MLB News
Riley Greene Records Multi-Hit Game As Tigers Clinch Postseason Berth
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene had a solid two-hit game and recorded an RBI on Friday in the Tigers' 4-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. Greene hit an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to help the Tigers advance to the postseason for the first time since 2014. Greene increased his OPS to .836 on the season and now has 74 RBI. The lefty will be an important piece of Detroit's lineup as they are 73-60 when Greene is in the starting lineup. Greene battled hamstring issues earlier in the 2024 season as helped the Tigers' impressive playoff push take off almost as soon as he returned to the lineup in mid-August. As the Tigers wait to see who they will face it may be wise for Detroit to rest Greene on either Saturday or Sunday to preserve his health for the wild card series.
1 hour ago
Max Fried Dominant On Friday, One Out Away From Complete-Game Shutout
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried was dominant on Friday night, coming just one out short of a complete-game shutout in the Braves' 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Fried gave up just three hits en route to recording his 11th win of the season. With the Braves fighting hard for a wild-card spot, Fried's performance gives them a ton of flexibility in the bullpen over the weekend. The lefty and his 3.25 ERA were a massive help to an ailing roster, providing consistency for the Braves throughout all of 2024. Fantasy managers are thrilled with his performance this season, and Fried will be a very important piece to the Braves if they make it into October.
1 hour ago
Sal Frelick Leaves Game Early After Collision Into Wall
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (undisclosed) left the Brewers game against the New York Mets early after crashing into the wall attempting to catch a foul ball in the top of the second inning. He was replaced by Garrett Mitchell after going 0-for-2 at the plate. Frelick was limping heavily while leaving the field, certainly not a sight the Brewers wanted to see with the playoffs right around the corner. No information on his condition has been released by the team yet, and until then, he should be considered day-to-day, though it won't be surprising to see the Brewers rest the 24-year-old throughout the weekend. Frelick was subpar at the plate in 2024, hitting for just an 83 OPS+. Much of his value lies in his fielding skills, though, as his sprint speed and OAA both rank in the 90th percentiles in 2024. Should he miss any time in the playoffs, it will certainly be a blow to a surprisingly strong Brewers team. Mitchell should be expected to get starts if Frelick misses any time.
1 hour ago
Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker Optioned To Triple-A On Friday
Texas Rangers pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker were both optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. As part of the move pitchers Marc Church and Daniel Robert were recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. The move was simply to preserve Leiter and Rocker's arms and give the Rangers a couple new arms to finish the season. Leiter pitched to an underwhelming 8.83 ERA with a 1.710 WHIP. Rocker recorded a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 IP, though his 1.543 WHIP suggests his ERA could have ended higher. Both Leiter and Rocker appear to be in the Rangers' plans for 2025, though dynasty managers will likely want to keep a closer eye on Rocker than Leiter. Church could be a solid option out of the Rangers' bullpen to finish the season and has impressed at Triple-A, recording a 3.22 ERA and a 9.7 K/9 in 22.1 IP. Robert previously appeared in three games for the Rangers in July, giving up only two ER in 4.2 IP.
1 hour ago
Victor Scott II Optioned To Triple-A Memphis
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday. As part of the move, first baseman Luken Baker was reinstated from the paternity list. Scott was very unimpressive in his 2024 season, hitting for just a 40 OPS+ in 145 AB. The 23-year-old did start to perform better once called up in August but ultimately performed below league average at the plate. Though his 2024 debut at the major league level did not go the way he wanted, he should still compete for a roster spot in 2025 given his sprint speed and outfield range may warrant playing time if the Cardinals' outfield goes through injury issues as it did in 2024. Baker has performed well in limited appearances in 2024, hitting for a .737 OPS in 46 PA. Should Baker make any starts to finish the season, he may make an interesting DFS option.
1 hour ago
Sawyer Gipson-Long To Begin Throwing Program Next Week
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is set to begin a throwing program next week, according to the Tigers' medical report. Gipson-Long underwent Tommy John surgery in April after injuring his arm during a rehab start. The 26-year-old was rehabbing from a groin strain when his arm issue arose, certainly a big setback for a pitcher who would have competed for a starting job in the Tigers' rotation in 2024. Gipson-Long was impressive in his four-game stint in 2023, posting a 2.70 ERA in four starts. With his throwing program starting up in October, he'll have plenty of time to properly rehab and be ready to impress in 2025. Those in dynasty leagues should keep an eye on the right-hander, as his 31.7% strikeout rate can provide a lot of value from a fantasy perspective.
