MLB News

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith Taking A Breather On Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the starting lineup for the Dodgers in their Saturday night tilt against the Colorado Rockies. Hunter Feduccia will be taking Smith's spot in his third start of the year, hitting ninth. Smith has gotten a few days off in September and, with the Dodgers having locked up a postseason spot while having a four game lead in the NL West, rest appears to be the priority for the 29-year-old. There is also a platoon advantage for the Dodgers here as Feduccia, a lefty, will face off against Rockies' right-hander Cal Quantrill. Smith has generally been a much better hitter against lefties in 2024. Fantasy managers that need help at the catcher position to finish the season may want to consider adding Feduccia, who is 3-8 with two walks in his short time in the majors. Otherwise expect Smith to be back in the lineup on Sunday against Rockies scheduled starter Antonio Senzatela.

0 hour ago

Sonny Gray • SP • Cardinals

Sonny Gray Placed On 15-Day IL, Season Officially Over

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray (forearm) was placed on the 15-day IL on Saturday with right forearm flexor tendinitis, officially ending his 2024 season. Gray stated that he received an MRI yesterday and that, "things are fine," however the decision to place him on the IL revolved more around the fact that the Cardinals' season is essentially over with them being eliminated from playoff contention. As part of the move, the Cardinals recalled RHP Kyle Leahy from Triple-A Memphis. Leahy has spent a bit of time at the major league level with the Cardinals this season, pitching in 47 innings and posting a 4.02 ERA. Fantasy managers in need of relief pitching help to finish the season may want to look his way. As for Gray, Cardinals fans and fantasy managers alike will have to wait for 2025 to see the 34-year-old pitch again.

1 hour ago

Joey Gallo • 1B • Nationals

Joey Gallo Smashes Three-Run Homer In Multi-Hit Performance

Washington Nationals first baseman and outfielder Joey Gallo smashed a three-run home run and went 2-3 with a walk in Washington's 5-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Gallo's homer was his ninth and he improved his OPS to .622 on the season. It was a positive game in a down season for the lefty, whose .622 OPS would be a career low outside of a 17-game season in 2016. Much of Gallo's 2024 has been marred with injuries, holding him back and limiting his playing time. Even with the missed playing time, this would be his third straight season with an xwOBA below .300, something fantasy managers simply aren't used to seeing. As an unrestricted free agent for the 2025 season, it may not be surprising to see Gallo sign with another team as the Nationals turn their heads to younger guys like Juan Yepez and Andres Chaparro at first base. A change of scenery may not be the worst thing for the 30-year-old as he works to get back to his old ways. He'll look to stay hot for the season's finish when the Nationals face their next righty on Wednesday against Alec Marsh and the Kansas City Royals.

1 hour ago

MacKenzie Gore • SP • Nationals

MacKenzie Gore Strikes Out Nine, Picks Up Tenth Win Of Season

Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore was solid on Saturday afternoon as he struck out nine Cubs in the Nationals' 5-1 win over Chicago. Gore went seven deep and allowed just one hit as he improved his record to 10-12 on the season. The young lefty now has five straight starts in a row allowing two earned runs or fewer. Gore has been a solid arm for the Nationals as Washington works to continue their rebuild in the NL East. His 160.1 innings pitched mark a career high for him. He's also posted a career best mark with a 3.62 FIP, suggesting that his 4.04 ERA could be even better going forward. Fantasy managers that need starting pitching help in the last week of the season may want to ensure Gore's in their lineups. Dynasty managers need to ensure Gore stays on their roster as the dynamic lefty will have plenty of value going forward. His final start of the 2024 season will come on Saturday when the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies.

1 hour ago

Ha-Seong Kim • SS • Padres

Ha-Seong Kim Still Feeling Discomfort While Throwing

San Diego Padres infielder (shoulder) has begun a throwing program but has continued to feel discomfort in his ailing shoulder, according to MLB.com. Kim has still been able to make "light" throws but has still faced a few setbacks when attempting to throw harder. It is still unknown if Kim could return to San Diego before the conclusion of the regular season. Kim hit the injured list in late August with shoulder inflammation. Before the injury, the 28-year-old carried a stellar 12.3% walk rate with a .233/.330/.307 line. He hit 1 1 round-trippers and swiped 22 bags. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Kim on their bench in case Kim can return during the final week of the regular season. However, the team may opt to keep Kim sidelined until the playoffs.

2 hours ago

Luis Castillo • SP • Mariners | Luis Castillo • RP

Luis Castillo Could Return Next Week

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo (hamstring) could return from the injured list as early as September 23. The team remains optimistic their 31-year-old ace could be activated after a minimum stay on the 15-day injured list. Castillo hit the IL with a hamstring strain on September 10. Manager Dan Wilson did not express much detail about his progression, but seeing that the team remains optimistic is a promising sign. Before the injury, Castillo held a 3.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 47:175 BB:K ratio across 175 1/3 innings of work this summer with an 11-12 record. If Castillo returns next week, fantasy managers should expect right-hander Emerson Hancock to drop out of the rotation.

