RADIO
Willians Astudillo Homers In Return From Triple-A
1 week agoMinnesota Twins catcher Willians Astudillo had a big night in his return to the majors after being recalled from Triple-A. Astudillo got the start at second base and went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in the 9-4 loss. The 27-year-old is now hitting .267 with three homers, 17 runs, and 12 RBI in 116 at-bats. The Twins placed utility man Marwin Gonzalez on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, so Astudillo should see some playing time all over the field in the near future. Astudillo has fantasy eligibility at catcher and third base but could see second base added if he gets enough starts there. Of course, his chief fantasy value lies at the catcher positionSource: MLB.com
Kyle Gibson Roughed Up By Boston
1 week agoMinnesota Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson struggled in his Wednesday start against the Boston Red Sox. Gibson gave up six runs over 4 1/3 innings of work while striking out three and walking five. He took the loss, dropping his record to 7-4 with a 4.18 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings of work. Gibson has been a mostly reliable fantasy starter this season but he did himself in with his poor control in this one. He will look to bounce back in his next start, which will be on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. That will be another tough spot for him and a day to possibly consider benching him in fantasy.Source: MLB.com
Rich Hill Will Have MRI On Thursday
1 week agoUpdating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill (forearm) is scheduled to have an MRI on Thursday, manager Dave Roberts said. After the game Hill said that he doesn't believe the injury is series, while Roberts said he is "hopeful". Regardless of the outcome of the MRI, Hill is headed for the 10-day injured list. Julio Urias will start Thursday's game, a move originally made to give the rest of the rotation an extra day of rest. However, Hill's injury might mean Urias sticks around for a while.Source: MLB.com - Ken Gurnick
Chris Taylor Cracks Two Homers In Victory
1 week agoLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop Chris Taylor went 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs and four RBI with three runs scored in Wednesday's 9-2 victory against the San Francisco Giants. It was Taylor's first career multi-homer game. He is slashing just .235/.304/.429 with a .733 OPS across 196 at-bats. Taylor has struggled in the average department, but he is worth using in NL-only fantasy leagues while Corey Seager remains sidelined.Source: MLB.com - Ken Gurnick
Drew Pomeranz Hammered At Chavez Ravine
1 week agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz was hammered for seven earned runs, nine hits and a walk with four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in a loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He served up three homers while throwing just 57 of his 99 pitches for strikes, including 12 first-pitch strikes to the 23 batters he faced. He slipped to 2-7 with a 7.09 ERA and dismal 1.78 WHIP across 53 1/3 innings over 13 starts and the opposition is hitting .308 against him. Pomeranz should be avoided in all fantasy leagues at this point. His next scheduled start is tentatively set for Monday against the Colorado Rockies.Source: ESPN
Andrew Heaney Shaky In No-Decision
1 week agoLos Angeles Angels starting pitcher Andrew Heaney allowed five earned runs, four hits and four walks with two strikeouts over just 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. He threw 47 of his 80 pitches for strikes, while throwing 11 first-pitch strikes to the 19 batters he faced while also uncorking a wild pitch. He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 32 strikeouts with 10 walks and seven homers surrendered across 25 1/3 innings over his five outings. The homers have killed him, as he is actually holding the opposition to a .198 opponent batting average. If he can keep the ball in the yard he might emerge as a must-start fantasy option.Source: ESPN
Cesar Puello Traded To The Miami Marlins
1 week agoThe Los Angeles Angels traded outfielder Cesar Puello to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday for cash considerations. Puello was designated for assignment by the Halos on Monday when the team activated veteran Justin Upton (toe) from the 60-day injured list. Puello could be a nice offensive injection for the Marlins, as he was hitting .390 with a 1.183 OPS across 50 plate appearances with the Halos. If he is able to stick with the big club and see semi-regular at-bats, he will be worth a roster spot in NL-only fantasy leagues.Source: Los Angeles Angels PR on Twitter
Andrelton Simmons Continues Rehab In Utah
1 week agoLos Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (ankle) went 2-for-2 to kick off a minor-league rehab assignment with Class A Orem (Utah) on Tuesday, and he followed it up going 1-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's game for the Owlz. Simmons will have up to 20 days to rehab, putting him on track to return by early July at the latest. David Fletcher, Zack Cozart and Wilfredo Tovar have each worked to hold down the fort while Simmons has been on the shelf. Once Simmons returns it will be bad news for the fantasy prospects of Fletcher and Tovar.Source: MiLB.com
