MLB News
Alex Verdugo Hits 14th Homer In Big Win
New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo launched a pinch-hit homer in a blowout victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Verdugo didn't start the game, but came in as a pinch-hitter for Jasson Dominguez late in the game and took advantage of the opportunity. The lefty has seen his playing time dwindle lately due to poor performance and the depth of the Yankees outfield. Verdugo will have a hard time cracking the lineup for the postseason and will likely be a bench option. The same can be said for the 2025 season, causing his fantasy value to tank.
3 hours ago
Gerrit Cole Brilliant Against O's
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole dominated the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, tossing 6 shutout frames in a 10-1 victory. Cole allowed just two hits and a walk while punching out five in this one. The 34-year-old veteran has looked like himself since the start of August, allowing three or fewer runs in nine of his 10 starts since then. His upward turn is a good sign for the Yankees heading into the postseason, and a good sign for fantasy managers that are hoping he can return to ace level in 2025.
3 hours ago
Tyler Alexander Shines Thursday
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Alexander was excellent on Thursday, holding the Detroit Tigers scoreless over five innings in a 4-3 loss. Alexander allowed four hits, didn't walk a batter, and struck out six. It was the best outing of the season for the 30-year-old, who owns a 5.10 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 2024. Aside from the ratios, Alexander also has the problem of not pitching deep into games, as the Rays usually pull him after four or five innings. He doesn't have much utility in fantasy.
3 hours ago
Seth Halvorsen Converts Save Chance
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Seth Halvorsen picked up his second save of the season on Thursday, shutting down the St. Louis Cardinals and preserving a 10-8 win. Halvorsen allowed a hit and struck out one in his inning of work. The 24-year-old has now gotten the Rockies' last three save opportunities, converting two of them. It appears the team wants to try the youngster out and see what they have headed into next year. Nothing is ever certain with the Rockies, especially with pitchers, but he is probably the favorite for saves heading into 2025. He could be a good late-round flier for those looking for cheap save sources.
3 hours ago
Jason Foley Knocks Down 27th Save
Detroit Tigers closer Jason Foley tossed a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. Foley didn't allow a baserunner and struck out a pair in his inning of work. The 28-year-old hasn't been dominant in the closer role, but he's been the best Detroit has and has gotten the job done most of the time, converting on 27 of his 31 save chances. With the Tigers playing better of late, Foley has actually become one of the best sources of saves in September, notching eight of them in the month. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers are happy with Foley as their closer come next year because if they are he should be a relatively sought-after fantasy asset.
3 hours ago
Chris Flexen Sharp In Win Thursday
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Flexen was on his game in Thursday's 7-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, tossing 6 frames of shutout ball and earning his third victory. Flexen limited the Angels to five hits and a walk while notching seven strikeouts. While the 30-year-old has been good in three of his last four starts, it doesn't do much to salvage a season where he went 3-15 with a 4.95 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. Hopefully next year Flexen won't be on the White Sox and can be a viable streamer in the right matchups, but he has a long way to go.
4 hours ago
Giancarlo Stanton Blasts Off, Drives In Four
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton had a big game on Thursday, hitting a three-run double and a solo homer en route to a 10-1 mashing of the Baltimore Orioles. Stanton finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI. The hulking slugger isn't the same hitter he used to be, but he is still productive and hits the ball as hard as ever. His 162-game pace is 39 homers and 104 RBI, so on a per-game level he is great for fantasy. Obviously he isn't going to stay healthy for a full year, but it's worth having him for when he is on the field.
4 hours ago
Aaron Judge Homers... Again
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge continued his scorching stretch at the plate on Thursday, homering in his fifth consecutive game on the way to a 10-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Judge finished the day 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored, and two RBI. After a "cold" stretch in late August and early September, Judge has returned to form with seven homers and 18 RBI in his last 12 games. He now has 58 dingers on the year and will look for his second 60-homer season over the final weekend.
