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Willson Contreras Won't Return in Series Finale
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (hand) is missing a sixth straight game in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, per MLB.com. Nick Sogard is making another start at first base and will bat out of the leadoff spot against Guardians right-hander Daniel Espino. Contreras was hit by a pitch on his right hand in last Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers. X-rays came back negative, but Boston has elected to give him some extra rest with the postseason starting next week. We would expect Contreras to return during this weekend's series at home against the Chicago Cubs. The four-time All-Star has hit a career-high 27 home runs while driving in 81 runs in 129 games across 533 plate appearances, but he has only played in four games in September after hitting only .217 (18-for-83) with three homers, 11 walks, and 26 strikeouts in 23 games in August. The Red Sox will need Contreras, who has been one of their most consistent hitters for the majority of the 2026 season, in top form if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
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Jacob Lombard Shows Upside Potential, Downside Risk in First Season
Miami Marlins infield prospect Jacob Lombard's first taste of professional baseball was a mixed bag while playing for Single-A Jupiter. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect hit four home runs, stole 11 bases, and registered a 13.1 percent walk rate in 22 games for the Hammerheads. He also propelled the team to the Florida State League playoffs (which they went on to win) by hitting a go-ahead home run with the team down to its final strike of the season, then went 5-for-14 (.357) with a pair of home runs during the playoffs. The downside was that he hit just .220 during the regular season, due largely to an astronomical 39.4 percent strikeout rate. If the 2026 first-round draft pick can make progress in that area next season, he should see time at High-A and perhaps even Double-A by season's end. At just 18 years old, it will be a few years before he debuts in the majors, but there is plenty of upside here to make him a worthy stash in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ceddanne Rafaela Back in Boston's Lineup
Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is starting in center field and batting sixth for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Daniel Espino, according to MLB.com. Rafaela returned from a stay on the injured list due to a quadriceps injury but was pulled on Wednesday night against the Guardians with tightness in his hamstring. An MRI exam on Thursday morning apparently ruled out anything concerning, and the power/speed threat and starting center fielder is back in action for the final game of the series at Fenway Park. It is great news for the Red Sox, who did not want to head into the start of the postseason next week without their starting center fielder. The 26-year-old will now have four games to try to set a new career-high mark in home runs, as he enters Thursday's action with 16 homers, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, 67 runs scored, and a .284/.319/.444 slash line in 536 at-bats this year. Rafaela was a first-time All-Star this year in his third full season in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Cannarella Displays Power Potential, Eyes 2027 MLB Debut
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella tore through the Miami farm system this season on his way to Triple-A, logging just 19 games at High-A, then only 34 at Double-A before earning the promotion to the minors' highest level. Although his strikeout rate spiked from 12.9 percent at the lower levels to 23.8 percent while at Jacksonville, the Marlins' sixth-ranked prospect maintained a strong walk rate of 14.1 percent and still hit .282 with an .813 OPS to go along with three home runs and 11 steals in 45 games with the Jumbo Shrimp. In all, he hit 15 home runs across all three levels, not bad for someone who doesn't have a highly rated power tool, so it's something to keep an eye on in 2027. If the 23-year-old can continue to produce home runs to go with his penchant for contact and a keen eye, not to mention his plus speed, there could be a valuable fantasy asset here who would be on the verge of making his MLB debut next year.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ike Irish Returns from Injury, Will Head to Arizona Fall League
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Ike Irish (knee) was enjoying his first full season of professional baseball earlier this year while playing for High-A Fredericksburg. The former first-round draft pick had really heated up before a torn left meniscus ended his season in late July. The Orioles' fifth-ranked prospect batted .361 with nine doubles, a triple, seven home runs, and nine steals over his final 26 games before the injury. The hot stretch pushed his season-long slash line to .286/.388/.528 with 16 home runs and 20 steals in just 76 games for the Keys. The left-handed hitter recently returned to the diamond and will head to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time. As such, he should be fully healthy come spring and looks ready to spend much of the 2027 season at Double-A. He likely won't make his major league debut until 2028, but the 22-year-old has shown good contact, plenty of power, and an ability to steal bases despite not having a ton of speed, so his dynasty arrow is pointing way up for the potential to impact multiple fantasy categories.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Liam Doyle Finishes 2026 on a High Note
