MLB News

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Rhett Lowder Tosses Five Shutout Innings In Win

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder continued the impressive start to his young career, tossing five innings of shutout ball in Saturday's 7-1 victory over the Pirates. The 22-year-old allowed five hits and two walks while striking out four on the way to earning his second win of the season. In three of five starts the righty hasn't allowed even a single run, posting a 1.40 ERA to this point. His command was off in the first two starts, walking eight batters, but he's cleaned that up since then, walking just three over the last three starts. Lowder's next start lines up with the Cubs on the road next weekend.

2 hours ago

Yordan Alvarez • LF • Astros

Yordan Alvarez Belts Home Run No. 35 On Saturday

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez broke out of his slump Saturday, going 4-for-5 with a solo home run, his 35th of the season. He also scored twice. The 3x All-Star came into the game hitting .118 (4-for-34) over his previous nine contests. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is having another productive season overall, amassing a .305-35-86-88-6 line with a .399 wOBA and 166 wRC+. He'll look to keep it going on Sunday versus the Angels' Griffin Canning (5.16 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) who he is 5-for-11 off of lifetime, including a pair of homers.

3 hours ago

Kyle Tucker • RF • Astros

Kyle Tucker Homers In Four-Hit Performance

Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker reached base in all five plate appearances in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Angels. The lefty slugger went 4-for-4, homering for the second straight game and reaching via a double, two singles, and a walk. The 27-year-old scored once and collected two RBI as well. The 3x All-Star missed three months after fouling a ball off his shin, but since coming off the IL it doesn't appear that he's missed a beat, going 17-for-42 (.405) with three home runs, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base. The former first-round draft pick looked like an MVP contender before succumbing to injury. When Tucker's out there he's one of the best multi-category producers for fantasy, now with a .289-22-47-53-11 line on the season through 73 games played, which would be closer to .289-42-89-100-21 if he were to get around 600 plate appearances.

3 hours ago

Logan O'Hoppe • C • Angels

Logan O'Hoppe Homers In Big Day At The Plate

Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate in Saturday's 10-4 loss to the Astros. The 24-year-old whacked a pair of doubles and hit his 20th home run of the season, collecting an RBI and scoring twice in the process. The young backstop was due for a big day, having come into the contest 7-for-71 (.099) over his last 22 games. Prior to the All-Star break, it looked like O'Hoppe was in full breakout mode, slashing .276/.328/.472 in 83 games, but since then he's slashed .176/.243/.300 in 48 games. Still, his .239-20-56-60-2 line puts him in the Top 12 at the catcher position for fantasy.

3 hours ago

Ketel Marte • 2B • Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte Hits 34th Home Run, Reaches Base Five Times

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte was busy on the basepaths Saturday, reaching base five times in five plate appearances in a 5-0 win over the Brewers. The 30-year-old reached via a single, homered for the second consecutive game, and drew three walks in the contest while collecting two RBI, scoring twice, and stealing a base. Marte is enjoying a productive campaign, putting together a .296-34-92-88-7 line with a .392 wOBA and 152 wRC+. All of that makes him the top-scoring second baseman in fantasy.

4 hours ago

Julio Rodríguez • CF • Mariners

Julio Rodriguez Stays Hot, Homers Again

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez continued to hit the ball well on Saturday, going 4-for-6 with a home run, four RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base in an 8-4 win over the Rangers. It was the second consecutive game with a home run after a two-homer game on Friday, giving him 19 on the season. Over the last eight games, the 23-year-old has gone 18-for-38 (.474) with two doubles, five home runs, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base. It seems he's making up for the power drought he exhibited for much of the season and the former A.L. Rookie of the Year is now just one home run away from a 20/20 season. The 2x All-Star also has his slashline up to a respectable .273/.327/.409 and his newfound production is coming at the most critical time of the fantasy season.

