RADIO
Jose Martinez Drives in Three Runs on Friday
21 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Jose Martinez had a strong offensive game on Friday, driving in three runs in a 12-11 win over the Reds. Martinez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run, and a single. He also scored two runs of his own, bringing his slash line up to .277/.346/.422. He's had an up-and-down season with inconsistent playing time, but he's been mostly solid in the batter's box when he starts. He's a strong DFS option but a tricky piece in standard formats.Source: MLB.com
Kyler Murray Takes Charge Early On
21 hours agoArizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray was impressive during offseason workouts, and he is getting ready for his first training camp with practice starting July 25. He is expected to get the starting nod in Week 1 ahead of veteran journeyman Brett Hundley, and he has impressed early on. "I was impressed with how smart he is, how determined he is. His future is extremely bright," future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said after the rookie's minicamp showing. Murray is already moving up the pre-draft cheat sheets, and he is considered a borderline low-end QB1 or top-end QB2 in most fantasy formats, while having considerably higher value in long-term dynasty formats.Source: MMQB - Robert Klemko
Carlos Martinez Gives Up Two Runs but Earns a Save on Friday
21 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals closer Carlos Martinez picked up his seventh save of the season on Friday despite not throwing his best inning. He closed out a 12-11 win for the Cardinals, but he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. Martinez hasn't been great in his last few outings, but he should have a long enough leash to hold onto his job, especially if he's still able to lock down the wins for St. Louis.Source: MLB.com
Paul DeJong Drives in Four Runs on Friday
21 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong had a strong game on Friday, going 2-for-4 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in four. DeJong's starting to heat up again, and he can be one of the best offensive shortstops in the game when he's in the middle of a hot streak. His slash line is .254/.334/.444 and on its way up.Source: MLB.com
Larry Fitzgerald Impressed By Rookie Quarterback
21 hours agoArizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has been impressed by the quick learning by rookie quarterback Kyler Murray and his familiarity with the offense. "I know him running (Oklahoma head coach) Lincoln Riley's offense is very similar to what Coach Kliff (Kingsbury) runs," Fitzgerald says, "but on the first day he's calling audibles and getting us in plays that are favorable to the offense. So I was really impressed by his ability to take a leadership position first day at the offense." Fitzgerald also remarked that the Arizona offense will be much faster in tempo, with players expected to process pre-snap adjustments considerably faster. Fitzgerald is getting a little long in the tooth, but the up-tempo style should keep him rather productive heading into 2019. He's a reliable WR3/4 or flex fantasy option in most formats.Source: MMQB - Robert Klemko
Corey Dickerson Goes 3-for-3 On Friday
21 hours agoPittsburgh Pirates outfielder Corey Dickerson went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's 6-1 loss to the Phillies. Dickerson is one of the Pirates' most prominent trade pieces and he did well to increase his trade value on Friday. It was Dickerson's first multi-hit game since July 1st and the outfielder will look to get his injury-plagued season back on track as the summer wears on.Source: MLB
Jordan Lyles Allows One Run In No Decision Friday
21 hours agoPittsburgh Pirates starter Jordan Lyles allowed just one run on seven hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings in Pittsburgh's 6-1 loss to the Phillies on Friday. Lyles struck out seven batters in the no-decision. Lyles was able to bounce back nicely from his last outing in which he allowed seven runs in just 2/3 of an inning against the Cubs. Lyles will make his next start on Wednesday against the Cardinals.Source: MLB
Desmond Harrison Released By The Cardinals
21 hours agoThe Arizona Cardinals cut offensive tackle Desmond Harrison this week shortly after reports surfaced that he was being charged with assault of a female in North Carolina. He was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns in June after the veteran was released. The Cardinals now have an open roster spot heading into training camp. Players report on July 24, with the first practice July 25.Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Jalen Thompson Signs Four-Year Deal With Cardinals
21 hours agoThe Arizona Cardinals signed safety Jalen Thompson (Washington State) to a four-year rookie contract this week. He was selected earlier in the month in the supplemental draft with a fifth-round pick, so the team surrenders two fifth-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft to get him. "I know I can compete with these guys, hang with them at a high level," Thompson said. "But for the most part, it's getting the plays down and once I see it on the field and get through a couple of walkthroughs, I'm going to be fine. I know I will." He was ineligible for the 2019 season at Washington State after reportedly taking an unapproved over-the-counter supplement from a nutrition store. The Cardinals DST remains nothing more than a low-end No. 2 unit in most fantasy formats heading into 2019.Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Francisco Lindor Hits Two Doubles on Friday