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Liam Doyle capped off his 2026 season with a strong start in the Double-A Texas League Championship on Wednesday, allowing just one run (zero earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out six batters in five innings of work. It followed his earlier playoff start in which the left-hander gave up just one earned run on no hits and five walks while striking out eight batters in only 3 2/3 innings pitched. The former fifth-overall draft pick spent the entirety of the 2026 regular season at Double-A Springfield, recording a 3.76 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 17.6 percent K-BB% in 23 starts (130 K in 103 IP). His performance this year puts the Cards' top pitching prospect on track for Triple-A in 2027 and a possible MLB debut at some point next year. If there is one criticism, it is that his walk rate remained elevated throughout the season, coming in at 12.5 percent, but so long as the 6-foot-2 hurler can keep striking out batters at a high clip, then it shouldn't get in the way of moving up the ladder. The 22-year-old remains a strong dynasty stash.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Charlie Condon Eyes 2027 Debut After 27-Homer Campaign
Colorado Rockies corner infield/outfield prospect Charlie Condon capped off a strong 2026 season by smacking a home run in his final game of the year. The Rockies' third-ranked prospect finished with 27 long balls in 130 games played, while batting .273 with a stellar .390 on-base percentage thanks to a 13.2 percent walk rate. The former third-overall draft pick continued to strike out at a high rate of 25.1 percent, though that isn't that out of the ordinary for a guy who has as much power as he does. The 6-foot-5 slugger surprisingly never got the call to the majors this year despite a few very hot stretches of production, but that doesn't mean he won't be in the mix for a roster spot in 2027. The 23-year-old has a shot to make the team out of camp next year, and even if he doesn't, expect him to be one of the first high-profile prospect names called up in 2027. The strikeouts could make him a batting-average risk for fantasy, but the pop he possesses will play well at Coors Field, and the right-handed hitter is still a solid dynasty investment.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Theo Gillen Shows Off Multi-Category Potential in 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Theo Gillen recorded a strong 2026 season, one that began at High-A and finished at Double-A. The Rays' second-ranked prospect was promoted to Double-A after 57 games at High-A, and despite a dip in batting average from .342 to .288, he did not appear to be overmatched. The former first-rounder's strikeout rate actually improved there, from 23.8 percent to 19.8 percent, while his walk rate remained steady. All in all, the 6-foot-2 slugger slashed .315/.419/.546 with 22 home runs and 44 steals in 116 games and moved all the way up to No. 12 on MLB.com's top prospects list. His type of all-around skill set makes the left-handed hitter a valuable dynasty asset, and he'll have his sights set on Triple-A next year. Once he's knocking on the door to the major leagues, which could be as soon as later next season, even redraft managers should be keeping a close eye on him.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kevin Gausman Unsure When he Might Pitch Again
Chicago Cubs veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) said his left shoulder is still sore from the diving play he made at third base in the loss to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Gausman is getting treatment, but he would not predict his availability to pitch in the wild-card series next week. The 35-year-old is now up in the air as an option to pitch for the Cubbies in Game 1 of the wild-card series next week against an undetermined opponent. In his final regular-season start of 2026 on Wednesday night, Gausman allowed two earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision. He had a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays to begin the year before being traded to the Cubs at the deadline in early August. Gausman was not quite as good in nine starts with Chicago, going 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 57:11 K:BB in 50 1/3 innings pitched.
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Sandy Alcantara Will Not Start This Weekend
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said on Thursday that right-hander Sandy Alcantara will not make one more start this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Stephen Strom. However, Alcantara, who picked up another save in the win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night, will continue to be available out of the bullpen. Alcantara is 100% healthy, but McCullough said he felt like it was the right time to give the right-hander a breather with the season coming to an end this weekend. Going into Thursday's series finale against Chicago, the 31-year-old Dominican has gone 13-11 on the year with a 3.89 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 152 strikeouts and 59 walks in a league-high and career-high 213 innings pitched across 35 appearances (33 starts). Although he will not make another start this week, Alcantara could still help fantasy managers vying for a championship if he continues to work as a high-leverage reliever in save situations with regular closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) done for the season.
