MLB News
Xander Bogaerts In Game 3 Lineup Against Dodgers
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (hamstring) is starting at shortstop and hitting sixth for the Friars for Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at Petco Park against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Walker Buehler. Donovan Solano will start on the bench, with David Peralta serving as the designated hitter and batting seventh. Bogaerts had to leave the Game 2 win on Sunday after hitting a home run due to a hamstring cramp, but after a day off on Monday, the 32-year-old is ready to go again. He's gone 3-for-8 with the homer and three RBI in the first two games of the NLDS but has just one hit in seven career at-bats with a strikeout against Buehler. Meanwhile, Peralta, who also homered in Game 2, has hit .226 (7-for-31) with two doubles, three RBI, four walks and six strikeouts against Buehler in his career.
1 hour ago
Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh Out In Game 3 Versus Lefty
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott and outfielder Brandon Marsh are both out of the Game 3 lineup on Tuesday in the National League Division Series at Citi Field with a left-hander on the mound for the New York Mets. Edmundo Sosa will make the start at the keystone and bat eighth, while Austin Hays makes the start in left field and will hit seventh against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea. Stott had a big role in the Game 2 win on Sunday, hitting a two-run triple, but he'll take a seat with a lefty starting. Sosa has gone 4-for-8 in his career against Manaea with a homer, triple, double, three RBI and two strikeouts, so he'll be an intriguing DFS sleeper for Tuesday's games. Hays has only faced Manaea three times, but he does have two hits (one homer) and an RBI against him.
1 hour ago
Julian Aguiar To Miss All Of Next Season After Having Tommy John Surgery
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Julian Aguiar (elbow) had Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2025 season. Aguiar, the team's No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline, also ended the 2024 season with a right-shoulder injury. The 23-year-old former 12th-round pick in 2021 out of Cypress College will now focus on rehab all of next year while hoping to be good to go for spring training in 2026. Aguiar made his major-league debut with the Reds in 2024 and made seven starts, struggling to the tune of a 6.25 ERA (6.86 FIP) and a 1.33 WHIP while striking out 19 and walking 12 in 31 2/3 innings pitched. He relies on a fastball-slider mix and occasionally mixes in a curveball and changeup. Aguiar didn't become a full-time pitcher until his junior year in college and was named the Reds' Minor-League Pitcher of the Year in 2023. He has the chance to be a back-end starter for the Reds in 2026.
1 hour ago
Jon Berti Could Get Another Start At First Base
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he's still "deliberating on" who will play first base for Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals. Infielder Jon Berti got the starting nod there in the Game 2 loss on Monday and has had some success against Royals right-hander Seth Lugo, going 3-for-6 against him in his career. Berti made his first career start at first base on Monday and went 1-for-4 with a strikeout. The other options for the Yankees are Oswaldo Cabrera, who got the start in Game 1 on Saturday, and rookie Ben Rice. The 34-year-old Berti missed significant time during the regular season due to injury and only managed to play in 25 games for the Yankees in his first year in the Bronx, going 18-for-66 (.273) with one homer, six RBI and five steals. He lacks power but did steal a league-leading 41 bags in 2022 with Miami.
1 hour ago
Jeff McNeil Could Get At-Bats In Arizona Fall League
The New York Mets are looking at getting infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (wrist) some live at-bats in Arizona Fall League games, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. It would give McNeil real game action before potentially rejoining the Mets' playoff roster if they advance past the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series to play in the Championship Series. The 32-year-old former batting champion has been out since fracturing his right wrist early in September. Facing live pitching is the last box he needs to check before being cleared. If the Mets advance and McNeil is added to the NLCS roster, he'd most likely be a utility bat/fielder off the bench given all the time he's missed of late. McNeil has really regressed in 2024, hitting just .238 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 129 games played after winning the NL batting title just two years ago.
1 hour ago
Jesse Winker Serving As Mets DH In Game 3
New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting sixth on Tuesday for Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Citi Field against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola. Winker has extensive experience against Nola in his career, and the results haven't been good for the lefty-hitting veteran. In 24 total at-bats, Winker has only four hits (one home run), two RBI, two walks and two strikeouts for a .167 average and .522 OPS. The 31-year-old got the start in Game 1 on Saturday and was 0-for-1 with two walks before making way for J.D. Martinez at DH in Game 2 on Sunday. In 44 games for the Mets after being acquired in a trade from the Nationals in late July, Winker hit .243/.318/.365 with a below-average .683 OPS, only three home runs and 13 RBI in 129 trips to the plate. DFS managers will be hoping he can run into one as a sleeper on Tuesday.
2 hours ago
Alec Bohm Back In The Lineup For Game 3
After sitting out of the Game 2 win over the division-rival New York Mets in the National League Division Series on Sunday, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is back at the hot corner for Game 3 on Tuesday at Citi Field and is hitting fifth against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea. Bohm did enter Game 2 late and was hitless in two plate appearances. The 28-year-old had a fine 2024 season for the Phillies, but he's slumping at the plate at the worst time and has just two hits in 33 at-bats in his last nine games. He'll be hoping to snap out of his funk against Manaea, who he has gone 2-for-10 against in his career with a home run, two RBI and three strikeouts. In 179 plate appearances against lefties in 2024, Bohm hit .287 with six of his 15 home runs. Just based on how Bohm has been swinging the lumber lately, fantasy managers setting DFS lineups will probably want to avoid him.