Tommy La Stella Gets Back On Track In Road Win
1 week agoLos Angeles Angels second baseman Tommy La Stella went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI in Wednesday's 11-6 road victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. La Stella is now slashing .295/.351/.510 with 15 homers, 41 RBI and an .862 OPS through 241 at-bats across 70 games. La Stella has been having a career season, but he entered this one mired in a bit of a slump. His two-hit game snapped a 2-for-24 skid to drop his average from .315 to .291. He remains useful in all AL-only fantasy leagues and most mixed formats as long as he continues to surprise with his power.Source: ESPN
Mike Trout Drives In Career-High Seven Runs
1 week agoLos Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout went 3-for-6 with a two-run homer and a grand slam in Wednesday's 11-6 road victory against the Toronto Blue Jays and he finished with a career-best seven RBI. It was the first time an Angels player drove in seven runs since Torii Hunter turned the trick on July 4, 2010. "This is the best I've felt all season, just getting a pitch to hit and not missing it. Just barreling the ball," Trout said. He is tied with New York Yankees designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion for the American League lead with 22 homers, including 10 over the past 19 games and four in the past four outings.Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Danny Santana Smacks Pinch-Hit Home Run
1 week agoTexas Rangers infielder/outfielder Danny Santana made a pinch-hitting appearance in the ninth inning Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians and hit his second pinch-hit homer of the season. He also accomplished the feat May 19 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He is the first Rangers player with multiple pinch homers in a single season since David Dellucci turned the trick back in 2005. It was the fourth pinch-hit homer for the Rangers this season, most since 2012 when they also had four. Santana has surprised by slashing .308/.344/.509 with six homers and 20 RBI, making him a useful only in AL-only fantasy play.Source: 105.3 FM The Fan - Jared Sandler
Joe Palumbo Punished In Second Career Start
1 week agoTexas Rangers starting pitcher Joe Palumbo allowed seven earned runs, six hits and three walks with one strikeout over just two innings in a loss against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday in his second career start. He also hit a batter while managing first-pitch strikes to just six of the 15 batters he faced. Manager Chris Woodward said the Indians sat on Palumbo's fastball and apparently learned from studying his first start against the Oakland A's. If he remains with the big club, his next scheduled start would come next Tuesday in Detroit.Source: ESPN
Jharel Cotton Throws From Flat Ground
1 week agoOakland Athletics starting pitcher Jharel Cotton (elbow, hamstring) threw a 10-pitch session on flat ground on Wednesday. He is making his way back from Tommy John surgery, as well as surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right hamstring. He will next work in a bullpen session on Saturday. "His hamstring feels good enough to where he can throw with a little more intensity," manager Bob Melvin said. "Probably coming along a little quicker with the hamstring than at least I originally anticipated." Fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with Cotton, as he isn't worth a roster spot at the moment.Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Marcus Semien Pushes Hitting Streak To 16 Games
1 week agoOakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-3 victory against the Baltimore Orioles, pushing his hitting streak to a career-high 16 games. He is hitting .388 (26-for-67) with 15 runs scored, three homers and 12 RBI across the impressive streak, running his average from .253 to .280 just since June 2. He'll look to extend his streak to 17 games as the A's kick off a new series on Thursday against Tampa Bay Rays RHP Charlie Morton.Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Josh Phegley Cracks Another Home Run In Win
1 week agoOakland Athletics catcher Josh Phegley went 2-for-4 with a double, a three-run home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Wednesday's 8-3 victory against the Baltimore Orioles. He is now slashing .271/.317/.506 with an OPS of .823 across 170 at-bats over 59 games played. Phegley tied the career high nine homers he posted during the 2015 season with the A's, and his 41 RBI are easily a career best. He is posting All-Star caliber numbers despite hitting out of the ninth spot for manager Bob Melvin. Phegley is worth a look as a starter in AL-only fantasy leagues, and he is a decent No. 2 backstop in most mixed formats.Source: ESPN
Chris Bassitt Whiffs Six In Home Victory