3 hours ago

Max Scherzer • SP • Rangers |

Dane Dunning • SP • Rangers

Max Scherzer Scratched From Saturday's Lineup, Dane Dunning Starting

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (undisclosed) will not pitch Saturday evening, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The veteran was scheduled to get the starting nod against the Seattle Mariners this evening but will cede duties to Dane Dunning instead. Grant reports that the move seems to be injury-related, but there are no clear details yet. Fantasy managers should look on the waiver wire this weekend to find a replacement for Scherzer in case he is unable to pitch during the final week. The 40-year-old has dealt with numerous shoulder injuries this summer and has logged only 43 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.95 and a 1.15 WHIP. Dunning is worth a look as a streaming option and in DFS this evening, as the Mariners are holding a cumulative 25.8% K rate against right-handers this season.

3 hours ago

Rafael Devers • 3B • Red Sox

Rafael Devers Hits 10-Day IL, Done For The Season

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) was placed on the 10-Day Injured List with left-shoulder inflammation. This will sideline the start corner infielder for the remainder of the 2024 season. The Red Sox promoted infielder Mickey Gasper from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers should expect Nick Sogard and Romy Gonzalez to cover the hot corner during the final week of the season. The 27-year-old will finish the campaign with a strong .272/.354/.516 line, 28 home runs, 83 RBI, and three stolen bases. Under the hood, Devers posted a 52.6% hard-hit and 13.0% barrel rates, which are among the highest marks in the sport. Devers should be expected to be drafted as one of the top third basemen in drafts next spring.

3 hours ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor To Go Through Baseball Activities On Saturday, Targeting Tuesday Return

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) will go through a full series of baseball activities on Saturday and is targeting a potential return on Tuesday when the Mets travel to Atlanta. This is an excellent sign for the MVP candidate, who has been sidelined throughout the week due to back pain. As a result, prospect Luisangel Acuna has filled in at shortstop and has held his own by hitting two home runs with a .375 AVG this past week. Lindor has enjoyed a stellar summer as he sits with a strong .271/.342/.494 slash line, 31 home runs, and 27 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Mets starting nine on Tuesday, as Lindor could return in the first game of a three-game set with significant playoff implications.

3 hours ago

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Cubs

Isaac Paredes Scratched From Saturday's Lineup

Chicago Cubs third baseman Isaac Paredes (wrist) was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a left wrist contusion, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The 25-year-old was scheduled to return to the Cubs lineup after sitting out on Friday afternoon but will need at least another day to rest. As a result, Luis Vazquez will cover the hot corner and bat in the nine-hole. Since joining the Northside at the trade deadline, Paredes has held an underwhelming .212/.317/.301 line with just three home runs and five doubles across a 45-game stint. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Paredes' status before Sunday's game. If the former Tampa Bay Ray remains sidelined, Vazquez and Patrick Wisdom should see an uptick in opportunities. Vazquez will face Washington southpaw MacKenzie Gore this afternoon and should be faded in all DFS formats.

5 hours ago

Kenley Jansen • RP • Red Sox

Kenley Jansen Tosses Clean Inning In Return

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (shoulder) logged a clean frame on Friday evening in his return to the bump. The 36-year-old was battling a minor shoulder injury and has only pitched twice this week. However, seeing him return to his typical ninth-inning role on Friday is a promising sign that he is past this injury. Fantasy managers should expect the former Dodger to be called upon as a high-leverage option out of the Red Sox during the final week of the season. Through 53 2/3 innings this summer, the right-hander has held a 3.35 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 20:61 BB:K ratio. He has tallied 27 saves. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable relying on the veteran to see save opportunities during the final week of the 2024 season.

5 hours ago

CJ Abrams • SS • Nationals

CJ Abrams Demoted To Triple-A Due To Off-Field Actions

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was demoted to Triple-A Rochester earlier on Saturday due to off-field actions. Jim Bowden of CBS Sports reported that Abrams was seen at Bally Casino past 8 am before a 1 pm game, according to multiple eyewitnesses. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring this situation over the season's final week and during the offseason, as the team did not approve of his behavior. Since the start of September, the infielder has held a .271/.308/.458 line with two home runs and four stolen bases. Overall, in his second full season in the big leagues, the 23-year-old has emerged as both a power and speed threat as he hit 20 long balls and swiped 31 bags while holding a .246 AVG. The former first-round pick will likely be one of the first shortstops taken in drafts next season due to his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.

6 hours ago

Jacob Young • CF • Nationals

Jacob Young Still Out On Saturday

Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young (shoulder) remains sidelined on Saturday as the Nationals continue a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old was held out of the starting nine on Friday afternoon due to a shoulder injury. Fantasy managers should consider the young outfielder day-to-day for the time being. Young has showcased his speed throughout his sophomore campaign this summer, stealing 32 bags. As a result, top prospect Dylan Crews will shift over to center field on Saturday and bat in the leadoff spot. Crews has held a mere .225/.244/.250 line across his past ten games but has a great opportunity against Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks to get back on track as Hendricks carries a high 6.25 ERA.

