Josh Fleming Making The Start For Pirates On Tuesday
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that left-hander Josh Fleming will make the start on Tuesday in Milwaukee to take on the division-rival Brewers. While Fleming has only allowed one earned run in 9 1/3 innings in his last six appearances (one start) for the Pirates, he hasn't started a game since June 16 against the Colorado Rockies and hasn't gone more than two innings in any of his last five appearances out of the bullpen, so fantasy managers would be wise to avoid the 28-year-old southpaw as a streamer, especially in a tough matchup against the National League Central leaders on the road. Fleming last appeared on Saturday against the New York Mets and threw two scoreless innings of relief while striking out one and walking none.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent left-hander Josh Fleming to a split one-year deal. The 27-year-old southpaw will make $850,000 if he's in the big leagues in 2024. The Pirates are planning to use him in a long-relief role, which won't give him much fantasy appeal for the rebuilding Bucs. Fleming went 2-0 in 2023 with a 4.70 ERA (5.66 FIP) and 1.45 WHIP with 19 walks and 25 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings over 12 appearances (three starts), and he has a career 4.88 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with one save and 144 strikeouts in 223 1/3 innings over 55 outings (22 starts) in four years with the Tampa Bay Rays. Elbow issues cost Fleming more than two months in 2023, and at best, he'll be a low-upside streamer in NL-only leagues if he makes any spot starts in Pittsburgh.
The Philadelphia Phillies have claimed left-hander pitcher Josh Fleming off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Fleming, 27, appeared in just 12 games with the Rays in 2023 and worked to a 4.70 ERA across 51 2/3 innings of work as three of his 12 outings came as starts. After tossing a healthy 2.78 ERA across 32 1/3 innings as a rookie in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the left-hander has largely scuffled in the big leagues, including a 6.43 ERA in 35 appearances in the 2022 season. He posted a 3.06 ERA across 64 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level in 2022 but regressed to a 4.35 ERA in 31 innings at Triple-A in the 2023 campaign. All told, Fleming owns a 4.88 ERA across 55 outings (22 starts) and 223 1/3 innings in the big leagues.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Josh Fleming (elbow) is scheduled to visit Dr. Keith Meister next week. There appears to be additional concern here as the Rays have decided to get Fleming's elbow evaluated in person. The fear is that Fleming could be forced to have season-ending Tommy John surgery. Fantasy managers will have to stay tuned for more information after his visit with the doctor. Fleming has been decent, posting a 4.62 ERA, 1.44 WHIP in 48.7 innings with the Rays this season.
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Josh Fleming is getting the nod as the starter on Sunday in the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, so the Rays won't be using an opener with their bullpen being worked a lot of late. Rookie Taj Bradley was expected to get the nod on Sunday, but the Rays have pivoted to Fleming. There's a chance Bradley is moved to Monday to face the Chicago Cubs. Fleming has appeared in 10 games for the Rays this year, but he's made only two starts, going a combined 1-0 with a 3.59 ERA (4.72 FIP), 1.31 WHIP, 17 walks and 21 K's in 42 2/3 innings. He hasn't been as good in his two starts, allowing five runs on 13 hits while walking three and fanning four in eight innings, so he won't be a very popular streamer against one of the best teams in baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Josh Fleming will get the start on Wednesday against the New York Mets. Many folks were expecting either right-handed rookies Taj Bradley or Cooper Criswell to be called up to make the start. There is an opening in the starting rotation because of Drew Rasmussen's (forearm) injury. Fleming will be going on regular rest on Wednesday after last throwing four innings (52 pitches) last Friday against the New York Yankees. Bradley or Criswell could be called up to work bulk innings on Thursday, or the Rays could go with a bullpen game. Fleming was solid last week and has a 4.26 ERA (4.79 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, 14 walks and 17 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings over eight appearances (one start).
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Josh Fleming is expected to work the bulk innings against the New York Yankees on Friday after right-hander Trevor Kelley opens up the ballgame for the Rays. For fantasy purposes, Fleming is much more attractive, albeit in a dicey matchup in the Bronx. Each of Fleming's last three appearances for Tampa have been in the bulk-reliever role. Over that span, the 26-year-old southpaw has allowed seven runs on 13 hits (two homers) while walking and eight and striking out four. That shouldn't inspire any confidence in fantasy managers to roll the dice on Fleming in his bulk outing on Friday against the Yankees. Overall, he has a 4.55 ERA (4.57 FIP), 1.48 WHIP, 13 walks and 15 K's in 27 2/3 innings pitched.
The Tampa Bay Rays are "highly confident" that southpaw Josh Fleming (foot) will pitch Sunday against the New York Yankees, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 26-year-old was forced to exit Tuesday's game after a line drive hit him on his left foot. Confirmation of Fleming's start should come on Friday after he pitches a bullpen session. The four-year vet has posted a 3.18 ERA with 14 strikeouts, a 1.32 WHIP, and no wins over six games (one start) and 22.2 innings. His fantasy value isn't anything special, considering his strikeout limitations and tendency to pitch in a piggyback role.
With Tampa Bay Rays incumbent ace Tyler Glasnow (oblique) starting the season on the injured list, southpaw Josh Fleming is making a case to fill the fifth rotation spot. Fleming made three starts last season and molded a 9.26 ERA with 11 strikeouts. The lefty has yet to make more than 11 starts in his three-year career, but he's got the longevity to become one. The 26-year-old spent quality time in Triple-A Durham, owning a 3.06 ERA over 10 starts. The Rays have certainly developed Fleming as a starter, but the lack of success playing that role raises some concerns. Despite these concerns, Tampa Bay is heavily considering Fleming to become the fifth starter. Other pitchers like Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos are potential candidates for the fifth spot.
The Tampa Bay Rays have activated relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen from the 10-day injured list on Monday. Feyereisen has been sidelined since July 21 with right shoulder discomfort, but was a productive member of the Rays bullpen prior to that. The right-hander started the season with the Milwaukee Brewers and between the two clubs, he has thrown to a 2.81 ERA with three saves in 42 games. In leagues that count holds, Feyereisen is worth a look. To make room for Feyereisen, the Rays have demoted pitcher Josh Fleming. Fleming has appeared in 22 games this season (11 starts) and is 10-6 with a 5.01 ERA. With rosters expanding in September, there is a good chance that he will be brought back up to the big-league squad. Even if he returns to the Rays, Fleming can be left on the waiver wire at the moment.
