MLB News
Jose Quintana To Start Game 4 Against Dodgers
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Tuesday that veteran left-hander Jose Quintana will make the start in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday at Citi Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After Quintana, nothing is official, but right-hander Kodai Senga is the most logical candidate to start Game 5 after he got the nod in Game 1 on Sunday. In two starts this postseason against the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies, Quintana has been lights-out for the Mets, allowing one run (zero earned) on six hits while walking three and fanning 11 in 11 innings. The 35-year-old southpaw also allowed only two earned runs in his four starts in September. In his lone start against LA in 2024 in New York back on May 28, Quintana had a quality start, giving up three earned runs with no walks and three K's in six innings of work.
3 hours ago
David Banuelos Staying With Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with catcher David Banuelos on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training next year, according to a source. Banuelos spent most of the 2024 season on the team's taxi squad. The 28-year-old backstop did make his major-league debut in 2024 but had just one at-bat. Down on the farm in 22 games with Triple-A Norfolk, he hit .225/.361/.352 with a .713 OPS, two home runs, 11 RBI and 11 runs scored in 86 trips to the plate. The former fifth-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2017 out of Cal State Long Beach will most likely return to Norfolk in 2025 after re-signing with the organization and will continue to serve as catching depth down on the farm.
3 hours ago
J.D. Martinez Likely To Be In Game 3 Lineup
New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez is likely to be in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday at Citi Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Walker Buehler, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. In the first two games of the NLCS, the left-handed-hitting Jesse Winker has gotten the nod for the Mets at DH, but Martinez will make his first start of the series on Wednesday after going 4-for-14 (.286) with three RBI, two walks and a run scored in six games (three starts) in this year's postseason. The 37-year-old has faced Buehler just three times before in his career and has struck out twice. The six-time All-Star hit just .235 (102-for-434) in 120 games for the Mets during the regular season but did provide 16 homers and 69 RBI.
3 hours ago
Hunter Harvey, James McArthur, Chris Stratton Expected To Be Ready Next Year
Kansas City Royals relief pitchers Hunter Harvey (back), James McArthur (elbow) and Chris Stratton (forearm) are all expected to be healthy entering spring training next February after ending 2024 on the injured list. Stratton holds a $4.5 million player option for next season. Harvey began the year with the Nationals and had a rough 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP with one save in only 5 2/3 innings for the Royals before being shut down in late September. McArthur began the year as KC's primary closer but eventually lost the job and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain in his right elbow in mid-September. He had a career-high 18 saves but also an ERA just under 5.00. Stratton, who has a right flexor strain, also underwhelmed in 2024 with a 5.55 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and four saves in 58 1/3 innings in his first year with the Royals.
3 hours ago
Adam Frazier To Have Thumb Surgery
Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Adam Frazier (thumb), who has an $8.5 million mutual option for the 2025 season (with a $2.5 million buyout), is having surgery on his right thumb this week, according to general manager J.J. Picollo. Frazier strained his thumb in June and received an injection to speed up the recovery process, but he didn't miss any time the rest of the year. Barring a setback over the winter, the 32-year-old veteran should be ready to go for the start of spring training next February. The nine-year MLB veteran will be a utility player for the Royals again in 2025 if he decides to exercise his option and return for a second season in KC. Fantasy-wise, Frazier isn't relevant in mixed leagues at this point in his career after slashing a weak .202/.282/.294 with a career-low .576 OPS in 104 games in 2024. He added only four home runs, 22 RBI and 35 runs scored.
4 hours ago
Alex Cobb Removed From ALCS Roster With Back Injury
The Cleveland Guardians removed right-hander Alex Cobb (back) from the American League Championship Series roster on Tuesday due to an acute left lower-back strain and replaced him on the roster with right-hander Ben Lively. Cobb made the start for Cleveland in the 5-2 loss on Monday in Game 1 of the ALCS in the Bronx and he gave up three runs on five hits while walking three in just 2 2/3 innings. If the Guardians advance to the World Series, the 37-year-old veteran won't be eligible to rejoin the roster. Cobb had a 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP during the regular season, but he made only three total starts due to multiple injuries and will now be shut down until 2025. Lively went 13-10 with a 3.81 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, a career-high 118 K's and 49 walks over his 29 starts. He could make a start for the Guardians later in this series against the New York Yankees.
4 hours ago
Anthony Rizzo Starting Again In Game 2
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is making a second straight start at first base and will hit eighth for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium against the Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Tanner Bibee. Rizzo fractured a couple fingers on his right hand when he was hit by a pitch on the second-to-last regular season game and wasn't included on the roster for the AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals. The 35-year-old returned for the Game 1 win over the Guardians on Monday, though, and went 1-for-3 with a walk in the 5-2 victory. The Yankees pulled Rizzo early on Monday as a precaution. The fact that he's back in the lineup for Game 2 means he didn't suffer a setback with his fingers. In two career at-bats against Bibee, Rizzo has a single. Rizzo's DFS fantasy appeal will be lowered as long as he continues to hit near the bottom of the lineup.
