MLB News
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.
15 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.
16 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.
16 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.
16 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.
16 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.
18 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.
18 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.
19 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.
19 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.
20 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.
20 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.
20 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.
Yesterday
Ranger Suarez To Start Game 4 Of NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced on Monday that left-hander Ranger Suarez will start Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the division-rival New York Mets on Wednesday at Citi Field. Suarez was among the best pitchers in baseball in the first half of the season, but the second half wasn't as kind with him as he dealt with a back injury and wasn't as effective down the stretch. It makes the 29-year-old southpaw a bit more risky in DFS action this week on the road at Citi Field. The Venezuelan hurler faced the Mets three times this year, with two of his outings against them coming in the first half, when he allowed a combined four runs (two earned) in 10 2/3 innings while walking three and striking out nine. In his last start against the Mets on Sept. 21 at Citi Field, Suarez picked up a no-decision, allowing two earned runs in five innings while walking three and striking out four. He had a 5.74 ERA with 29 K's and 14 walks in his final seven starts.
Yesterday
Colt Keith Not Starting In Game 2 On Monday
Detroit Tigers rookie second baseman Colt Keith will retreat to the bench for Monday's Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field with a left-hander on the mound. Andy Ibanez will start at second base for the Tigers and will hit third in the batting order against Guardians left-hander Matthew Boyd. The lefty-hitting Keith has never faced Boyd in his career and will take a seat in this one despite the fact that he hit .305 (25-for-82) with just one of his 13 home runs on the year against southpaws in 2024. Ibanez, meanwhile, hit .292 (40-for-137) against lefties this year, but he lacks enough punch at the plate to make him a very enticing DFS sleeper pick. The 31-year-old Cuban infielder slashed a modest .241/.295/.357 this year with only five home runs, 32 RBI and 30 runs scored in 224 at-bats.
Yesterday
Alex Cobb To Start Game 3 Of ALDS
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Alex Cobb will start Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday against the division-rival Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, according to manager Stephen Vogt. Cobb began the 2024 season on the injured list with the San Francisco Giants and ended up making only three regular-season starts for Cleveland after they acquired him in a trade from the Giants. The 37-year-old veteran allowed just seven runs (five earned) on 14 hits while walking three and striking out 10 over 16 1/3 innings in his three starts for Cleveland and will now make his first postseason start on Wednesday since 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Cobb finished the 2024 campaign on the injured list with recurring blister issues on his right hand. Given the fact that he only made three starts this year, Cobb figures to be on a short leash and won't be a recommended DFS play.
Yesterday
Tyler Freeman Removed From ALDS Roster With Injury
The Cleveland Guardians removed infielder Tyler Freeman (oblique) from the American League Division Series roster on Monday due to a strained left oblique and added utility man Angel Martinez to the roster to replace him. Freeman injured his oblique during a simulated game recently and now will be ineligible to play in the ALCS if the Guardians advance past the division-rival Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. The 25-year-old utility man was in his third year with Cleveland in 2024 and finished the regular season hitting just .209 (69-for-330) with a career-high seven home runs, 32 RBI, 11 steals and 48 runs scored in a career-high 118 games played. Martinez, 22, will serve in a bench role for the Guardians for the rest of the ALDS. The switch-hitter batted .232/.298/.338 with three homers and three stolen bases in 43 games in 2024.
Yesterday
Guardians Resting Kyle Manzardo, Bo Naylor
Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo, catcher Bo Naylor and outfielder Will Brennan will all start on the bench for Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday versus the division-rival Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. The Guardians are going to go with a right-handed-heavy lineup against the best pitcher in the AL this year in Skubal. David Fry is serving as the designated hitter and batting second, Austin Hedges is doing the catching and hitting eighth, and Jhonkensy Noel is in right field and in the six-hole against Skubal. Fry, a first-time All-Star in 2024 in just his second big-league season, is the most attractive DFS sleeper in this tough matchup. He hit .263/.356/.448 with an .804 OPS, 14 homers, 51 RBI and 44 runs scored in 122 games during the regular season. Fry has one hit in three career at-bats versus Skubal, while Hedges has gone 3-for-8 with an RBI and a strikeout.
Yesterday
Andrew Painter To Pitch In Arizona Fall League
The Philadelphia Phillies will send right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter (elbow), the team's top pitching prospect and No. 32 overall in MLB, to the Arizona Fall League so that he can face live hitters before the offseason. Painter is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and started throwing off a mound back in July. The 21-year-old will be pitching in games for the first time in 2022. The former 13th overall pick in 2021 stands at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds and should make his major-league debut at some point in 2025 if he can avoid the injury bug. Painter features a legitimate four-pitch mix on the mound with a fastball that can touch triple digits. He also has a two-seam fastball, a put-away slider and a curveball in his repertoire. Painter's size, stuff and feel for pitching has ace potential at the next level for the Phillies.
Yesterday
Kerry Carpenter Not In Game 2 Lineup Against A Lefty
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter will take a seat in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians and left-hander Matthew Boyd. With Carpenter on the bench as usual against a lefty starter, Justyn-Henry Malloy will serve as the team's designated hitter and will bat leadoff against Boyd. Carpenter should be back in the starting lineup on Wednesday when the series shifts to Comerica Park in Detroit against Cleveland right-hander Alex Cobb. Carpenter hit just .107 (3-for-28) in a small sample size against lefties in 2024 with just one of his 18 home runs in 32 plate appearances. Malloy will be a DFS sleeper in the leadoff spot with his .203 average (41-for-202) on the year and eight home runs and 21 RBI in 71 games in his rookie season.
Yesterday
