RADIO
Michael Pineda Throws Successful Bullpen
6 days agoInjured Twins starter Michael Pineda threw a bullpen on Saturday in the first sign of progress for the right-hander. Pineda went on the injured list on August 3 with tricep inflammation although the issue was never believed to be serious. With no reported setbacks, Pineda would be on track to return later this week unless Minnesota management decides he is need of a rehab start.Source: MLB.com
Griffin Canning Scheduled for Return
6 days agoLos Angeles Angels pitcher Griffin Canning is tentatively scheduled to be activated from the injured list on Wednesday to start against the Pirates. Out since August 1 with elbow inflammation, the rookie has had an up and down year and will be slotting into the rotation just in time for some rough matchups, as the start against the Pirates would be followed by a start in hot and humid Texas against the homer-happy Rangers, followed by a start in Houston, against the World Series favorite Astros.Source: MLB.com
Giancarlo Stanton Moved to 60-Day IL
6 days agoNeeding to make room for relievers Brady Lail and Joe Mantiply, the Yankees moved Giancarlo Stanton to the 60-day IL as he recovers from a right PCL strain. The move means that Stanton cannot return before August 25 but was mostly a procedural move as GM Brian Cashman does not expect the slugger back before September 1.Source: MLB.com
Kike Hernandez, Chris Taylor Going On Rehab Assignment This Week
6 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers utility men Kike Hernandez and Chris Taylor are expected to go on a rehab assignment later this week as they work their way back from injury. Hernandez injured his left hand on a swing in late-July and likely won't need as many at-bats as Taylor to return to the big league club. Taylor hit the shelf in mid-July after a hit-by-pitch on his left forearm which caused a fracture above the wrist. The deep Dodgers roster enables the club not to rush back these players, although their presence will certainly be welcomed back. Either of these bats doesn't hold much mixed-league value but could be worth adding in NL-only formats once they return.Source: Ken Gurnick - Twitter
Maikel Franco Hits Minor League IL
6 days agoPhiladelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco was placed on the minor league IL Sunday with a left-hand bruise after getting hit by a pitch in Friday's game. He was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley at the beginning of August after hitting .231 with 15 homers and 47 RBI through 102 games. Franco has remained a consistent lower-level fantasy contributor throughout his career, and never carried much value in mixed-leagues anyway before his demotion. This setback won't help him get back to the majors anytime soon for the Phillies playoff push, and he can be ignored in all fantasy formats.Source: Tom Housenick - Twitter
Blake Snell Playing Catch Monday
6 days agoTampa Bay Rays starter Blake Snell is set to play catch on Monday for the first time since undergoing surgery in late July to remove bone chips in his elbow. The reigning Cy Young winner won't return to the big league club until September at the earliest, providing he doesn't suffer any setbacks in his rehab process. Snell holds a disappointing 4.28 ERA and 1.25 WHIP this season although he's provided owners with a stellar 136 punchouts in 101 innings pitched. The Rays won't rush their prized ace back into action, but will certainly need his arm back as they battle for a playoff spot in the final month of the season.Source: Marc Topkin - Twitter
A.J. Pollock Getting A Breather Sunday
6 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers outfielder A.J. Pollock is getting the day off Sunday as the team squares off against Mike Leake and the D'Backs in the series finale. Matt Beaty is getting the start in left field batting seventh while Kristopher Negron moves to center hitting out of the eighth spot. Pollock has hit well since returning from a two-month absence in July. He's hit .293 with six homers and 16 RBI in 21 games since his elbow injury, providing the majority of his season-long totals. Pollock wasn't providing much fantasy relevance when he was healthy at the start of the season, hitting just two homers with a .223 average through his first 28 games, but will be a viable mixed-league asset if he continues his second-half pace.Source: Alanna Rizzo - Twitter
Still No Return Timetable For Dansby Swanson
6 days agoAtlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson still has no timetable for a return after suffering a heel injury at the end of July. Manager Brian Snitker said “it hasn’t really taken the turn for the better like we wanted” as the team likely won't rush back their prized infielder. Swanson was enjoying a superb offensive breakout season batting .265 with a career-high 17 homers and 64 runs scored with seven thefts on the campaign. It remains to be seen how much the 25-year-old will be able to contribute down the stretch run, so owners may want to start thinking about a contingency plan if his status continues to look bleak.Source: David O' Brien - Twitter
Tommy Pham Returns To Lineup
6 days agoTampa Bay Rays outfielder Tommy Pham is back in the lineup Sunday versus Mariners pitcher Sam Tuivailala for the series finale. He missed Saturday's game for precautionary reasons after injuring his hand on a slide in Friday's contest. Pham has cooled off in the second half hitting just .222, but he's still managed to swipe five bags and swat three long balls in this span. He holds a .268 average for the season with 16 homers, 53 runs, and 13 steals, proving to be a valuable power/speed fantasy player once again. Expect Pham to approach the 20/20 mark for the second time in his short major league career by season's end.Source: Marc Topkin - Twitter