4 hours ago

Ronel Blanco • SP • Astros

Ronel Blanco Wins 12th Game Saturday In Victory Over Los Angeles Angels

Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco won his 12th game of the season Saturday over the Los Angeles Angels 10-4. Blanco went six strong innings, surrendering two runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts. The veteran is 12-6 with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 163 strikeouts in 162 innings. Blanco has three wins in his last seven starts, with a 2.36 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 34 innings. He will look to continue his strong season with a start against the Cleveland Guardians this coming week.

13 hours ago

Matt Chapman • 3B • Giants |

LaMonte Wade Jr. • 1B • Giants

LaMonte Wade Jr. And Matt Chapman Each Homer Twice Saturday

First baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and third baseman Matt Chapman each homered twice in the San Francisco Giants' 9-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The homers were the seventh and eighth for Wade Jr. and the 25th and 26th for Chapman. Both players knocked in two runs each. On the season, Wade Jr. is hitting .267 with eight home runs, 33 RBI, two stolen bases, and 44 runs scored. Chapman, who just signed a long-term extension to stay with the team, is hitting .249 with 26 home runs, 75 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 95 runs scored. Wade Jr. and Chapman should be key components for the Giants next season.

14 hours ago

Sean Manaea • SP • Mets

Sean Manaea Wins 12th Game For Mets Saturday

Lefthander Sean Manaea continued his excellent season Saturday with a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Manaea went seven innings, surrendering three earned runs on three hits while nabbing six strikeouts. On the season, the veteran is 12-5 with a 3.29 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 183 strikeouts in 178 innings. Manaea is a huge reason why the Mets are fighting for a playoff spot as the season winds down to its last week. He should get one more start this season against the Milwaukee Brewers this coming week.

14 hours ago

Kyle Schwarber • DH • Phillies

Kyle Schwarber Homers For 36th Time In Loss To New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber hit his 36th home run Saturday in a 6-3 loss to the New York Mets. It was his first homer in his last seven games, and his fourth in his last 15 games. On the season, the veteran is hitting .251 with 36 home runs, 99 RBI, five stolen bases and 106 runs scored. The leadoff hitter will look to continue his terrific season in the series finale tomorrow afternoon. Schwarber will look to have a hot final week leading into the playoffs, where the Phillies hope to have a long run into October.

14 hours ago

Luisangel Acuña • SS • Mets

Luisangel Acuna Hits Third Homer Of Season, Stays Hot With Multi-Hit Game

New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna hit his third homer of the season as part of a two-hit game in the Mets' 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon. Acuna's solo shot came in the second inning off of Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez. The 22-year-old has filled in phenomenally for the Mets as Francisco Lindor recovers from back issues and now is hitting for a 1.292 OPS in 26 AB. The small sample size needs to be considered, but it's given Acuna a chance to potentially be a part of the October roster should the Mets hold onto their wild card lead (currently 2.0 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves). Fantasy managers needing help at shortstop to finish the season should ensure Acuna is on their rosters and DFS managers may want to check for him when needing a cheap option at shortstop. Acuna will have a tough assignment on Sunday against Phillies scheduled starter Zack Wheeler. His at-bats Tuesday-Thursday will be met with much intrigue, though, as his Mets face off in a critically important season against his brother Ronald Acuna Jr.'s Atlanta Braves.

17 hours ago

Elly De La Cruz • SS • Reds

Elly De La Cruz Has Monster Day At Plate, Smashes 25th Homer Of Season

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz had a monster day at the plate on Saturday, racking up three hits and four RBI in the Reds' 7-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. De La Cruz smashed a three run shot off Jared Jones in the fourth inning, his 25th HR of the season. His final statline was 3-5 with four RBI and two runs recorded. The 22-year-old's sophomore season continues to be a stellar one. Though he won't win the NL MVP, he's very likely to receive MVP votes and finish in the top three along with likely winner Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor. Fantasy managers have to be thrilled with De La Cruz's 2024 season and should look for more continued success in 2025 from the young superstar. He'll look to continue adding onto his impressive numbers on Sunday when he faces off against the Pirates' stellar rookie Paul Skenes.

17 hours ago

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.

17 hours 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.

17 hours 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.

18 hours 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.

18 hours 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.

19 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.

20 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.

20 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.

20 hours ago

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