Source: Stephen Strom
Source: Stephen Strom
Ceddanne Rafaela Undergoing MRI Exam on his Hamstring
Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is undergoing an MRI exam on Thursday on his injured right hamstring, manager Chad Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. In his return from a quadriceps injury on Wednesday that had landed him on the injured list, Rafaela was pulled from the contest against the Cleveland Guardians with tightness in his right hamstring. The Red Sox are hoping it was just a cramping issue, but we will know for sure at some point on Thursday. Fantasy managers should not expect the starting center fielder to be back in action for Thursday's series finale against the Guardians at Fenway Park, but hopefully Rafaela will be ready to return for Friday's series opener against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2026 and is currently slashing a healthy .284/.319/.444 with a .763 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across his 136 games played. If Rafaela can return before the end of the weekend, he will have a chance to set a new career high in home runs.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Xavier Edwards Remains Out of Marlins' Lineup
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) continues to sit for Thursday's series finale at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, per MLB.com. Jared Serna will make the start at the keystone for the Fish and will bat eighth against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. The 27-year-old Edwards injured his thumb on Saturday against the San Diego Padres and has not played since. With the Marlins eliminated from postseason contention, they might elect to sit Edwards for the rest of the final week of the regular season. He has minimal power, but Edwards is a spark plug because of his speed and contact skills, and he is currently hitting .280/.360/.371 with a .730 OPS, a career-high six home runs, 52 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across 142 games played and 595 plate appearances in just his second full season in the majors. Edwards' next chance to return to the lineup will be in Friday's series opener in Miami against the division-rival Atlanta Braves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Logan Gilbert Struggling to Limit Power Down the Stretch of 2026
Across 182 innings (31 starts) in 2026, Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert has recorded a 12-11 record with a 3.81 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 197 strikeouts. While Gilbert has still been a very useful pitcher for fantasy managers, he hasn't been quite as dominant this season as he has been in his peak years. After posting a 32.3% strikeout rate in 2025, Gilbert's strikeout rate has fallen to 26.7% in 2026. The 29-year-old's numbers have taken a considerable hit lately, as he's posted a 6.65 ERA across 21 2/3 innings in September. Surrendering the long ball has been a major issue for Gilbert in the second half of the season. Across 56 1/3 innings (10 starts) since the beginning of August, Gilbert has allowed 14 home runs (2.20 HR/9). Heading into his final scheduled start of 2026 against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for the usually dependable Gilbert.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Merrill's Resurgent Second Half Has Continued Through September
Across 653 plate appearances in 2026, San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill is hitting .252/.300/.459 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases. The 23-year-old got off to a rough start to the year, hitting .219 with 10 home runs across 396 plate appearances before the All-Star break. However, Merrill has been red hot in the second half, hitting .300 with 16 homers across his last 261 trips to the plate. Merrill has been particularly key to San Diego's late-season surge as an offense, hitting .325 with four home runs, 16 RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases over his first 85 plate appearances in September. The star center fielder has lowered his strikeout rate this month to 18.8% while also posting elite barrel (19.7%) and hard-hit (62.1%) rates. Heading into San Diego's final weekend of the regular season, Merrill profiles as one of the top five-category producers in all of fantasy baseball.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Brown Riding Strikeout Hot Streak into Final Start of 2026
Across 102 innings (19 starts) in 2026, Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown has recorded a 6-3 record with a 3.26 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts. The 28-year-old got off to a rough start to the year, missing over two months with a shoulder injury and posting a 4.94 ERA across 27 1/3 innings in July. However, Brown has begun to rediscover his top form in recent outings. Across his last 33 1/3 innings (six starts), Brown is 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts. Brown has had issues with command all year long, and his 11.9% walk rate has led to an elevated WHIP. However, he's boosted his strikeout rate all the way up to 28.1% and has struck out 39.1% of the batters he's faced across his first four starts of September. Heading into his final start of the regular season on Saturday against the Athletics, Brown is beginning to look like the fantasy ace he was drafted to be ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Bazzana a Priority Add Amid September Surge