2 hours ago
Seth Lugo To Start ALDS Game 3 Wednesday
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo will take the mound for his team's American League Division Series Game 3 matchup at home against the Yankees. The 34-year-old made a solid start against the Orioles in the wild-card series, allowing one run over 4 1/3 innings pitched with one walk and six strikeouts. Lugo was a surprise asset for the Royals and fantasy managers in the regular season, going 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a 21.7% strikeout rate in 33 starts and 206 2/3 IP. He pitched deep into both of his regular-season starts against the Yankees, allowing four runs in seven IP with four strikeouts in his first matchup and no runs in seven IP with 10 strikeouts in his second. His regular-season success and his above-average ground-ball rate could make him a useful DFS play despite the tough opponent.
17 hours ago
Aaron Nola To Start NLDS Game 3 On Tuesday
The Philadelphia Phillies will turn to right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola for their National League Division Series Game 3 clash with the Mets on Tuesday. He will be opposed by Sean Manaea. This will be the 31-year-old's first appearance of the 2024 postseason. However, he owns a career 5-3 record with a 3.70 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and a 24.9% strikeout rate in nine post-season starts. Nola had a nice regular season, compiling a 3.57 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and a 24.0% strikeout rate in 33 starts and 199 1/3 IP. He had mixed success against the Mets in his two regular-season starts against them, tossing a complete-game shutout with eight strikeouts in his first game and allowing six runs in 4 1/3 IP in his second matchup. This makes him a dubious fantasy start against a Mets offense that has scored the most runs of any team so far in the playoffs.
17 hours ago
Maikel Garcia Collects Four Hits, Steal In ALDS Game 2 Win
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia acted as an offensive catalyst in Monday's American League Division Series Game 2 4-2 win over the Yankees. Batting in the leadoff spot, Garcia went 4-for-5 with four singles, an RBI, and a strikeout. He also stole his third base of the playoffs. The 24-year-old mostly provided speed in the regular season, slashing .231/.281/.332 with seven home runs, 84 runs scored, 58 RBI, and 37 stolen bases in 626 plate appearances. However, he has provided speed and batting average this postseason, batting .400 in 15 at-bats. The Royals have scored the third-most runs so far in the playoffs, so Garcia offers exposure to that production while hitting at the top of their lineup for DFS leagues.
17 hours ago
Emmanuel Clase Allows Three-Run Homer In ALDS Game 2 Loss
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase had an uncharacteristically poor outing in Monday's American League Division Series Game 2 3-0 loss to the Tigers. Clase came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning with the game tied 0-0, two outs, and runners on first and second. He got the third out on an incredible diving catch from Steven Kwan and stayed in to pitch the ninth inning. He got the first two outs on a strikeout and a pop-out but then allowed back-to-back singles, a go-ahead three-run home run, and another single before exiting the game, ultimately being saddled with the loss. Clase's performance was a complete contrast to his regular season results, as he went 4-2 with 47 saves, a 0.61 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP, and a 24.4% strikeout rate in 74 1/3 innings of work. The Guardians will need him to bounce back in order to get back into the series, as he is one of the best high-leverage relievers in baseball.
17 hours ago
Kerry Carpenter Hits Decisive ALDS Game 2 Homer
Detroit Tigers outfielder/designated hitter Kerry Carpenter came up huge for his team in Monday's American League Division Series Game 2 3-0 win over the Guardians. Carpenter, who came into the game at DH in the eighth inning, went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run. With the game scoreless in the top of the ninth inning, the 27-year-old launched an Emmanuel Clase hanging slider into the right-field seats to score three. Carpenter had a great offensive regular season, slashing .284/.345/.587 with 18 HR, 37 runs scored, and 57 RBI in 296 plate appearances. One blemish in his game is his inability to hit left-handed pitching. Carpenter only had 32 regular-season plate appearances against lefties and hit a poor .107. He was not in the starting lineup for Game 2 because the Guardians started lefty Matthew Boyd. This shouldn't affect him for Game 3, as the Guardians' probable starter will be righty Alex Cobb.
17 hours ago
Dylan Cease Not Ruled Out For Game 4 Start
When asked whether San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Cease on short rest would be able to start Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday at Petco Park against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Mike Shildt said, "All options are on the table." With Joe Musgrove (elbow) needing Tommy John surgery, the two options for Game 4 figure to be Cease and veteran left-hander Martin Perez. If the Padres turn to Cease on Wednesday, Yu Darvish, who was masterful on Sunday in the Game 2 win, would likely start a potential Game 5 back at Dodger Stadium. Cease had some ups and downs in his first year in SD in 2024 but was mostly dominant and threw a no-hitter after narrowly missing one several years ago with the White Sox. He was off his game in the Game 1 loss on Saturday, allowing five earned runs while walking two and fanning five in just 3 1/3 innings.