4 hours ago
Luke Weaver Slams The Door On Cleveland In Game 1
New York Yankees closer Luke Weaver earned his fourth save of the 2024 postseason after a five-out appearance in Monday's 5-2 victory over the Guardians. The 31-year-old came on with one out in the eighth inning after three straight singles from Cleveland hitters, getting the next two batters out to end the rally. He then walked the first batter in the ninth, but struck out the next three, recording four strikeouts total and earning the save. Weaver has been excellent in the postseason, having yet to allow a run while posting a 0.50 WHIP and a 1:9 BB:K over six innings pitched. When you have designs on making a World Series run, this is just the type of dominance you need out of your closer. The Yankees lead the NLCS series 1-0 with the next game to be played Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.
6 hours ago
Giancarlo Stanton Mashes Home Run In Game 1
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton hit a 439-foot solo home run in Monday's series-opening 5-2 win over the Guardians, his second of this postseason. The 34-year-old finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored. After going 0-for-4 in Game 1 versus the Royals in the NLDS, the 5x All-Star has collected at least one hit in each of the last four games, going 7-for-19 (.368) overall in the postseason including two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, three runs scored, a stolen base, and a 3:2 BB:K. The veteran will look to keep rolling in Tuesday's matchup versus Tanner Bibee, who Stanton has yet to face in his career to this point.
6 hours ago
Juan Soto Hits First Postseason Home Run Of 2024 In Win
New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto got the scoring started on Monday versus the Guardians, putting the team up 1-0 with his first home run of the postseason on the way to a 5-2 series-opening win. The 25-year-old went 2-for-3 in the contest with a walk, an RBI, and one run scored. Through five playoff games, the superstar is 6-for-17 (.353) with three RBI, two runs scored, and a 4:5 BB:K. Soto has been a constant offensive force in pinstripes this season and he'll look to keep rolling on Tuesday when the 4x All-Star squares off with Cleveland's Tanner Bibee, a righty who he is 1-for-2 off of with a walk in his career.
7 hours ago
Edwin Diaz Strikes Out Three, Earns Save On Monday
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz earned a four-out save in Monday's 7-3 victory over the Dodgers, his second save of this postseason. The 30-year-old squashed a potential Dodgers rally in the eighth, coming on with two outs and two baserunners on, getting a flyout to end the threat. The ninth inning had its usual uneasiness for Diaz though, with the first two hitters reaching base, one via hit and one via walk, but Diaz settled down and struck out the next three hitters to close the door on Los Angeles. The veteran closer will want to clean up the 1.93 WHIP through four 2024 postseason appearances to better the Mets' chances of moving on, but 10 strikeouts in four-and-two-thirds IP certainly helps limit potential damage.
8 hours ago
Francisco Lindor Hits Leadoff Home Run In Win
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor set the tone in Monday's 7-3 victory over the Dodgers with a leadoff home run. The 30-year-old fought through an eight-pitch at-bat, fouling off three straight two-strike pitches before sending a Ryan Brasier cutter over the fence. The switch hitter finished 1-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored in the contest, which has been much of the same over the course of this postseason. The 4x All-Star has just a .235 average (8-for-34), but with an 8:8 BB:K he's sporting a strong .372 OBP with seven RBI and eight runs scored. He'll look to continue his clutch hitting Wednesday in New York versus Walker Buehler, who he is 1-for-2 off of in his career with the one hit coming via a home run.
8 hours ago
Sean Manaea Fans Seven In Game 2 Victory
New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea improved to 2-0 this postseason across three starts after Monday's 7-3 Game 2 victory over the Dodgers, evening the series 1-1. The southpaw went five innings and although only two hits were allowed, he yielded four walks in the outing while striking seven batters. Three runs were charged to Manaea but only two were earned runs. The 32-year-old concluded the regular season having arguably the best campaign of his career and has parlayed that success into the postseason. Through his three 2024 playoff starts, the veteran is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 15.9% K-BB%. If the series goes at least six games or the Mets head to the World Series, the lefty should receive another start. Either way, his fine regular season that ended with a 1.08 WHIP, 3.97 SIERA, and 9.12 K/9 proved he was still a quality fantasy asset which should carry over to next year.
