MLB News
Joey Lucchesi Called Up To Start Game 2 Against Braves
New York Mets left-hander Joey Lucchesi was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to make the start in Game 2 of Monday's divisional doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned pitcher Alex Young. The Mets clinched their wild-card spot with a thrilling comeback victory over their division rivals in Game 1 on Monday, so they will turn to Lucchesi in Game 2 and save right-hander Luis Severino for Game 1 of the wild-card series against either the San Diego Padres or Milwaukee Brewers on the road on Tuesday. Fantasy managers playing DFS on Monday will want to avoid the 31-year-old southpaw against an Atlanta team in a must-win situation. Lucchesi made just one start for the Mets this year, allowing five earned runs on 4 1/3 innings on May 15 at the Philadelphia Phillies.
2 hours ago
Chris Sale Scratched With Back Spasms, Grant Holmes To Start Game 2
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale (back) has been scratched from Game 2 of the doubleheader against the division-rival New York Mets at Truist Park on Monday as the Braves attempt to punch their ticket to the postseason after losing a dramatic back-and-forth affair in Game 1. Right-handed rookie Grant Holmes will instead start the must-win contest in Game 2. It's a huge blow for the Braves as the 35-year-old Sale is a National League Cy Young front-runner this year. If the Braves do win Game 2 and advance to face the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round, starting on Tuesday at Petco Park, it's unknown if he'd be available at all to pitch in that series. The Braves are calling Sale's situation day-to-day for now. Holmes, 28, made his big-league debut in 2024 and has gone 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA (3.37 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 63 K's and 14 walks in 64 1/3 innings over 25 outings (six starts). Holmes had a 4.55 ERA and 1.35 WHIP as a starter.
2 hours ago
Anthony Rizzo A Long Shot To Play In ALDS
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (fingers) fractured two fingers in his right hand on Saturday and is now a long shot to be ready to play in the American League Division Series in the postseason, even though the Yankees chose not to place him on the 10-day injured list. Game 1 of the ALDS starts on Saturday at Yankee Stadium against either the Baltimore Orioles or Kansas City Royals. "I don't necessarily expect him for the division series," manager Aaron Boone said after a 6-4 win on Sunday. "I still view that as very much a long shot. The 35-year-old will receive treatment until testing his hand on Thursday or Friday before giving team officials "an honest assessment" of the situation. Whether he can play will come down to pain tolerance. Rizzo's injury was described as a clean break, giving him a shot to play in the ALDS. DJ LeMahieu, Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera are the options to replace Rizzo at first base in the playoffs if he cannot go.
6 hours ago
Jose Ramirez Falls Just Shy Of 40-40-40 Season
With the Cleveland Guardians final game of the 2024 regular season being rained out on Sunday against the Houston Astros, third baseman Jose Ramirez was robbed of a chance at a 40-40-40 season. Ramirez entered Sunday's game with 39 doubles, 39 homers and 41 stolen bases. In addition to those impressive totals, J-Ram hit .279 with an .872 OPS and 118 RBI while striking out only 82 times in 158 games played. Only one player has had 40 doubles, 40 homers and 40 steals in a single season -- Alfonso Soriano in 2006. If Ramirez had homered on Sunday, he would have been only the seventh player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a single season, joining Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., Soriano, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco. Ramirez is still the second player ever to have a 39-39-40 season. Ramirez doesn't get the headlines, but he's an elite ballplayer.
6 hours ago
Tarik Skubal Wins AL Pitching Triple Crown
It was a fantastic season for Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal in 2024, as he finished first in the American League in wins (18), strikeouts (228) and ERA (2.39). Skubal has led the Tigers to a surprising postseason berth and is the overwhelming favorite to win the AL Cy Young. He is the first pitcher to win the Triple Crown since Shane Bieber in the COVID-shortened season of 2020. Skubal is the first pitcher to earn the Triple Crown in a full season since 2011, when both Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw did it. He became the 21st pitcher to win the pitching Triple Crown since earned runs became official in both leagues in 1913. Skubal also became the third pitcher in franchise history to win the TC, joining Verlander (2011) an Hal Newhouser (1945). He also joined Verlander (2007, 2009-11) and Max Scherzer (2013-14) as the only Tigers pitchers since 2000 to win 18 or more games in a season.