1 week agoOakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt allowed two earned runs, two hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings in a victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. He threw 62 of his 99 pitches for strikes, including just 10 first-pitch strikes to the 23 batters he faced, and he hit a batter. Despite some location issues he still managed to run his record to 4-3. He entered the game with an 0-2 record and 4.67 ERA across his first three starts in the month of June. He'll try to carry over the momentum into his next scheduled start Tuesday in St. Louis to kick off a new scoring period.Source: ESPN
Hurricanes, Sebastian Aho's Reps To Discuss Deal
1 week agoThe Carolina Hurricanes plan to meet with All-Star center Sebastian Aho's representation in Vancouver, as the two sides try to hammer out a new contract. Aho posted a career-best 30 goals and 83 points in a magical season for the Hurricanes in 2018-19. He can become a restricted free agent on July 1. "We've made a proposal and they've countered, so at least we're in discussions and we're all hopeful we'll get something done," general manager Don Waddell said. Aho is just scratching the surface at 21, and he should be an early-round fantasy draft pick heading into 2019-20.Source: NHL.com - Tom Gulitti
Petr Mrazek, Curtis McElhinney Expected To Test Market
1 week agoCarolina Hurricanes impending unrestricted free-agent goaltenders Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney are each expected to test the market, with the team unlikely to get either signed. "We're trying to sign them, but it doesn't look like we're going to get either signed," general manager Don Waddell said. "So, if not, we'll go to the market and see what's out there for July 1." The Hurricanes have insurance, as Alex Nedeljkovic won the AHL's outstanding goalie in Charlotte's Calder Cup championship season in the AHL. Nedeljkovic could be paired with a reasonably-priced veteran to backstop the team in 2019-20.Source: NHL.com - Tom Gulitti
Alexander Edler Nearing Three-Year Extension
1 week agoVancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler is nearing a three-year contract extension, sources said Wednesday. However, the deal will not have a clause preventing him from being exposed in the expansion draft for the Seattle franchise. He posted 10 goals and 34 points in 2018-19, and he ended up with four goals and 17 power-play points. His goals, points and power-play point totals were his most since the 2011-12. He remains a decent rearguard for his offense, but he is especially useful in the hits (127) and blocked shots (166) categories.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Elliotte Friedman
Elias Pettersson Named League's Top Rookie
1 week agoVancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson brought home the Calder Trophy on Wednesday at the NHL Awards Show. He posted 28 goals with 66 points, a plus-3 rating, 10 power-play power and 22 power-play points with seven game-winning goals across 71 games to take home the Rookie of the Year honors. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft made a huge splash, so it will be interesting to see what he can do for an encore in 2019-20. His rapid development made the transition away from the retired Sedin Twins a lot easier.Source: NHLPA on Twitter
Mark Giordano Takes Home The Norris Trophy
1 week agoCalgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano took home the James Norris Memorial Trophy on Wednesday night at the NHL Awards Show. The award goes to the top defenseman during the regular season. He is the fourth player to take home the award at age 35 or older, too. Giordano posted 17 goals while setting new career highs with 57 assists and 74 points with a plus-39 rating, and he also added 21 power-play points and four shorthanded goals in his storybook season. His previous best for points was 56 during the 2015-16 season.Source: NHLPA on Twitter
Ryan O'Reilly Adds Hardware To Trophy Case
1 week agoSt. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly won the Frank J. Selke Trophy on Wednesday night at the NHL Awards Show. He is just coming off of his first Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the playoffs, and now this. It was a career year for the 28-year-old pivot in his first season in St. Louis, tying a career high in the regular season for goals (28), while setting new highs in assists (49) and points (77) with a plus-22 rating. O'Reilly took a huge step forward into superstar territory in 2018-19. He has averaged 22.8 power-play points per season over the past four years, too. He'll be an early-round fantasy option in 2019-20.Source: NHLPA on Twitter
Andrei Vasilevskiy Takes Home Vezina Trophy
1 week agoTampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy at the NHL Awards Show on Wednesday, becoming the first goaltender in franchise history to secure the award. Vasilevskiy and the Lightning laid an egg in the playoffs, but he managed a sparkling 39-10-4 record, 2.40 goals-against average and .925 save percentage across 53 starts in 2018-19. He also posted six shutouts, and he has 14 over the past two seasons. He has settled into the neighborhood of 40 victories, a 2.45-2.55 GAA and .920 save percentage, making him one of the premier fantasy backstops in the league.Source: NHLPA on Twitter
