RADIO
Justin Smoak Out of the Lineup on Wednesday
5 days agoToronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (rest) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Rangers. The 32-year-old will get an off day as the recently called-up Rowdy Tellez will play first base and bat sixth against Rangers left-hander Kolby Allard. Smoak has struggled for a majority of the season, batting just .212 to go along with 19
home runs and 52 RBI through 98 games. Smoak is not worth owning in mixed leagues with uncertainty about his playing time with Tellez back on the Major League roster.Source: @BlueJays - Twitter
Vyncint Smith May Not Make Final Roster
5 days agoHouston Texans wide receiver Vyncint Smith is in danger of not making the team's final roster, according to Aaron Reiss of The Athletic. Smith has been consistently outperformed by Tyron Johnson, and if the Texans keep just five receivers, there's a good chance Smith doesn't make the roster. Smith had a couple of impressive moments at the end of last season and looked like a promising option to be Houston's backup outside receiver, but that's in danger now. Whoever wins this job has a chance to be fantasy relevant in deep leagues if either DeAndre Hopkins or Will Fuller misses time.Source: The Athletic - Aaron Reiss
Dustin May Earns First Career Win On Tuesday
5 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers starter Dustin May allowed one run on three hits across 5 2/3 innings of work during Tuesday's 15-1 win over the Miami Marlins. He struck out five batters while walking one. May has pitched marvelously over his first three starts, posting a 2.65 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 17 innings. The 21-year-old seems to have a bright future in front of him, but he'll have a tough task in his next projected start against the Atlanta Braves.Source: MLB.com
Carlos Carrasco Making Progress In Recovery
5 days agoCleveland Indians starter Carlos Carrasco (cancer) will throw to hitters on Friday, and then be re-evaluated this weekend to determine the next step on his recovery timetable. The 32-year-old has not pitched since late May but is progressing through his rehab after completing a pair of bullpen sessions on back-to-back days with no issues. It is unknown if Carrasco will be able to return to the team in 2019, but he is worth stashing in formats with multiple IL slots. Carrasco recorded a 4-6 record to go along with a 4.98 ERA prior to landing on the 60-day injured list.Source: Zack Meisel - Twitter
Cody Bellinger Swats 39th Home Run On Tuesday
5 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger was 1-for-5 with a solo home run during Tuesday's 15-1 dismantling of the Miami Marlins. Bellinger has cooled slightly, batting just .179 over his past seven games. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is slashing .316/.414/.663 on the season with 39 HRs, 90 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 93 runs scored. He is one of the most productive bats in baseball. Roll him out with confidence each night.Source: MLB.com
DJ LeMahieu Will Rest on Wednesday
5 days agoNew York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (rest) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles. The 31-year-old will get a routine day of rest in the series finale as Mike Ford will play first base and bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Dylan Bundy. LeMahieu should be owned in all fantasy formats and has made a strong case for himself as a candidate for the American League MVP award with totals of 19 home runs, 81 RBI, 84 runs scored, a .337 batting average and .920 OPS.Source: @Yankees - Twitter
Mark Melancon Notches First Save With Braves
5 days agoAtlanta Braves reliever Mark Melancon tossed a perfect ninth inning, and picked up two strikeouts, to close out Tuesday's 5-3 win over the New York Mets. The 34-year-old was a trade deadline acquisition from the San Francisco Giants and seemingly has the closer role for the foreseeable future. He has posted elite numbers in the past and is worthy of ownership in most formats considering how many wins the Braves pick up.Source: MLB.com
Max Fried Silences Mets On Tuesday
5 days agoAtlanta Braves starter Max Fried allowed one run on six hits across six innings of work during Tuesday's 5-3 win over the New York Mets. He struck out four batters while walking three. The 25-year-old now owns a stellar 14-4 record in 2019 to go along with a 3.99 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 126/38 K/BB rate. Fried has been a reliable piece of the Braves' rotation all season long. He will have a tough test in his next projected start against the decorated Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup.Source: MLB.com
Amari Cooper Dealing With a Plantar Fascia Issue
5 days agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper has been dealing with a plantar fascia problem. Cooper was reported with a heel problem, but it looks like it was the plantar fascia irritation all along. He's missed a week of practice already, but the team does not seem concerned about his Week 1 availability. The Cowboys should manage his reps going through the preseason, but as long as he doesn't have any setbacks, Cooper will be good to go for Week 1.Source: Mike Fisher of Maven Sports
Alex Bregman Returns to the Lineup
5 days agoHouston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (shoulder) is back in the Astros lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox. The 25-year-old will rejoin the lineup after sitting for both games of Tuesday's double header due to a sore shoulder. Bregman is slashing .469/.564/.938 with 11 RBI in August, making him a must start option whenever he is available. Bregman will play third base in his return and bat clean-up against White Sox left-hander Ross Detwiler.Source: Chandler Rome - Twitter
Josh Donaldson Tallies Three Hits In Win Over Mets