4 hours ago
Brent Honeywell Heads To Injured List, Anthony Banda Returns
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brent Honeywell (fingernail) was placed on the 15-day IL on Thursday with a cracked right fingernail. It is another tough loss for a pitching staff that has gone through the wringer this year in terms of injuries. Honeywell has been a quality relief option that can pitch multiple innings and can be used in any situation, so it'll be tough for the Dodgers to replace come playoffs. The severity of the injury is unknown, but he will be out until at least part of the way through the Wild Card series due to his placement on the IL. Anthony Banda was activated off the IL and is taking Honeywell's spot, so the news isn't all bad for the Dodgers.
4 hours ago
Freddie Freeman Leaves Game Early, Seen In Walking Boot Post-Game
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman left Thursday's game against the San Diego Padres in the eighth inning after suffering an ankle injury. Freeman was running out a ground ball and tried to avoid a tag at first base, but stumbled awkwardly and appeared to twist his ankle. He was seen after the game in a walking boot and on crutches. While the severity of the injury is unknown, the Dodgers will almost certainly take a cautious approach after clinching the NL West with a win on Thursday. In daily lineup leagues, be prepared to find a fill-in for Freeman for the final weekend.
4 hours ago
Case Against Wander Franco Will Go To Trial
A judge in the Dominican Republic ruled on Thursday that the evidence presented against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco merits a trial, according to multiple reports. Franco is charged with human trafficking, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The charges stem from the 23-year-old's relationship with a then-14-year-old girl that started in December of 2022, when Franco was 21. If he is convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. No date for the trial has been set for Franco, who obviously has been on the restricted list all year and hasn't played since August of 2023. Judge Pascual Valenzuela "repeatedly pointed out to him that the decision is not an opinion of guilt," but that the evidence is considered worthy of the case moving to the trial stage. The Rays still owe Franco $172 million from the 11-year, $182 million deal he signed after his debut season in 2021.
7 hours ago
Sean Manaea Starting On Friday
New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea is listed as Friday's starter as the Mets open a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. The southpaw was initially scheduled to start on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves, but that game was postponed due to inclement weather. The 32-year-old has posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP across 178 innings in Queens this summer. Since the start of the month, the southpaw has held a stellar 2.36 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, and a 9:34 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should view Manaea as a solid option in DFS formats, as the Brewers hold an underwhelming .708 OPS against left-handed pitchers this summer.
7 hours ago
Zach Neto Will Not Play Friday, Could Return Over The Weekend
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) will not play on Friday but could return Saturday or Sunday, according to Jeff Fletcher of the SoCal News Group. The 23-year-old was lifted from Thursday's game due to right shoulder irritation. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Los Angeles starting nine over the weekend, as Neto could rejoin the starting nine over the weekend. The former first-round pick has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign as he has hit 23 home runs, swiped 30 bags, and held a .249/.318/.443 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect 31-year-old Jack Lopez to potentially start at shortstop while Neto remains sidelined as he shifted to cover shortstop on Thursday afternoon.
8 hours ago
Ryne Nelson Returns From Injured List
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (shoulder) was activated off the 15-day IL, according to Alex Weiner of KTAR News. Nelson was placed on the IL on September 14 and will return to action quite quickly. However, seeing that Nelson only logged bullpen sessions while he was sidelined suggests he may be deployed in a long relief role down the stretch. Through 147 2/3 innings this summer, the 26-year-old posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 34:125 BB:K ratio. Under the hood, the Oregon State product held a below-average 41.2% hard-hit rate but showed excellent command with a 5.5% BB rate. Fantasy managers should not consider putting Nelson in their lineup over the final series, as he will likely serve as a long relief option.