Nikita Kucherov Takes Home Hart Trophy
1 week agoTampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy on Wednesday night. The award is given to the league's most valuable player during the regular season. Kucherov also became the fourth Russian-born player to win the Ted Lindsay Award, too. He posted his second consecutive 100-point season, and he set career highs across the board with 41 goals, 87 assists, 128 points with 33 power-play assists and 48 power-play points. He also had a career-best 62 penalty minutes and eight game-winning goals. It's hard to imagine Kucherov not taking a step back next season after a magical and historic season, but another 100-point season is expected. He'll be a first-round pick in most fantasy pools again in 2019-20.Source: NHLPA on Twitter
Adbert Alzolay Will Pitch On Thursday
1 week agoChicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon announced on Wednesday that pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay will be called up from the minors to back up Tyler Chatwood on Thursday against the Mets. Lefty reliever Tim Collins will be designated for assignment to make room for Alzolay on the roster. Alzolay, 24, has been great of late for Triple-A Iowa and sports a 3.38 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 12.9 K/9 in 32 innings (six starts) with Iowa this season. It's unclear if he'll get a chance to stick in Chicago's rotation with Kyle Hendricks injured, but he's an intriguing strikeout prospect that could pitch the bulk of the innings in a decent matchup against New York on Thursday. He's worth taking a chance on in deep mixed and NL-only leagues in the hopes that he sticks in the short term. Per MLB Pipeline, Alzolay is the team's No. 4 prospect.Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Rich Hill Injured Wednesday
1 week agoLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (forearm) left his start after just one inning against the Giants on Wednesday due to left forearm discomfort. Hill had two strikeouts in 15 pitches in a clean first inning before departing, and this could be a concerning injury for a veteran pitcher with an extensive injury history. Hill started 2019 on the injured list with a strained knee but had a nice 2.60 ERA with 59 strikeouts and only 12 walks in 52 innings entering Wednesday. Because of injuries, he hasn't gone over 135 2/3 innings (2017) with the Dodgers in his three seasons with them. Either Ross Stripling or Julio Urias could be candidates to join the rotation if Hill has to miss time, and they both would be relevant in deeper mixed leagues if that were to happen.Source: Yahoo Sports - Ben Weinrib
Stephen Strasburg Being Moved To Friday
1 week agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg will be pushed back a day to start on Friday against the Braves, with Erick Fedde going on Thursday against the Phillies. Strasburg has allowed at least five earned runs in two of three starts this month to the White Sox and Nationals, so perhaps Washington felt like he needed an extra day. Overall though, Stras has been very solid for his fantasy owners in 2019, going 7-4 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 115 strikeouts in 96 innings over 15 starts. Injuries have usually been his weakness, but the 30-year-old right-hander has pretty much been a must-start in fantasy leagues this year. That shouldn't change despite the tough matchup against Atlanta on Friday.Source: The Athletic - Brittany Ghiroli
Rafael Devers Day-To-Day With Hamstring Tightness
1 week agoBoston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (hamstring) is listed as day-to-day with right hamstring tightness after leaving the game early on Wednesday. The 22-year-old had two singles and a run scored in three plate appearances before leaving and is hitting a very nice .307/.360/.503 with 12 home runs, 54 runs, 47 RBI and eight stolen bases in 323 plate appearances this year. His fantasy owners will be crossing their fingers that he won't need to go on the injured list. Expect Devers to go through testing on Thursday. If he's forced to miss time, expect Eduardo Nunez to see the majority of the starts at the hot corner.Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
John Gant Wins His Seventh Game on Wednesday
1 week agoSt. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher John Gant was credited with his seventh win of the season on Wednesday, improving to a perfect 7-0. He also lowered his ERA to 1.58, tossing a perfect 11th inning before a Paul Goldschmidt walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. Gant has been incredible this season and is well worth a spot in all holds leagues.Source: mlb.com
Daniel Poncedeleon Spins Six Shutout Innings on Wednesday
1 week agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon tossed six scoreless innings on Wednesday, allowing only two hits and a walk while striking out six. The Cardinals won in extra innings, so Poncedeleon had to settle for a no decision, but he was credited with a quality start. He'll go into his next start with a sparkling 1.20 ERA.Source: mlb.com