2 hours ago
Max Kepler Done For The Season
Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) has been transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list on Friday. That means Kepler is officially done for the 2024 season. The left-handed slugger has been sidelined since the beginning of September due to a lingering knee issue. The Twins were hopeful he could contribute down the stretch of the season, but that's not going to happen. He'll finish the season with a .253 batting average with eight home runs and 42 RBI across 105 games. The 31-year-old is set to enter free agency this winter and could be forced to take a prove-it deal after a down year in 2024.
4 hours ago
Reynaldo Lopez Looks Ready To Pitch
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Thursday, according to manager Brian Snitker. He added that Lopez felt great and is ready to pitch whenever he's needed. The right-hander has been sidelined since leaving his start against the Washington Nationals a few weeks ago. The team hasn't made any announcements, but it sounds like Lopez could be available for Saturday or Sunday. There is no word on any pitch limits, so hopefully Lopez is a full-go as the Braves look to grab one of the final Wild Card spots.
4 hours ago
Spencer Arrighetti Available Out Of The Bullpen
Houston Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti is available to pitch out of the bullpen this weekend, according to manager Joe Espada. The right-hander is scheduled to start on Sunday, but it sounds like the team would rather use him out of the bullpen. The assumption is that Arrighetti is going to be used as a reliever in the postseason, so they might be trying to gear him up for that. The rookie right-hander hasn't pitched out of the bullpen yet as he holds a 4.61 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 167/62 K/BB ratio across 28 starts in Houston.
4 hours ago
Seiya Suzuki Could Return On Saturday
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (ankle) was held out of the starting lineup during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Suzuki injured his ankle on Tuesday and has been sidelined since then. However, his ankle reportedly is doing better on Friday and he could be available on Saturday. The Cubs have already been eliminated from postseason contention, so there is no incentive to play Suzuki at anything less than 100 percent healthy. Kevin Alcantara figures to see a handful of starts over the next few days in right field. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Cubs limit Suzuki to designated hitter duties until the end of the season.
4 hours ago
Victor Robles Takes A Seat
Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles is out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Oakland Athletics. The Mariners don't have anything to play for anymore after being eliminated from the postseason contention That being said, Seattle has little incentive to play their star players. Mitch Haniger will take over in right field and bat sixth against left-hander JP Sears. Haniger has been bad at the plate this season, but even worse against left-handed pitching, so he can be avoided in all fantasy formats on Friday.
4 hours ago
Jake McCarthy Absent On Friday
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Diego Padres. This is a much-needed rest day for McCarthy who has started in each of the last five games. He has put together a solid season with a .283 batting average with eight home runs, 54 RBI, and 25 stolen bases across 140 games. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Pavin Smith will cover the corner outfield spots against right-hander Yu Darvish on Friday. Gurriel should be started in most fantasy leagues right now.
4 hours ago
Starling Marte Out On Friday
New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte will start on the bench for Friday's series opener versus the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Jesse Winker will instead make the start in right field for the Mets and bat sixth against Brewers right-hander Frankie Montas. Even after the Mets' last two games against the division-rival Atlanta Braves were rained out, Marte will take a seat to start a three-game weekend set in Milwaukee. Marte hasn't been great in 15 games in September, batting .229 (11-for-48) with no homers, a double, a triple, nine RBI and 10 strikeouts. Winker will be an interesting DFS play on Friday with a .286 career average and .786 OPS in seven total at-bats against Montas in his career. The 31-year-old left-handed slugger has 13 of his 14 homers on the year against righties while hitting .260 (88-for-339) against them in 401 plate appearances.
5 hours ago
Francisco Lindor Back On Friday
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (back) is back at shortstop and is hitting leadoff in Friday's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Frankie Montas at American Family Field. Lindor missed each of the team's previous eight games due to a nagging back injury that required an injection, but he was back in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the division-rival Atlanta Braves before the rest of that big series was rained out. It's great news for the Mets as they look to lock down one of the final wild-card spots in the National League before the playoffs begin next week. The 30-year-old has played at an MVP level in 2024, but he could struggle to recapture his pre-injury form, making him a risk in DFS lineups. In 11 career at-bats versus Montas, Lindor is hitting .364 with a 1.045 OPS. Before missing time with his back injury, Lindor was riding a modest four-game hitting streak.
