13 hours agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah got rocked in his first start of the season against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Manoah allowed seven runs (six earned) in just four innings, giving up six hits and walking four while striking out six. He showed glimpses of his former self, but overall it was a lackluster performance for the big righty. The Jays have already committed to Manoah for at least one more start, but he will have to be much better to instill confidence that they can keep rolling with him. Fantasy managers should not consider starting Manoah until he can consistently deliver good outings, and he can be dropped outside of the deepest of leagues.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop Jose Caballero went nuts on the basepaths on Sunday, swiping four bags in a 7-6 win over the New York Mets. Caballero didn't actually get a hit in this one, going 0-for-2 with three walks and three runs scored to go with the four steals. He now has 13 stolen bases on the season, putting him fourth in the majors in that category. For his speed alone, he should be rostered in most category leagues.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoHouston Astros closer Josh Hader was charged with the loss in a 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Hader gave up a homer in the ninth inning of a tie game to Cal Raleigh to take his third loss of the year. The lefty appeared to be figuring things out heading into this one, with no earned runs allowed in his last four innings pitched, but he can't seem to find his consistency this season. His ERA rises to 6.14 and his WHIP to 1.43, although he does have 24 strikeouts in 14 ⅔ IP. He also still only has three saves, which has to be the biggest disappointment for fantasy managers.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander had a big day at the dish in Sunday's 11-1 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds. Santander finished the day 3-for-4 with a homer, two runs scored, and five RBI. The 29-year-old put the finishing touches on the offensive outburst, hitting a three-run homer in the ninth. Santander desperately needed the big game, as his triple slash line heading in was a dreadful .200/.276/.392 with only five homers. It's been a step back this year for the veteran, but a day like today could wake him up and turn him back into the four-category contributor that fantasy managers expected when they drafted him.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani continued his ridiculous pace on Sunday, smacking a pair of homers in a 5-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. Ohtani went 4-for-4 with the aforementioned two homers, two runs scored, and three RBI. The big performance makes the two-time MVP's stat line even more incredible, with a .364 AVG, 30 R, 10 HR, 25 RBI, and seven SB rounding out the five-category beast's contributions. Ohtani could end the year with some ridiculous numbers if he can keep up a pace anywhere close to his current one, something that just might be possible for someone of his caliber.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoDetroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal dominated the New York Yankees on Sunday, striking out 12 while allowing just two runs over six innings. Skubal allowed just six hits and didn't walk a batter in this one, taking a tough-luck no-decision. The 27-year-old has been brilliant this season, going 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 0.77 WHIP along with 53 strikeouts in 42 ⅔ IP. He is a frontrunner for the A.L. Cy Young and should be considered a fantasy ace.Source: MLB.com
14 hours agoSan Francisco Giants outfielder Jorge Soler (shoulder) was unavailable on Sunday due to a "shoulder thing," according to manager Bob Melvin. Soler was out of the starting lineup on Sunday, but the shoulder injury is a new development. It explains why the slugger wasn't used in the ninth inning with the Giants down one run. The injury doesn't sound like a major concern, but fantasy managers should check Soler's status before Monday's game and remove him from lineups if he isn't starting. With the Giants having seven games next week, including a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies, this would be an inopportune time for Soler to be hurt.Source: Shayna Rubin
14 hours agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher prospect Mason Black will make his major league debut on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Black, San Francisco's No. 7 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has performed well at Triple-A this season, pitching to a 1.01 ERA and 0.90 WHIP to go with 29 strikeouts in 26 ⅔ IP. With Blake Snell (groin) still on the mend, Black could see at least a few turns through the rotation. If he can perform well, the Giants could keep him around even when Snell returns. He shouldn't be in fantasy lineups for Monday's start, but adding him in deeper leagues and sticking him on the bench to see what happens isn't a bad idea.Source: Shayna Rubin
18 hours agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad continued his strong campaign during Sunday's start against the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander allowed only four hits over six scoreless innings during Sunday's win. The 26-year-old struck out four hitters while walking three batters during this outing. The Brewers got a few baserunners, but could never do anything with them. Assad has done a great job of limiting the damage throughout this season. He'll carry a 1.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 31/12 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.Source: MLB.com
19 hours agoChicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet looked sharp on the mound during Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The southpaw struck out six batters over six innings of work while allowing only one run. The 24-year-old only allowed three hits and didn't walk anyone during this outing. He'll carry a 5.31 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 53/9 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Cleveland Guardians.Source: MLB.com
19 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (elbow) is expected to come off the injured list and start on Wednesday. The right-hander will draw a tough assignment against the Atlanta Braves. Pivetta has been sidelined since early April due to a flexor strain in his elbow. The 31-year-old looked good during a recent rehab start. The organization believes he's ready to return but he won't be a recommended streaming option during his first start back.Source: Gabrielle Starr
19 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly could be asked to pitch in a higher leverage role for a few weeks. The organization recently placed closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) on the injured list. It sounds like the timetable for Phillips is around two weeks, so the Dodgers will need someone to step up for a few weeks. Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen figure to be the primary options, but Kelly should be in the mix too. Fantasy managers might want to wait and see how the Dodgers play this situation before grabbing one of these relievers.Source: Kirsten Watson
19 hours agoTexas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) will be placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The rookie outfielder was forced to exit early during Saturday's game due to a left-leg issue. After further evaluation, Langford has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The organization believes that Langford will miss three or four weeks of action. Ezequiel Duran started in his place on Sunday and figures to have an increased role going forward. Fantasy managers might want to check the waiver wire to see if Duran is still available.Source: Evan Grant
19 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson is expected to see a larger role in the bullpen going forward. The team was forced to place closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) on the injured list prior to Sunday's game. He's expected to miss at least two weeks of action, which should open up a role for Hudson in high leverage spots. Blake Treinen is also an option for the ninth inning, so possibly they split up the role. Fantasy managers might have to wait and see what Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts does with his bullpen.Source: Kirsten Watson
22 hours agoCleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (hamstring) is heading to the 10-day injured list with the hamstring injury that got him pulled from Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Kyle Manzardo is expected to be recalled as a corresponding move. It is an unfortunate injury for Kwan, as he has gotten off to a blistering start this season. The 26-year-old is slashing .353/.407/.496 with three home runs, 11 RBI, 28 runs scored and three stolen bases. Hopefully the ailment isn't overly severe and he can return in short order. Estevan Florial was batting leadoff for the Guardians on Sunday in Kwan's absence, but he is a fantasy afterthought at this point.Source: Zack Meisel