5 days agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson was 3-for-4 with an RBI during Tuesday's 5-3 win over the New York Mets. The veteran infielder is slashing .261/.377/.513 with 26 home runs, 69 RBI, and 67 runs scored this season. Donaldson has maintained a clean bill of health in 2019, which is always the key to his performance. He is deserving of ownership in almost all fantasy formats as he continues to produce in the potent Braves' lineup.Source: MLB.com
Ronald Acuna Continues To Terrorize Opposing Pitchers
5 days agoAtlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Tuesday's 5-3 win over the New York Mets. He now has seven HRs and 11 RBI over his past seven games. The 21-year-old has been monstrous this season, slashing .299/.378/.543 with 34 HRs, 81 RBI, 28 stolen bases and 101 runs scored. He is one of the most valuable players in fantasy baseball and can be started without question each night.Source: MLB.com
CC Sabathia Will Start on Sunday
5 days agoNew York Yankees starter CC Sabathia (knee) will be activated from the injured list and start on Sunday against the Indians after spending three weeks on the injured list with right knee inflammation. The 39-year-old has gone 5-6 with a 4.78 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts over 90 1/3 innings in 2019. Sabathia is not a recommended streaming option for his return this weekend against a hot Indians lineup, but is still a quality streaming option in favorable matchups down the stretch of the season.Source: Mike Mazzeo - Twitter
Jeff McNeil Likely Heading To Injured List
5 days agoNew York Mets infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (hamstring) will likely need to be placed on the 10-day injured list due to an injured left hamstring, with Mets officials waiting for MRI confirmation this afternoon. The 27-year-old came up limping after trying to beat out a ground ball in the ninth inning. McNeil has put up totals of 15 home runs, 55 RBI, 67 runs, four stolen bases, and a .332 batting average, which is the fourth highest total in the entire MLB. McNeil is worth stashing in most fantasy formats until he is ready to return.Source: Jon Morosi - Twitter
Robbie Ray is a Shaky Option Wednesday
5 days agoArizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray has a tough matchup on tap Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Ray is one of the best strikeout pitchers in all of baseball, but it's never easy navigating through the Rockies in their home park. The southpaw has fared reasonably well at Coors this year, pitching to a 1-1 record with a 4.35 ERA. If you are in need of strikeouts in a category league, Ray remains a must-start. For points leagues, he's a risky option.Source: MLB.com
Nick Ahmed Stays Hot Tuesday
5 days agoArizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed continued his torrid stretch on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies. Ahmed went 3-for-4 with a home run, triple and three RBI. It was the third straight game with a homer for the shortstop, who is now 6-for-12 during that stretch. Ahmed is no longer an all-glove type player, and he appears to have found his niche at the plate at a thin position in fantasy. If he is still on the waiver wire, consider picking him up.Source: MLB.com
Joe Ross Notches Win on Tuesday
5 days agoWashington Nationals right-hander Joe Ross stayed hot on Tuesday with a win over the Cincinnati Reds. Ross tossed 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on five hits to go along with three strikeouts. It was the third straight victory for the righty, who has appeared to have found a groove late in the season. He will take the mound again on Monday in a road start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.Source: MLB.com
Zac Gallen Escapes Coors Field Tuesday
5 days agoArizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen struggled on Tuesday but limited the damage against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Gallen allowed 10 baserunners in four innings of work, but he allowed just two runs and struck out three. Although he didn't qualify for the win, it was a reasonable outing in a tough pitching environment in terms of runs prevention. Gallen will take his impressive 2.58 ERA into his next start against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday or the Rockies again on Monday.Source: MLB.com
Jackie Bradley Jr. Homers In Second Straight Game
5 days agoBoston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. finished 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over Cleveland. His long ball was the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning. It's his second homer in as many nights and his 14th of the year. He's also driven in one run in four of his last five games. When he gets hot, it catches fantasy owners' attention, but when that streak ends, it's a long road back to relevancy. He's more of a DFS player right now than mixed league option.Source: MLB.com
Rafael Devers Goes 6-for-6 with Four Doubles
5 days agoBoston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers was a perfect 6-for-6 with four doubles and three runs batted in during Tuesday's 7-6 win over Cleveland. He made history with the performance, becoming the first player to record six or more hits and four or more doubles in one game. Devers also impressed with his exit velocity, with five of his six base knocks registering at least 103 mph off the bat. He leads all of MLB in batted balls with a 95 mph or more exit velocity with 197. It's been a career year for the 22-year-old. He's hitting .325 with a .947 OPS, 24 homers, 93 RBI, 43 doubles, and 97 runs scored. Devers' scorching hot bat must be utilized in every fantasy format possible.Source: MLB.com
Andrew Cashner Records First Career Major League Save