Nolan Arenado Receives Rest Day Sunday
6 days agoColorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is getting the day off Sunday as Ryan McMahon shifts to third base versus Padres starter Dinelson Lamet. Arenado has had a down year in the home run department clubbing his 26th last night after hitting at least 37 over the previous four seasons. He still sports a terrific .308 average and has cut down on the strikeouts to an outstanding 13.2% K-rate this season, keeping him in the conversation as a top fantasy contributor. There plenty of season left for Arenado to catch up on his long ball total, especially with a six-game homestand upcoming.Source: Rox Pile - Twitter
Oscar Mercado Sitting In Series Finale
6 days agoCleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado is getting the day off in Sunday's finale against Jose Berrios and the Minnesota Twins. Greg Allen is batting second in his place and starting in center as the Tribe looks to even up the AL Central race. Mercado is in a mini-slump going 2-for-18 over his last five games, but still holds a respectable .277 average with nine homers and nine steals in his first big league season. Expect the 24-year-old to pick it back up this week as the team hosts the Red Sox for a three-game set, followed by a trip to Yankee Stadium to close out the weekend.Source: Cleveland Indians - Twitter
Hyun-Jin Ryu Activated For Sunday Start
6 days agoThe Los Angeles Dodgers officially activated starter Hyun-Jin Ryu ahead of Sunday's contest versus the Diamondbacks. The lefty landed on the IL at the beginning of the month with neck stiffness, but only missed one turn through the rotation. Ryu has been outstanding this season carrying an 11-2 record with a 1.53 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 135.2 IP, the most innings he's thrown since 2014. If health cooperates for the remainder of the year, Ryu should continue to carry fantasy pitching staffs to a strong finish.Source: Ken Gurnick - Twitter
CC Sabathia Could Return This Week
6 days agoNew York Yankees starter CC Sabathia threw a bullpen session off the mound Sunday and reported no issues, lining him up for a return later this week. The southpaw will throw again Tuesday, and if he gets through without any setbacks, he could be activated for the series with the Indians which begins on Thursday. Sabathia has been shelved since the end of July with right knee inflammation, an issue that's bothered him over the past few seasons. The 39-year-old could provide some streamer appeal down the stretch run with one of the league's top offenses supporting him, but managers by no means should rush to the waiver wire to grab him.Source: Bryan Hoch - MLB.com
Brian Dozier is Out for Sunday
6 days agoWashington Nationals second baseman Brian Dozier (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the New York Mets. Dozier will get a routine rest day here, but he hasn't been great with the bat anyway. Asdrubal Cabrera will bat sixth and play second base versus righty Jacob deGrom. Cabrera isn't going to have much fantasy value against an elite pitcher like deGrom.Source: MLB.com
Ken Giles Won't be Placed on IL
6 days agoToronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Ken Giles (elbow) won't be placed on the injured list for now. He played catch on Sunday and hasn't pitched since Wednesday due to a lingering elbow issue. He's not a great fantasy option right now while he's banged up. Derek Law is expected to remain as the closer until Giles feels better.Source: Shi Davidi
Leury Garcia Scratched on Sunday
6 days agoChicago White Sox outfielder Leury Garcia (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup on Sunday. Garcia is dealing with a minor illness, so he'll take the day off. This doesn't sound like he's going to miss more time than Sunday. Jon Jay will bat leadoff and play right field versus righty Chris Bassitt. Jay doesn't have much upside in terms of fantasy production.Source: James Fegan
Raisel Iglesias Dealing with Biceps Issue
6 days agoCincinnati Reds relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (biceps) is likely going to be sidelined for a few days. Iglesias is dealing with tightness in his biceps, so he's not expected to pitch for a few days. Amir Garrett, Michael Lorenzen, and Jared Hughes are the candidates to get save chances. This injury appears to be minor, so Iglesias shouldn't land on the injured list.Source: C. Trent Rosecrans
Gary Sanchez Serves as DH
6 days agoNew York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez will serve as the designated hitter for Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Sanchez returned from a stint on the injured list on Saturday. He clubbed a home run in this first game back, so fantasy owners should start him once again. Sanchez will bat third and serve as the designated hitter versus righty Trent Thornton. Austin Romine will bat eighth and do the catching, but he doesn't have enough upside to warrant ownership in fantasy leagues.Source: MLB.com
Rico Gathers Signs With Browns