7 hours ago
Sean Murphy Out For Game 1 Against Mets
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy will not start in Game 1 of the team's big doubleheader on Monday at Truist Park against the division-rival New York Mets. With Murphy resting, Travis d'Arnaud will catch right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach and will bat seventh against Mets right-hander Tylor Megill. In nine career at-bats versus Megill, d'Arnaud is batting .222 with a .555 OPS. The Braves have elected to rest Murphy more in his second year with the team while also missing time with injuries. The 29-year-old backstop was a first-time All-Star in 2023 but has struggled in 71 games in 2024, hitting .194/.280/.353 with 10 homers and 25 RBI in 261 plate appearances. He has just four hits in 45 at-bats (.089) in 13 September games, but two of those hits have cleared the fences. d'Arnaud has been a bit more consistent with a .235 average, 15 homers and 48 RBI in 98 games in 2024.
7 hours ago
Starling Marte, Jesse Winker Sitting In Game 1
New York Mets outfielders Starling Marte and Jesse Winker are both on the bench for Game 1 of the team's big divisional doubleheader on Monday at Truist Park against the Atlanta Braves. Harrison Bader is starting in center field and batting ninth, while Tyrone Taylor gets the nod in right field and will bat seventh against Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach. Bader has never faced Schwellenbach before, while Taylor is hitless in just three at-bats against him. The 35-year-old Marte is typically a lineup regular for the Mets, but he enters Monday's big doubleheader with just one hit in his last five games and hasn't homered in the second half of the season. Bader gives the Mets a nice little power-speed combination at the bottom of the lineup, but he comes into Monday with no hits and five strikeouts in 12 plate appearances in his last six games dating back to Sept. 20.
7 hours ago
Michael Harris II Continues Blazing Stretch
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II smacked three hits and stole a base on Sunday, doing his best to lead the Braves in a crucial 4-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Harris certainly did his part, cracking three singles out of the leadoff spot. Unfortunately, the rest of the offense had trouble getting anything going and Harris failed to record any runs or RBI. The 23-year-old is heating up at the right time, as he had a .317/.343/.614 line with eight homers in September coming into this game. He will look to set the table for the Braves again on Monday and send them to the postseason. The hot finish to the season should remind fantasy managers of why they were willing to spend a third-round pick on Harris before the season. He will likely go for a discount next year, and savvy managers should buy the dip.
18 hours ago
Elly De La Cruz Ends Season With 67 Stolen Bases
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz showcased his game-breaking speed on Sunday, going 1-for-5 with a triple and two stolen bases in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs. De La Cruz finishes the season with 67 stolen bases, easily good enough for first in the majors. Interestingly enough, though, Elly only stole 10 bags in August and September combined, which equates to a 30-steal pace. That's not bad at all, but it's also not what fantasy managers would expect from the speedster. It was still a great season for the 22-year-old, who showed major improvements at the dish and contributed some power to go along with the speed. He will be a top-20 pick in most drafts next year and could rocket into the top 10 for those chasing upside.
18 hours ago
Francisco Lindor Does It All Sunday
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor showed why he is an MVP candidate on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a homer and two stolen bases in a much-needed 5-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Lindor also walked, scored two runs, and drove in two. The switch-hitter will look to repeat his performance on Monday and send the Mets to the playoffs. He now has 32 homers and 29 steals on the season, so a stolen base will get him to the 30/30 mark. Lindor is one of the best five-category contributors in baseball and will be an early pick at a loaded shortstop position in fantasy drafts next year.
18 hours ago
Clay Holmes Picks Up 30th Save
New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes picked up his first save of September on Sunday, finishing off the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 6-4 win. Holmes struck out one in his inning of work and didn't allow a baserunner. The veteran righty was removed from the closer's role in mid-September after blowing multiple saves (13 on the year) and has been working in lower-leverage roles since. In this one, the Yanks used new closer Luke Weaver in the eighth inning in a tie game. The Yankees then took the lead in the bottom of the inning and went with Holmes for the save in the ninth. This could mark a return to high leverage for Holmes, who has been good since being removed from the closer's role. They have no reason to move away from Weaver as the closer, but Holmes could make for a good setup man in the postseason.