8 hours ago
Brusdar Graterol Hits 15-Day Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with right shoulder inflammation. Graterol will only be eligible to return if the Dodgers make it deep into the postseason. The 26-year-old missed most of the season due to a previous shoulder injury and made his 2024 debut on August 6. However, shortly after, he hit the IL again due to a hamstring injury. Since returning from that injury on September 10, he tossed seven clean frames with a near-perfect 0.43 WHIP. Through this small stint, Graterol typically pitched in high-leverage situations in the seventh and ninth innings. This is a tough blow to the Dodger bullpen as they approach the preseason with a starting rotation filled with injuries. Fantasy managers should expect Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Michael Kopech, and Daniel Hudson to serve as the late-inning options for the Dodgers during October.
8 hours ago
Jose Miranda Scratched From Thursday's Lineup
Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda (back) was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to lower back tightness, according to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com. He was replaced by Austin Martin. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Minnesota starting nine in their final series against the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend, as Miranda may remain sidelined. After posting a disappointing .211 AVG last season, the 26-year-old enjoyed an excellent bounce-back campaign this summer as he sits with a solid .284/.322/.441 slash line. Miranda was one of the best hitters in the sport during June and July, as he boasted a stellar .367/.415/.578 line. If Miranda remains out, fantasy managers should expect Brooks Lee to see an increase in opportunities at the hot corner.
8 hours ago
Clayton Kershaw Faces Setback, Remains Without Definitive Timetable
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (toe) will not be available for at least "a couple of weeks," according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Kershaw logged a successful bullpen session last week and looked poised to return for the playoffs but now faces a setback. Kershaw was already ruled out for the remainder of the regular season but could be in danger of missing the entire postseason depending on how far the Dodgers go. The southpaw was diagnosed with a bone spur in his toe on August 31 and was placed on the 15-day IL. The three-time Cy Young winner underwent offseason shoulder surgery, which delayed his 2024 debut until July 25. Through his 30 innings of work this summer, Kershaw posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. Fantasy managers participating in postseason competitions should not consider selecting Kershaw as he faces an uphill battle to return to the mound.
8 hours ago
Austin Barnes Activated Off Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes (toe) was activated off the 10-day injured list on Thursday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned backstop Hunter Feduccia to Triple-A Oklahoma. Feduccia made only two starts over the past two weeks and went 2-for-10. Barnes was sidelined since September 15 with a toe fracture. Before the injury, the veteran catcher held a .261/.327/.306 line with three doubles, one home run, and 11 RBI. Fantasy managers should expect Barnes to remain as the backup catcher over the final weekend of the regular season and during the postseason, while Will Smith sees the vast majority of starts behind the plate.
8 hours ago
Griffin Conine Out Against Twins
Miami Marlins rookie outfielder Griffin Conine is on the bench to start Thursday's contest against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Marlins are playing youngsters down the stretch in a lost season, but Conine has seen sporadic playing time in the outfield. The 27-year-old has had 67 at-bats over his first 26 big-league games and has gone 16-for-67 (.239) with two home runs, three doubles, a triple, six RBI, six walks and 24 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. Derek Hill is starting in center field and batting seventh, and Jesus Sanchez is in right field and batting cleanup for the Fish against Twins right-hander David Festa. In his last five games, Conine has begun to heat up, going 4-for-13 with a homer, double, two RBI, a walk and a run scored.
12 hours ago
Ryan Mountcastle Not Playing On Thursday
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is not in the team's starting lineup for Thursday's series finale at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees. With Mountcastle starting on the bench, the left-handed-hitting Ryan O'Hearn will play first base and bat sixth against Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole. Mountcastle just returned from the injured list on Tuesday due to a wrist injury and has gone 2-for-7 with an RBI and two strikeouts in his first two games back. The Orioles are easing him in ahead of the postseason and will give him a day off against one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. O'Hearn won't be too popular in DFS against Cole. In his 17 career at-bats against him, O'Hearn has hit .118 with a .471 OPS, one home run and two RBI. O'Hearn has been hot of late, going 8-for-21 (.381) with three doubles and two RBI since Sept. 17.
12 hours ago
