MLB News
Brice Turang Swipes Three Bags, Scores Three Times
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang went 3-for-4 in Friday's 8-4 win over the Mets, including a double, an RBI, three runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 24-year-old had a strong start to the season, slashing .277/.341/.390 but faded in the second half, slashing .219/.277/.288. His penchant for stealing bases kept his fantasy value afloat, finishing with 50 on the year, good for third-most in all of baseball. With a first-round draft pick pedigree and an 88.0% contact rate, there could be even more productive seasons ahead, but for now the Brewers will hope he can make an impact during the postseason.
1 hour ago
Taj Bradley Fans Seven Over Six Shutout Innings
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley tossed six innings of shutout ball in Friday's 2-1 victory over the Red Sox, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out seven on the way to earning his eighth win of the season. It caps off an up-and-down season for the righty, as he had a nine-game stretch where he pitched to a 0.82 ERA in the middle of the season, but allowed four runs or more on eight other occasions. Still, his final 4.11 ERA and 1.22 WHIP were improvements over 2023, and his 3.69 SIERA might offer a ray of hope for next season's fantasy prospects as the 10.04 K/9 ability should remain intact.
1 hour ago
Jameson Taillon Shuts Out Reds Over Seven Innings
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon tossed seven innings of shutout ball in Friday's 1-0 victory over the Reds, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out two. The outing was his fifth consecutive quality start and caps off an outstanding month of September for the 32-year-old, going 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA and 0.84 WHIP. It was a solid season overall for the veteran, going 12-8 with a 3.27 ERA (4.29 SIERA), 1.13 WHIP, and a 13.6% K-BB%. The underwhelming strikeout totals depress his fantasy stock a bit, but he should be a decent back-end rotation piece for fantasy next season.
1 hour ago
Shohei Ohtani Homers Again In Four-Hit Day, Swipes 57th Base
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani continued his extraordinary 2024 campaign on Friday, going 4-for-5 with his 54th home run of the season and stealing his 57th bag in an 11-4 win over the Rockies. The 30-year-old also doubled, drove in four runs, and scored twice. The Japanese star is scorching-hot at the plate right now, currently riding a 10-game hit streak during which time he's gone 26-for-44 (.591) with six doubles, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. There aren't many superlatives left to describe Ohtani's season, as he's amassed a .309-54-130-133-57 line with a .432 wOBA and 182 wRC+, making him the top-scoring fantasy asset this year.
2 hours ago
Bryan Reynolds Goes Deep Twice On Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds went 2-for-3 with a pair of home runs -- one from each side of the plate for the switch-hitter -- in Friday's 4-2 win over the Yankees. The 29-year-old collected three RBI in the contest, walked once, and scored twice as well. The home runs ended a long 21-game homerless stretch and gave him 24 on the year. With two games to go, the 2x All-Star will finish with strikingly similar results for the fourth consecutive season, logging a .276-24-88-72-10 line with a .344 wOBA and 118 wRC+, making him one of the game's more reliable multi-category producers.
3 hours ago
Francisco Alvarez Leaves With Back Spasms
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (back) left Friday night's game early against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field due to back spasms, according to the team. Alvarez looked to be in considerable pain after sliding into third base in the seventh inning and was replaced by Luis Torrens. Before leaving, he went 0-for-1 at the plate with two walks, a run scored and a strikeout. The 22-year-old backstop was helped off the field by trainers and probably isn't going to be ready to play in Game 2 of the series on Saturday. It's a terrible time for one of the Mets' better players to get hurt as they seek one of the last two wild-card spots in the National League. Torrens would become the primary catcher for the Mets if Alvarez needs more time off. Overall, it's been a disappointing season for Alvarez in 2024 after he hit 25 bombs and drove in 63 in 2023. This year, he's hitting .234 with only 11 homers and 44 RBI in his 96 games played. After two more games in Milwaukee this weekend, the Mets face the division-rival Braves on Monday in a doubleheader that could decide the final wild-card team.
12 hours ago
Reynaldo Lopez To Start For Braves On Saturday
Atlanta Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) will come off the injured list to start for the team on Saturday at Truist Park against the Kansas City Royals. Lopez has been a first-time All-Star in his return to a starting role in his first year in Atlanta in 2024. He's gone 8-5 with a career-best 2.03 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 24 total starts, but he's dealt with injuries in the second half and has only made seven starts since the All-Star break as the Braves have looked to limit his innings down the stretch. In his seven starts since the All-Star break, he's posted a still-strong 2.45 ERA with 42 K's and eight walks in 33 innings. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched since Sept. 10 due to right-shoulder inflammation, so we shouldn't expect him to be able to go deep in Saturday's start as the Braves continue their trek to try and get the final wild-card spot in the National League. Fantasy managers still playing for something this weekend would be rolling the dice throwing Lopez out there after his layoff with not even a minor-league rehab start to get tuned up.
12 hours ago
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.
13 hours 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.
13 hours 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. UPDATE: Manager Pat Murphy said Frelick will have an MRI exam on his left hip on Saturday. X-rays at the stadium were inconclusive.
13 hours 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.
13 hours 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.
14 hours 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.
14 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.
16 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.
16 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.
16 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.
16 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.
16 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.
17 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.
17 hours ago