6 hours ago

Luis García Jr. • 2B • Nationals

Luis Garcia Jr. Returns To Lineup On Saturday

Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (wrist) is back in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon as the Nationals continue a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs. The infielder has been sidelined for the past two games due to a wrist injury. He will return on Saturday but will serve as the designated hitter and bat in the three-hole. Fantasy managers should expect the 24-year-old to return to the infield very soon. Before the minor injury, Garcia was in the midst of a slump through September, holding a .175/.233/.300 line with just three extra-base hits. Throughout the summer, Garcia has posted a strong .280 AVG with 16 home runs and 21 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting him this afternoon as he will face Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks who carries a hefty 6.25 ERA.

6 hours ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Remains Out On Saturday

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) remains out of the starting nine on Saturday as the Mets continue a series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The start infielder has now been sidelined for six consecutive starts due to a back injury. The Mets will likely be cautious with their MVP candidate ahead of the playoffs. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Lindor's status as he could return to the lineup sometime next week. As a result, prospect Luisangel Acuna will get his fifth straight start at shortstop and bat in the nine-hole. The 22-year-old has been heating up at the plate, carrying a .375 AVG with two home runs and five RBI across his past four games. He is worth a look in DFS this afternoon as he will face Philadelphia southpaw Ranger Suarez, who has surrendered seven earned runs across his past two starts.

6 hours ago

Andrew McCutchen • DH • Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Taking A Day Off

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen will get a day of rest on Saturday at Great American Ball Park against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. With McCutchen on the bench to start, Oneil Cruz will serve as the DH and bat third, while Billy Cook draws into the lineup in center field and will hit in the nine-hole against Reds rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder. Believe it or not, but McCutchen has returned to the 20-homer mark this year for the first time since 2021 at 37 years old. The former MVP is hitting .238 (102-for-429) through 115 games, though, and doesn't provide much else for fantasy managers these days. Cruz is a must-start in fantasy and just reached the 20-20 mark for the first time in his career by homering on Friday night. Cook will be playing in only his 10th MLB game on Saturday. He's gone 5-for-27 with a homer, double, five RBI and 12 K's through nine games.

6 hours ago

Rowdy Tellez • 1B • Pirates |

Joey Bart • C • Pirates

Rowdy Tellez, Joey Bart Out On Saturday

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez, catcher Joey Bart and infielder Jared Triolo are all on the bench for the start of Saturday's contest against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Connor Joe is manning first base and batting seventh, Yasmani Grandal is doing the catching and hitting sixth, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa is at third and hitting leadoff against Reds rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder. It will be the fifth time in the last 10 games that Tellez has found himself on the bench, as he has only two hits in his last 25 at-bats over nine games. Kiner-Falefa draws the most DFS intrigue on Saturday against a rookie hurler. Since coming over from the Blue Jays in a deadline trade this summer, IKF has hit .249 (45-for-181) for Pittsburgh with a homer, nine doubles, two triples, 10 RBI and seven stolen bases.

6 hours ago

José Caballero • SS • Rays

Jose Caballero Retreats To Bench Versus Blue Jays

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jose Caballero and outfielder Jonny DeLuca are both out of the starting lineup on Saturday at Tropicana Field against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays. Taylor Walls will make the start at the 6 for Tampa and will hit ninth, while Jose Siri starts in center field and bats seventh against Blue Jays rookie right-hander Yariel Rodriguez. Caballero does lead the league with 44 stolen bases (and also 14 times caught stealing), but he has only nine home runs and 44 RBI on the year in 133 games in his first year in Tampa and has struggled at the plate of late. The 28-year-old Panama native has gone 11-for-49 (.225) in 18 games in September with no homers, two doubles, three RBI, seven steals and 17 strikeouts in 53 plate appearances. Walls and Siri have four combined at-bats against Rodriguez this year and have gone hitless.

7 hours ago

Coby Mayo • 3B • Orioles

Orioles Sending Coby Mayo Back To The Minors

The Baltimore Orioles will option rookie infielder Coby Mayo to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, according to a source, which likely means that veteran infielder Ramon Urias (ankle) is coming off the 10-day injured list. Jordan Westburg (hand), who is recovering from a fractured hand, is likely not far behind Urias. With both Urias and Westburg out of late, the O's had been using a combination of Mayo and Emmanuel Rivera at the hot corner. Mayo, the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, went 3-for-24 with 12 strikeouts in 10 games since being brought up from Norfolk at the beginning of September. The 22-year-old still has a bright future in the big leagues, but he clearly isn't ready for big-league pitching and could use some more seasoning on the farm. Expect the O's to use a combination of Urias and Westburg at third the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.

7 hours ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Receives Injection For His Back

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) received a facet shot for his lingering back issue on Thursday and showed signs of progressing on Friday. A facet shot is an injection of a mixture of anesthetic and steroids into the facet joints of the spine to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. "It was always trending in the right direction but it didn't feel like I could get back sooner rather than later. And with the injection, they said there was a possibility that that could happen," Lindor said. He played catch, ran and took batting practice on Friday and said he was "feeling good." However, Lindor couldn't put a percentage of improvement on the results yet, and it remains to be seen if he'll play this weekend against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Lindor missed his fifth straight game and continues to be replaced by infield prospect Luisangel Acuna, who has looked good since his call-up from the minors.

7 hours ago

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