MLB News
Simeon Woods Richardson Sent Down
The Minnesota Twins optioned right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson to Triple-A St. Paul and recalled catcher Jair Camargo from St. Paul on Thursday. With Woods Richardson not set to pitch again during the regular season in 2024, the Twins elected to send him down to give them extra catching depth to close out the weekend series versus the Baltimore Orioles. The 24-year-old went out on a sour note in his first year in the big leagues by allowing three earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out two in just one inning in his final start on Wednesday against the Marlins. In his third year with the Twins in 2024, Woods Richardson ended up going 5-5 with a 4.17 ERA (4.12 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP and a 117:48 K:BB in 133 2/3 innings over 28 starts in his first full season in the big leagues. He came into 2024 with only 9 2/3 innings pitched in the big leagues.
2 hours ago
Freddie Freeman Won't Play This Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that the team isn't overly concerned about first baseman Freddie Freeman's (ankle) injury that he suffered in the win over the division-rival San Diego Padres on Thursday night that clinched the National League West title. However, Freeman won't play in the final regular-season series in Colorado against the Rockies this weekend, but Friedman said he likely could have if the Dodgers hadn't already clinched the division. Freeman was on crutches and wearing a walking boot in the Dodgers' clubhouse on Thursday night during their celebration. The 35-year-old injured his ankle while trying to apply a tag at first base on a pickoff attempt. With the Dodgers having a first-round bye in the postseason, Freeman should be ready to roll when the Division Series starts.
3 hours ago
Noelvi Marte Retreats To The Bench On Friday
Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte will start on the bench for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Santiago Espinal will start at the hot corner and will bat eighth against Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon. In 13 career at-bats against Taillon, Espinal has hit .231 with a .462 OPS. Marte has been a regular for the Reds at either third base or designated hitter down the stretch and has hit .240 (12-for-50) with two doubles, four RBI, four walks, 18 strikeouts and three stolen bases in 15 games in the month of September. Overall, 2024 has been a disappointment for the 22-year-old Dominican after opening the year serving a suspension. He's managed to hit just .212/.251/.306 with four long balls, 18 RBI and nine stolen bases in 222 at-bats. Espinal will be a low-upside DFS sleeper at the bottom of Cincy's batting order.
3 hours ago
Jonathan India Playing Against Cubs
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (head) is back at second base and atop the batting order as the leadoff hitter for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Chicago Cubs and right-hander Jameson Taillon at Wrigley Field. India was hit in the head by a pitch from Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee on Tuesday and entered the league's concussion protocol. The 27-year-old only missed Wednesday's contest with the Reds having Thursday off. He'll be back in there for the final three games of the regular season this weekend. India has two hits with an RBI in four career at-bats against Taillon but enters Friday's contest on a cold streak of late, going 6-for-28 (.214) with a homer, triple, two RBI and three strikeouts in nine games since Sept. 15. The former National League Rookie of the Year in 2021 will be looking to finish off his 2024 campaign strong.
3 hours ago
Michael Busch Back On Friday As The DH
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth for the Cubbies on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez at Wrigley Field. Busch was hit by a pitch earlier this week and missed one game as a result, but he's back now and ready to go for the final three games of the 2024 regular season this weekend. Cody Bellinger is making another start at first base, with rookie Kevin Alcantara making his second big-league start in right field. Busch does not have a hit in four career at-bats against Martinez. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has produced his first 20-homer season and has also driven in 65 in 149 games in his first full season in the majors with the Cubs in 2024. Busch has been cold at the plate lately, going 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer, double, one RBI and six strikeouts in his last seven games played.
3 hours ago
Seiya Suzuki Still Out On Friday
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (ankle) remains out of the lineup for Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field versus the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Suzuki suffered a sprained right ankle in Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and will now miss his second straight start as a result. The Cubs are eliminated from the postseason, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Suzuki is unable to return for the final three games of the season. For now, the 30-year-old should be considered day-to-day. With Suzuki out again, rookie Kevin Alcantara, who was just called up this week, will make another start in right field and bat ninth against Reds right-hander Nick Martinez. The 22-year-old Dominican will be playing in just his second MLB game after going 1-for-4 with a strikeout in his debut on Wednesday in the loss to the Phillies.
3 hours ago
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.
13 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.
13 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.
13 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.
13 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.
13 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.
13 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.
14 hours ago
Aaron Judge Homers In Fifth Straight Game
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.
14 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.
14 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.
14 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.
17 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.
17 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.
17 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.
18 hours ago