18 hours ago
Michael McGreevy Shines In Season Finale
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy was excellent against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, going eight innings and allowing just one run in a 6-1 win. McGreevy continued to impress in this one, allowing just five hits and walking none while punching out six. The 24-year-old now has a 1.96 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in a limited sample size of 23 IP. While he has been great in the majors, his minor-league stats are pretty mediocre. If nothing else, McGreevy has at least given himself a chance to aim for a rotation spot in Spring Training next year.
19 hours ago
Logan Gilbert Ends Year On High Note
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert finished off an excellent season with another strong performance on Sunday, tossing 5 scoreless innings in a 6-4 win over the Oakland Athletics. Gilbert had his way with the A's, allowing just one baserunner (a single) while striking out seven. He finishes the season with nine wins, a 3.23 ERA, a league-leading 0.89 WHIP, and 220 strikeouts in 208 IP. The 27-year-old blossomed into an ace this year and should be one of the first pitchers off the board in fantasy drafts in 2025.
19 hours ago
David Peterson Shuts Down Brewers In Crucial Win
New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson was at his best on Sunday, tossing seven shutout frames and earning the win in a 5-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Peterson allowed just one hit, walked three, and struck out eight in the terrific performance. The 29-year-old finishes the regular season with 10 wins, a 2.90 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts in 121 IP. It was a very solid year for the lefty, and he has a good shot to make the Mets rotation out of Spring Training next year. That said, his season might not even be over. If the Mets can win a game on Monday and get into the playoffs, he could end up pitching in Game 3 of the Wild Card series on short rest.
19 hours ago
Luis Arraez Clinches Batting Title
San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez picked up his third batting title of his career on Sunday. Arraez went 1-for-3 with a single during Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. That single was enough to push Arraez to a .314 batting average and win him the batting title. The 27-year-old has remained a force at the plate since being traded from the Miami Marlins early in the season. The assumption is that Arraez will remain at the top order heading into the postseason.
23 hours ago
Spencer Schwellenbach To Start Game 1 On Monday
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach will be tasked with taking the mound for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets. The plan is for Schwellenbach to pitch in Game 1 and Chris Sale to take the ball in the night cap. It's worth noting that the Braves would clinch a postseason berth if they win the first game. That being said, the Braves would likely save Sale then and go bullpen game for the night contest. Schwellenbach holds a 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 122/23 K/BB ratio across 20 starts this season.
23 hours ago
Tylor Megill Named Monday's Starter
New York Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill has been named the starter for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets will clinch a postseason berth if they win the first game, so they'd likely go bullpen game if that happens for the night cap. If not, Luis Severino seems like the favorite to take the ball for the second game. Megill holds a 3.98 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 83/30 K/BB ratio across 15 games (14 starts) this season. It seems like the Mets are in good hands heading into their most important day of the season.
Yesterday
Shohei Ohtani Misses Out On Triple Crown
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had an unbelievable 2024 season, but sadly he just barely missed the triple crown. Ohtani loses the batting title to San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez and came in second in home runs to Aaron Judge. Despite that, Ohtani finished with an impressive .314 batting average with 54 homers, 130 RBI, and 58 steals. He's also the first 50-homer, 50-steal player ever. Ohtani also became the first Dodger to reach 50 homers in a single season. The expectation is that his batting numbers will probably take a dip next season, assuming he returns to the mound. However, Ohtani is still one of the best players in the league and is a must-watch hitter whenever he's at the plate.
Yesterday
Yordan Alvarez To Hit On Monday
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (knee) will reportedly hit on Monday, according to manager Joe Espada. The superstar slugger has been sidelined since September 22 due to a lingering knee issue. It sounds like Alvarez has been making solid progress and should be ready for the Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. The expectation is that Alvarez is going to DH during that series. The Astros will take that as they'd be in serious trouble if their superstar slugger was unable to hit in the postseason.
Yesterday
Jesse Winker Sitting For Second Straight Game On Sunday
New York Mets outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker is out of the starting nine for the second-straight game on Sunday afternoon as the Mets look to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. As a result, J.D. Martinez will serve as the designated hitter and Brandon Nimmo, Tyrone Taylor, and Starling Marte will be in the outfield. Since the start of the month, Winker has held a poor .071 AVG with just one extra-base hit. Even though the Mets offense has struggled over the past week, they have a favorable matchup against Milwaukee right-hander Colin Rea and are worth a look in DFS.
Yesterday
