Kansas City Royals left-hander Sam Long (hand) returned to Cactus League action on Wednesday versus the Seattle Mariners and threw a scoreless inning while giving up one hit, walking none and striking out none. It was Long's third outing of spring training but his first since he was hit by a line drive on his left hand on March 3. The 29-year-old southpaw thankfully avoided a break in his hand and will be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, although he's not guaranteed a spot in the Opening Day bullpen out of camp. The former 18th-round selection by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 out of California State University of Sacramento has four years of major-league experience and posted a career-low 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, one save, a career-high 44 strikeouts and 17 walks in 42 2/3 relief innings for KC in 2024.
Kansas City Royals left-handed pitcher Sam Long (hand) threw a bullpen session on Thursday. Long was hit by a line drive on Monday but avoided any serious injuries. While his hand was still sore, the southpaw was able to throw his first session, which was a positive sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team may opt to move him through a slower progression. If he faces any delays in his recovery, he could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a solid 3.16 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 42 2/3 innings of relief. He tallied 44 strikeouts with one save. When healthy, he will compete for a middle relief role in the bullpen.
Oakland Athletics left-hander Sam Long will serve as the opener on Friday against the Boston Red Sox, with right-hander Luis Medina working as the bulk reliever. It will be Long's first start of the season and only the 12th of his career in three MLB seasons. He's been decent for Oakland in 25 appearances out of the bullpen in 2023, posting a 3.66 ERA (4.20 FIP), two saves, a 1.22 WHIP, 11 walks and 23 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. The 27-year-old southpaw has been especially tough on left-handers, but he won't be a streaming option in fantasy as the opener. Medina shouldn't be looked at as a fantasy option either, as the 24-year-old Dominican has a poor 6.37 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 11 appearances (eight starts) for the A's in 2023.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sam Long picked up his second save of the year Sunday, closing out the Milwaukee Brewers in an 8-6 victory. Long came in after Trevor May loaded the bases and walked in a run with two outs in the ninth. He proceeded to give up a two-run single, but got a ground out to end it and earn the save. The 27-year-old has performed well this season, pitching to a 2.96 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 17 strikeouts in 24 IP. The problem is, no one in Oakland has more than two saves, and they have eight total. It may be best to just avoid their bullpen altogether.
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Sam Long will draw the start for Friday's game against the San Diego Padres. The left-hander will get the starting assignment for what looks to be a bullpen game for the Giants. Long is posting a stellar 1.78 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 19/8 K/BB ratio across 30 1/3 innings this season. Despite his solid numbers, he'll be a risky streaming option for Friday. The Padres have a strong lineup and it's uncertain how deep Long will pitch into the game. Fantasy managers can stream Long at their own risk.
The San Francisco Giants have named left-hander Sammy Long the team's starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old has made three appearances so far this year, all coming in relief. He's pitched a total of 2.2 innings, allowing one walk, no hits and no runs while striking out three. He made his first five MLB starts for the team last year. He notched a quality start in his first MLB start, but mostly struggled after that. Over 12 total appearances and 40.2 innings last year, he had a 5.53 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Sammy Long did not offer much resistance as the bulk reliever in Sunday's 9-0 loss to the Braves. Long pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with three strikeouts. The 26-year-old has spent time as a starter and out of the bullpen this season but has a 5.63 ERA to show for it over 38 1/3 IP. He offers little fantasy value at this time.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Sammy Long improved to 2-1 in Tuesday's 8-0 win over the Mets. Long pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits and a walk with four strikeouts. The 26-year-old has been in and out of the starting rotation with the Giants and now has a 4.81 ERA through 33 2/3 innings pitched with the big-league team. It remains to be seen if and when Long will make his next start with Anthony DeSclafani (ankle) potentially rejoining the team this weekend. Long holds some fantasy intrigue in dynasty leagues, but his current role with the team is too uncertain to warrant fantasy attention in single-season leagues.
The San Francisco Giants officially named Sammy Long the team's starting pitcher for Tuesday's game against the New York Mets. He will be filling in for Anthony DeSclafani (ankle), who was placed on the injured list over the weekend. The 26-year-old Long was recalled from Triple-A this past weekend. The lefty has made eight appearances (four starts) with the Giants this year and has pitched to a 5.72 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP while maintaining a 25% strikeout rate. He'll need to pitch well in order to hold onto his roster spot on the team.
San Francisco Giants left-hander Sammy Long is expected to start Tuesday's game against the New York Mets, manager Gabe Kapler said. Long, recalled on August 22, has had a few stints with the Giants this season with mixed results. Across eight games and four starts, he has a 5.72 ERA and a 25.0 K% in 28.1 IP but does have a 1.95 ERA in the minors this season. If Long does start, he can be streamed in deep leagues by managers needing a starting pitcher against an underachieving Mets lineup.