5 days agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Andrew Cashner flipped roles on Tuesday, coming in to close out a 7-6 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Cashner allowed a hit and struck out two in the appearance. Manager Alex Cora has been getting crafty with his bullpen usage recently, most notably with Nathan Eovaldi working exclusively out of the pen. However, with the plethora of off days for the Sox to close out August, Cashner will shift to the bullpen with hopes he'll be more effective. Brandon Workman blew his save chance in the ninth inning, so with Cashner can effectively enter his hat into the ring for future opportunities. Workman's fantasy stock certainly drops as Boston's closer, while the remainder of the bullpen isn’t an option because set roles are few and far between.Source: MLB.com
Chris Sale Becomes Fastest Player To 2,000 Strikeouts
5 days agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale struck out 12 over 6 2/3 innings, while allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks in Tuesday's 10-inning victory over the Indians. In the win, Sale accrued his 2,000th career punch out, making him the fastest player in baseball history to do so, needing just 1,626 innings to accomplish the feat. It's been a very interesting year for the southpaw, as he's 6-11 with a 4.40 ERA, 218 K, and a 1.09 WHIP in 147 1/3 innings. The Red Sox have two days off in the next week, so Sale will get the ball against the Phillies at home on Tuesday.Source: MLB.com
Jimmy Graham Returning To Previous Form
5 days agoGreen Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham seems to be returning to the previous form that he displayed earlier in his career. Graham has been working with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on both of their roles in the new offense, which culminated in a recent practice play. Graham displayed his ability to move on field, running a double move to get open on a route- catching a pass from Rodgers which was delivered perfectly for a 32-yard touchdown. Given the tight end landscape, Graham has a great chance to finish as a top ten option for fantasy owners.Source: Ryan Wood on Twitter
Aaron Rodgers Lined Up To Play Against Baltimore
5 days agoGreen Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is being lined up to play "a quarter or so" against the Baltimore Ravens in the second week of preseason. This game will be the first time that Rodgers will have played in the new offense installed by Matt LaFleur. A major difference that should be seen is that Rodgers is expected to operate mainly within the pocket. Fantasy owners will be watching with interest at the snaps that the first team takes, as the perceived offensive improvements are propping up the outlook of multiple players.Source: Wes Hodkiewicz on Twitter
Will Smith Notches 29th Save Of Season Tuesday
5 days agoSan Francisco Giants closer Will Smith picked up his 29th save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the A's. Smith started the ninth inning with a two-run lead and allowed three singles and walked a run in but also had three strikeouts. It wasn't the cleanest save, but he got the job done as he has all season long. Smith has converted 29 of 32 save opportunities and has a 2.55 ERA and a 12.91 K/9 rate. He has been one of fantasy's best closers this season and should be in owners' starting rosters at all times.Source: ESPN.com
Madison Bumgarner Strong On Hill Again Tuesday
5 days agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner was at it again in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the A's. MadBum went seven strong innings, allowing a single run on two hits (including a home run) and no walks with nine strikeouts. He has been excellent as the Giants have been pushing for a playoff spot and is now 8-7 with a 3.63 ERA, 154 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 158 2/3 IP. He will have another chance to dazzle in his next start on the road against the Diamondbacks.Source: ESPN.com
Anthony Santander Homers Tuesday, Stays Hot
5 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander continued to hit in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Yankees, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run. Santander took Domingo German deep in the fourth inning for his 11th long ball of the season. The 24-year-old has raked for the O's this season, posting a .303/.344/.517 slash line with 35 RBI in 254 plate appearances. At just 29% ownership, he is worth a waiver wire look as a nice guy to have on your bench as the fantasy playoffs approach.Source: ESPN.com
John Means Hit Hard By Yankees Again Tuesday
5 days agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means turned in another short start in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Yankees. Means lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits (including a home run) and two walks with one strikeout. Means has had to face the Yankees in both of his starts since returning from the IL and has not fared well. That being said, the Yankees are a very tough matchup and Means still has a respectable 3.76 ERA on the season. He will face a much easier matchup in his next start against the Royals.Source: ESPN.com
Carlos Santana's Homer Streak Continues
5 days agoBecoming less and less of a darkhorse MVP candidate with every homer he hits, Cleveland first baseman Carlos Santana homered in his third straight game, as the Indians lost to Boston in 10 innings. Santana now has 27 home runs on the year, with 72 RBI, and 85 runs scored and a .288 AVG. Cleveland gets another crack at Boston on Wednesday, with Boston to start Brian Johnson.Source: ESPN.com
Juan Soto Returns to Lineup With a Bang
5 days agoAfter leaving Washington's game on Sunday after injuring his ankle running the bases, 20-year-old superstar Juan Soto sat out on Monday before coming back on Tuesday night to hit a home run in the National's 3-1 victory over Cincinnati. Still not old enough to legally drink a beer, Soto now has 24 home runs in the sequel to his outstanding rookie year and is a top-15 hitter going forward.Source: ESPN.com