6 days agoThe Cleveland Browns signed free-agent tight end Rico Gathers to a contract on Sunday. To make room for Gathers on the roster, the team waived Orson Charles. Gathers was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 after playing basketball at Baylor. Gathers has some potential as a size/speed athlete but the raw tight end never was able to break out in Dallas. He has three catches for 45 yards over his 15 career games. Gathers will try to carve out a role behind David Njoku, Demetrius Harris, and Seth DeValve on an emerging Cleveland offense in 2019.Source: Dallas News
Justin Upton is Out for Sunday
6 days agoLos Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Upton will get a routine day off here to rest, but should be back in there next game. Brian Goodwin will bat leadoff and play left field versus righty Andrew Cashner. Goodwin has been slumping this week, but remains a decent fantasy option for this one.Source: MLB.com
Renato Nunez Won't Suit Up Sunday
6 days agoBaltimore Orioles designated hitter Renato Nunez (ankle) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Nunez left Saturday's game after fouling a ball off his ankle. Luckily, the X-rays came back negative, so Nunez will only be sidelined a few days at most. Chance Sisco will serve as the designated hitter and bat seventh versus righty Justin Verlander. Sisco is not a reliable fantasy option for this one.Source: Roch Kubatko
Kevan Smith Placed on Injured List
6 days agoLos Angeles Angels catcher Kevan Smith (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday. Smith suffered back spasms during Saturday's game, so he'll be sidelined for a bit. Anthony Bemboom has been recalled to take his spot on the active roster. Max Stassi will do the catching and bat eighth versus righty Andrew Cashner on Sunday. They will likely split the catching duties, so neither player will have increased fantasy value.Source: CBS Sports
Dexter Fowler, Matt Wieters Sit Sunday
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler (rest) and catcher Matt Wieters (rest) are out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Both players are getting routine days off here to rest. Lane Thomas will cover center field and bat eighth in this contest. Andrew Knizner will cover behind the plate and bat seventh versus lefty Steven Brault. Neither player is a reliable fantasy option for this game.Source: MLB.com
Kolten Wong is Out on Sunday
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wong will get a regular day off here against the left-handed starter. Tommy Edman will bat leadoff and play second base versus lefty Steven Brault. Edman doesn't do enough damage with the bat to warrant using in DFS contests.Source: MLB.com
Matt Carpenter is Out Against Lefty
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This appears to be a routine day off for Carpenter against the left-handed starter. Yairo Munoz will play third base and bat sixth versus lefty Steven Brault. Munoz has been slumping with the bat lately, so he's not a great DFS option here.Source: MLB.com
Max Scherzer Will Throw Sim Game
6 days agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday. He threw a bullpen session on Saturday, and said he was feeling good on Sunday. Scherzer should be ready for a rehab start or to rejoin the Nats rotation after his sim game. He's pitched once since July 6 due to back issues. However, it appears fantasy owners are getting Scherzer back soon.Source: Byron Kerr
Theo Riddick Fractures Shoulder
6 days agoDenver Broncos running back Theo Riddick has suffered a fractured shoulder and will miss 6-8 weeks of action. The Broncos had just signed Riddick to give them a better third-down back than Devontae Booker, but they'll now be without him for at least some regular season games. Riddick's fantasy value takes a hit with this news, but he's still got PPR appeal once he's back on the field. Booker's not likely to play enough of a role in the meantime to make him fantasy relevant, though.Source: 9 News - Mike Klis
Adam Duvall is Out on Sunday
6 days agoAtlanta Braves outfielder Adam Duvall (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins. Duvall smacked five home runs in his first six games then has registered just four hits since then. Charlie Culberson will play left field and bat sixth versus righty Hector Noesi. Culberson doesn't have enough upside with the bat to warrant ownership in DFS contests.Source: MLB.com
Jonathan Schoop is Playing on Sunday
6 days agoMinnesota Twins second baseman Jonathan Schoop is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians. This will be the third time that Schoop has suited up in the starting lineup this month. Luis Arraez has seen more playing time and is producing in Schoop's spot. Schoop will bat ninth and play second base versus righty Aaron Civale. He's not a reliable fantasy option, so he can be avoided here.Source: MLB.com
Jorge Soler Hammers 33rd Home Run
6 days agoKansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Soler is racing towards the single-season franchise record in home runs, but not for much longer. Soler murdered a ball to right-center for the 33rd home run of the season on Saturday, and he now sits just five behind franchise leader Mike Moustakas. Soler is on pace to top 40 home runs with ease, so it looks like Moustakas' mark of 38 stands no chance. Surprisingly, Soler told reporters that he doesn't really think about it and seemed indifferent about breaking the record. Instead, as with many great players, he focuses on the slights he's received, namely that many thought when he was traded for Wade Davis, he wasn't enough of a return. Expect Soler to have no problem hitting more homers for the rest of this year, chip on his shoulder or no.Source: Jeffrey Flanagan