8 hours ago
Carlos Rodon Wins Game 1 Over Guardians, Strikes Out Nine
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon was on his game in the team's Game 1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night at Yankee Stadium in the American League Championship Series by a score of 5-2. Rodon was on point, going six innings while allowing only one earned run on a solo home run by Brayan Rocchio and striking out nine. He didn't walk a single batter. The 31-year-old southpaw was missing bats with regularity in the Bronx and picked up his first career postseason victory with the outstanding effort. Rodon was much sharper than in his start in Game 2 of the AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, when he allowed four runs on seven hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings in a loss. Don't look now, but Rodon now has zero walks and 16 strikeouts in his two playoff appearances this fall. Rodon pitched one of his best games in pinstripes at a very opportune time.
20 hours ago
Javier Baez Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) is expected to be part of workouts in spring training in February after having surgery on his hip, according to president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Despite Baez's massive decline since joining the Tigers, the team still sees a role for him, particularly if his surgery helps him move more like he did when he was younger. The 31-year-old's 2024 season ended early in early September when he had surgery on his right hip. Perhaps his hip injury was part of the reason why he was atrocious again this year with a .184/.221/.294 slash line, six home runs, 37 RBI and eight stolen bases in just 80 games played. Since joining the Tigers in 2022, Baez has hit .221/.263/.347 with a .610 OPS, 32 homers, 163 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 360 games. He still has three years and $73 million left on his deal, but regular playing time won't be guaranteed to Baez in 2025.
21 hours ago
Nestor Cortes Left Off ALCS Roster
New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes (elbow) was left off the roster for the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, but manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that he's "really excited" about where Cortes is at in his rehab from a flexor strain in his left elbow. Cortes could throw to live hitters by the weekend and could be in play to return to the roster if the club advances past the Guardians and to the World Series. The fact that the 29-year-old southpaw has been sidelined by the injury since late September means that he will likely only be available in a relief role out of the bullpen if the Yankees advance to the World Series. The Cuban hurler allowed five earned runs in four innings in his first start of September but then settled down to allow only one run while walking seven and fanning 18 in his final three outings (two starts) over 15 1/3 innings before being shut down with his flexor strain.
21 hours ago
Mark Vientos Has Grand Performance In Game 2 Win Over Dodgers
New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos stepped up in a big way in the 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium to even the series at 1-1. Vientos finished the game 2-for-5 with four RBI and a run scored. The Dodgers walked Francisco Lindor with two outs and two runners on in the second inning with first base open, and Vientos made the Dodgers pay with a grand slam to blow it open early on. The 24-year-old came into this game swinging a hot bat in his first exposure to the playoffs, going 12-for-32 (.375) with two home runs, two doubles, seven RBI, two walks and five runs scored in eight games played. He also had a career year in 2024 in his first full season in the big leagues, slashing .266/.322/.516 with an .837 OPS, 27 homers and 71 RBI in 111 games. The Dodgers might give Vientos a little more respect the rest of the series.
22 hours ago
Luis Severino To Start Game 3 Against Dodgers In NLCS
New York Mets right-hander Luis Severino flew ahead of the team back to New York before his Game 3 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series on Wednesday at Citi Field. Severino will head into Wednesday's start after allowing three earned runs in six innings for a quality start and a no-decision in Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He also walked none and struck out seven. He had another quality start in his win in Game 1 of the Wild-Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, giving up three earned runs in six innings while walking two and striking out three. Dating back to the final month of the regular season, Severino has quality starts in six of his last seven starts, so he's been pitching well heading into a showdown with one of the best offenses in baseball on Wednesday. Severino didn't face the Dodgers at all in 2024.
22 hours ago
Clayton Kershaw Plans To Continue Pitching In 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (toe) said on the FOX pre-game show before Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Monday at Dodger Stadium against the New York Mets that he plans to pitch again next year. "Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great. Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don't want to have surgery and shut it down. So I'm gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes," Kershaw said. The 36-year-old three-time Cy Young winner only made seven starts (30 innings) this year after returning from his shoulder surgery and was shut down in late August due to a bone spur in his left big toe. The future Hall of Famer can still be useful when healthy in fantasy, but the injuries are piling up and he's not getting any younger.
22 hours ago
Walker Buehler To Start In Game 3 Of NLCS
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Monday that right-hander Walker Buehler will make the start in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday at Citi Field against the New York Mets. Buehler will look to be much better than he was his last time out in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres last week, when he gave up six runs in five innings without a strikeout. It was a rough 2024 season for the 30-year-old two-time All-Star after returning from Tommy John surgery, as he went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA (5.54 FIP), a 1.55 WHIP and a 64:28 K:BB in 75 1/3 innings over his 16 starts during the regular season. His strikeout rate (18.6%) was a career-low, while his 8.1% walk rate was his highest mark since his rookie season in 2017. Buehler will certainly be a risky DFS play on the road on Wednesday.
22 hours ago