5 hours ago
Brendan Rodgers Returns Against Dodgers
Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers (hamstring) is back at second base and is batting sixth for the Rockies on Friday against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. It's unclear who exactly is starting for the Dodgers in the series opener after the won the National League West division title on Thursday night with a win over the division-rival San Diego Padres. Rodgers will return to action after missing the last three games with tightness in his left hamstring. The 28-year-old infielder has underwhelmed in his career with the Rockies but is having one of his better seasons in 2024, slashing .267/.313/.406 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI and 65 runs scored in 134 games played. Rodgers was hot in August but has gone cold in September, going 11-for-60 (.183) with four doubles, four RBI, five walks and 24 strikeouts in 17 games.
5 hours ago
Christopher Morel Sitting Out Against Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Christopher Morel and shortstop Taylor Walls are getting the day off on Friday for the series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Richie Palacios is making the start in left field and is hitting seventh, with Jose Caballero returning to shortstop and batting eighth against Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta. Morel has reached the 20-homer mark for the second straight season, but he's also hitting under .200 in 149 combined games with the Rays and Chicago Cubs. He's been even worse since coming to Tampa at the trade deadline, hitting .183 (30-for-164) with just three home runs, four doubles, two triples, seven RBI and 55 strikeouts in 180 trips to the plate. Palacios has mainly been a speed threat for fantasy managers in AL-only leagues with a career-high 19 stolen bases in 2024, but he hasn't provided much else in just 90 games.
5 hours ago
Jeremy Pena Getting A Breather
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena and outfielder Jason Heyward will both start on the bench for Friday's series opener in Cleveland against the Guardians at Progressive Field. Grae Kessinger is starting at the 6 and batting ninth, while Mauricio Dubon is in left field and batting eighth against Guardians rookie left-hander Joey Cantillo. Pena doesn't sit often, as this is his first day off since Aug. 22. Kessinger made his big-league debut last year and played in 26 games, hitting .200 (8-for-40) with a homer and an RBI. He's only played in 20 games in 2024 and has gone hitless in 17 plate appearances with one walk and five strikeouts. DFS gamers should ignore him on Friday. Dubon, a super-utility man for the Astros, has very little DFS sleeper appeal at the bottom of the order with just four home runs and 47 RBI in 394 at-bats in 2024.
6 hours ago
Chris Bassitt Won't Pitch In Season Finale
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt will no longer take the hill for the regular-season finale this Sunday at Rogers Centre versus the visiting Miami Marlins, according to manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays are now listing Sunday as a "TBA" day. Toronto hasn't named a replacement for Bassitt or given a reason for why the 35-year-old veteran won't take the ball to close out the season. Bassitt won a league-high 16 games for Toronto in his first year with the club in 2023 but wasn't nearly as successful this year, going 10-14 with a 4.16 ERA (4.08 FIP), a 1.46 WHIP and a 168:70 K:BB in 171 innings over his 31 starts. His ERA was his highest since 2016, when he pitched for the Oakland Athletics, and he also led the league with 16 hit-by-pitches. It's possible that he's dealing with a minor injury and the Blue Jays didn't want to risk anything.
6 hours ago
Joey Loperfido Getting A Day Off
Toronto Blue Jays rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Miami Marlins. With Loperfido starting on the bench, fellow outfield prospect Jonatan Clase is starting in center field and is batting eighth against Marlins right-hander Adam Oller. Loperfido, 25, has appeared at both center field and left field for Toronto and has mostly struggled offensively since being acquired from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in the deal that sent lefty Yusei Kikuchi to Houston. Loperfido has gone 27-for-130 (.208) with two homers, eight RBI, two steals and 48 strikeouts in his 41 games in Toronto. Clase, who was also acquired via trade with the Mariners this year, will be playing in just his sixth game with the Jays. So far, he's gone 6-for-12 with a homer, double and two RBI in 14 plate appearances.
6 hours ago
Oneil Cruz Sitting On Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder/outfielder Oneil Cruz and third baseman Jared Triolo are both out of the lineup for Friday's series finale against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. Billy Cook will get the start in center field and will bat in the nine-hole, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa manning third base and batting sixth against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon. Kiner-Falefa has one hit in three career at-bats versus Rodon. The 25-year-old Cruz will get a day of rest against a southpaw pitcher. The Dominican has hit just .227 (32-for-141) against lefties this year with six of his 21 home runs on the season. Cruz recently made the full-time transition from shortstop to center field in Pittsburgh and has also reached the 20-20 milestone for the first time in 2024 in his fourth year in the big leagues. Cruz enters play on Friday slashing .263/.325/.456 with a .781 OPS, 21 homers, 76 RBI and 22 thefts in 143 games.
6 hours ago