20 hours ago
Nestor Cortes Throws Again On Monday
New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes (elbow) threw for a second straight day on Monday after a successful throwing session on Sunday. Cortes landed on the injured list at the end of the regular season and was left off the roster for the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals due to a left-elbow flexor strain. He will continue to build up his arm with hopes of rejoining the Yankees' roster if they advance to the AL Championship Series. The 29-year-old southpaw won't be guaranteed a starting role if the Yankees advance, with right-hander Luis Gil expected to re-enter the rotation if the team advances. After allowing five earned runs in four innings in his first start of September, Cortes turned things around in his last three regular-season outings (two starts), giving up only one earned run in 15 1/3 innings while walking seven and striking out 18.
20 hours ago
Luis Gil Available Out Of Bullpen In ALDS
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he could see right-hander Luis Gil in a bulk-relief role or in a high-leverage role for one or two innings in the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals. If the Yankees advance to the AL Championship Series, Boone said that Gil would be in the starting rotation. New York has decided to go with right-hander Clarke Schmidt over Gil in a starting role for Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium. Gil had a nice bounce-back season in 2024 in his first big-league action since 2022, but he struggled much more in the second half and dealt with injury. In his final two starts of the regular season, Gil gave up 10 earned runs on 11 hits (four homers) while walking four and striking out 10 in 11 innings. He'll surely be on a short leash in a starting role if the Yankees advance to the ALCS.
20 hours ago
Freddie Freeman's Status For Game 3 Of NLDS Is Unclear
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) was getting treatment on his ankle, and his status for Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at Petco Park against the division-rival San Diego Padres is unknown. Freeman injured his right ankle over a week ago towards the end of the regular season and was held out of the final series of the season against the Colorado Rockies before returning to action in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, when he went 2-for-5 and even stole a base. However, he was pulled after just two at-bats in the Game 2 loss on Sunday and may not be available to play in Game 3 on Tuesday. Losing Freeman, one of the best hitters in baseball, would be a huge blow to the Dodgers, who would likely add utility man Enrique Hernandez to the starting lineup if Freeman is unavailable. We'll know whether Freeman is available closer to game time on Tuesday.
20 hours ago
Jeff McNeil Could Return If Mets Advance To NLCS
New York Mets infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (wrist) rejoined the team on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park as he continues to rehab a fractured right wrist, and he didn't rule out the possibility that he'd be ready to return if the Mets advance past the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies to play in the National League Championship Series. To this point, McNeil has taken batting practice, fielded grounders and done some running, but he hasn't faced live pitching, which he'll need to do before joining the team's playoff roster. The 32-year-old former batting champion hasn't played since fracturing his wrist in early September and would most likely be just a utility option off the bench for the Mets if they advance to the NLCS. McNeil hit just .238 (101-for-424) on the year with 12 home runs, 44 RBI, five steals and 57 runs scored in 129 games in 2024 after winning the NL batting title just two seasons ago.
21 hours ago
Kodai Senga To Start Potential Game 5 For Mets?
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga "continues to feel good" after his start in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. It's sounding like Senga is going to be the team's starter for a potential Game 5 back at Citizens Bank Park this Friday. Senga would theoretically be able to go three innings to start the game. The 31-year-old Japanese hurler allowed one earned run on a solo home run while walking one and striking out three in just two frames in Game 1 of the NLDS, which was only his second start of 2024 due to various injuries. We know Senga has plenty of swing-and-miss stuff, but he obviously won't be too popular in DFS contests for a potential Game 5 on Friday under a limited workload.
22 hours ago
Clarke Schmidt To Start In Game 3 Of ALDS
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that right-hander Clarke Schmidt will make the start in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Schmidt only started 16 games in 2024, mostly due to a strained right lat, but he pitched very well when he was available, going 5-5 with a career-best 2.85 ERA (3.58 FIP), a 1.18 WHIP and a 93:30 K:BB in 85 1/3 innings pitched. He gave up four earned runs in four innings in his final start of the regular season on Sept. 29 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and had a 3.65 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 2/3 frames in his five starts since returning from the injured list on Sept. 7. Schmidt is getting the starting nod in Game 3 over Luis Gil. The 28-year-old did not face the Royals at all in his 16 starts this year and will be a volatile DFS play on the road.
22 hours ago
Jose Quintana To Start Game 4 Of NLDS
New York Mets left-hander Jose Quintana will get the ball for Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday at Citi Field against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Not only was Quintana on point to end the regular season, but he backed it up by tossing six scoreless innings in Game 3 of the Wild-Card series on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers last week. The 35-year-old Colombian southpaw doesn't have explosive stuff but knows how to keep hitters off balance and generate weak contact. Quintana also has postseason experience, appearing in six playoff contests, dating back to 2017 with the Chicago Cubs. In his 24 2/3 innings pitched in the postseason, he has a 2.92 ERA with 20 strikeouts and seven walks in six outings (five starts). He had a solid 2.81 ERA with nine strikeouts and only two walks in 16 innings over his three starts against the Phils this year.
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