permanent part of the rotation in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder is polished for his age and has drawn comparisons to Noah Syndergaard for his size on the mound.

11 hours ago

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