Across 501 plate appearances in 2026, Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana is hitting .245/.337/.404 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases. The 24-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are underwhelming, as he's logged just a 4.8% barrel rate and a 36.2% hard-hit rate. However, Bazzana's 11.2% walk rate is impressive for a young player and helps him get on base consistently and use his speed. Bazzana has also been red-hot of late, hitting .288 with six home runs, 15 RBI, and 11 runs scored across 69 plate appearances in September. If the former top prospect is starting to grow into his power, he could begin to emerge as one of the better second base options for fantasy managers. In leagues where he's on the waiver wire, Bazzana should be a priority target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Bell a Reliable Run Producer to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 655 plate appearances in 2026, Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell is hitting .255/.317/.416 with 20 home runs, 92 RBI, 76 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 34-year-old may not have one clear standout skill, but he remains a steady source of power and run production. Bell has kept his strikeout rate manageable at 19.9% while still posting solid barrel (9.5%) and hard-hit (42.0%) rates. The veteran switch-hitter also remains locked into everyday playing time in the heart of the Twins lineup, putting him in a good position to rack up runs and RBI. Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, Bell profiles as a balanced producer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Coby Mayo Remains a Worthy Power Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 444 plate appearances in 2026, Baltimore Orioles third baseman/first baseman Coby Mayo is hitting .225/.293/.463 with 24 home runs, 63 RBI, 63 runs scored, and four stolen bases. Swing-and-miss is the obvious red flag in Mayo's profile, as he's struck out in 30.2% of his plate appearances. However, the 24-year-old brings significant power upside with a 13.7% barrel rate and a 47.6% hard-hit rate. Mayo has hit .265 with 12 home runs since the All-Star break, and he's established himself as an everyday presence in the heart of the Baltimore lineup. For fantasy managers in need of power, Mayo profiles as a priority target on the waiver wire heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carlos Lagrange Could Join Yankees' Playoff Roster
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange is "in the conversation" for a spot on the team's postseason roster for the wild-card series next week against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. The 23-year-old Dominican is the team's No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, and he has been ramping up his throwing program since coming off the seven-day injured list on Sept. 16 with a sprained right shoulder. Lagrange went 1-4 this year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, recording a 4.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 85:33 K:BB in 64 1/3 innings pitched across 19 appearances (11 starts). If Lagrange is pulled up to the Yankees' playoff roster, he would be making his major-league debut in the postseason in a relief role out of the bullpen. The 6-foot-7, 248-pounder has the tools to excel in high-leverage spots with an upper-90s fastball with armside run and multiple secondary pitches that can generate swings and misses consistently.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Kevin Gausman Comes out of Wednesday's Start With Shoulder Soreness
Chicago Cubs right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) came up wincing and in some apparent pain after diving to tag a runner out at third base during his start on Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the visiting Miami Marlins, according to Tony Andracki. Gausman was pulled from the game, but he was also at 101 pitches on the night. Manager Craig Counsell said that Gausman's left shoulder got extended awkwardly and "grabbed on him" on the play. He is now sore, and the Cubs will see how he feels in the next couple of days. Gausman is lined up to potentially start Game 1 or 2 next week in the wild-card series in the playoffs. The good news for the Cubs is that the injury is to the veteran's non-throwing arm as well. He came one out shy of a quality start for his fantasy managers on Wednesday, allowing two earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out seven in 5 2/3 frames for a no-decision. The 35-year-old veteran came into his final start of the regular season with a 9-12 record, 4.55 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 177 strikeouts in 172 innings pitched in 2026 with the Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays.
Source: Tony Andracki
Source: Tony Andracki
Anthony Volpe Could Play Some Third Base This Week
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that shortstop/second baseman Anthony Volpe could see some playing time at third base this week, per the Talkin' Yanks podcast. Volpe has mostly played shortstop in his MLB career, but he recently filled in at second base while Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was sidelined by a thumb injury. With Chisholm Jr. back, it appears that New York could work Volpe into the mix at third base. The Yankees have gotten underwhelming production at the hot corner from Ryan McMahon, who has hit .210 with 11 home runs across 356 plate appearances in 2026. Volpe's numbers don't appear much better on the surface, as he's hit .244/.321/.335 with two home runs, 26 RBI, 24 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 234 plate appearances. However, the 25-year-old has been better in September, hitting .263 with four stolen bases across 40 trips to the plate this month.
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Source: Talkin' Yanks
More News About Willson Contreras