21 hours agoCleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor hit two doubles and a single on Friday, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a stolen base. Lindor has had a few cold streaks this season including an extended one to start the year, but he's still put together a strong .290/.347/.502 slash line so far from the top spot in the Cleveland batting order.Source: MLB.com
Oscar Mercado Puts Up a Five-Hit Game on Friday
21 hours agoCleveland Indians rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado was amazing on Friday, going a perfect 5-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, and two RBI. He also added his ninth stolen base of the season. The excellent performance brought his slash line all the way up to .299/.352/.477. He's having an under-the-radar impressive rookie season and should be owned in most formats at this point, at least as an extra outfielder.Source: MLB.com
Adam Wainwright Struggles on Friday
21 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright struggled on Friday, allowing seven runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He didn't issue a walk and struck out four, allowing one home run. The Cincinnati Reds jumped on Wainwright for four runs in the third inning and three in the fourth after "Waino" was able to put up two scoreless innings to start the game. It was likely a blip on the radar of what has been a somewhat impressively solid season for the veteran right hander. Even with this clunker, he'll take a 4.50 ERA into his next start. He's no longer near fantasy ace caliber, but he's still a decent depth piece in deeper mixed leagues.Source: MLB.com
Shane Bieber Coughs Up Five Runs on Friday
22 hours agoCleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber allowed five runs on seven hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings on Friday. He struck out six and threw 103 pitches. Bieber had allowed just two runs through five innings, but the Royals bats put together a three-run sixth inning and knocked Bieber out of the game. He'll take a 3.69 ERA and .218 opponent's batting average into his next start.Source: MLB.com
Luis Urias Rejoining Padres Saturday
23 hours agoSan Diego Padres prospect infielder Luis Urias will be called up Saturday, per The Athletic’s Dennis Lin. For Friars fans, this is a long time coming. Urias, the team’s No. 2 prospect and No. 20 overall has been hammering Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .998 OPS and 19 homers. He’ll likely supplant Ian Kinsler and Greg Garcia as the preferred option at the keystone. The 22-year-old has yet to establish himself in the bigs with just a .167 average in 82 plate appearances, but he possesses the hit tool to succeed. Urias is worth a speculative add in any format.Source: Twitter - Dennis Lin
Jon Duplantier Activated, Optioned to Minors
1 day agoArizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jon Duplantier (shoulder) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday. Duplantier was activated, but optioned to Triple-A Reno following his activation from the injured list. He's pitched decent in both the starting rotation and bullpen for the D-Backs this season. He shouldn't be in the minors for too long, so fantasy owners should watch Duplantier the rest of the season. He should be a big piece to the D-Backs staff in the near future.Source: CBS Sports
Taylor Clarke Activated, Starting Friday
1 day agoArizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Clarke (back) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday. He'll draw the start against the Milwaukee Brewers, but shouldn't be used in most fantasy leagues. Clarke heads into this start with a 6.21 ERA on the year. He's not expected to have much success against the Milwaukee offense.Source: MLB.com
Garrett Richards Targeting Late-August Return
1 day agoSan Diego Padres starter Garrett Richards (elbow) made his first rehab start on Wednesday and could return by late-August. Recovering from Tommy John surgery, Richards put three pitches on display over two frames with a fastball riding between 93-95 MPH. The intent will be for Richards to have a 30-day rehab stint before determining if he’s ready. Richards last pitched in July 2018 and has been successful on the diamond with a 3.54 career ERA, but has been unable to avoid injuries. The 31-year-old was signed by the Friars with a long-term tint this offseason, but he could contribute earlier than expected. With his return on the horizon, Richards may be worth an IL stash if there’s room on the roster.Source: MLB.com - Russell Dorsey
Buster Posey is Absent on Friday
1 day agoSan Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the New York Mets. This appears to be just a routine day off for the veteran catcher. Stephen Vogt will draw the start behind the plate and bat cleanup versus righty Jacob deGrom. Vogt is not really worth a look against an elite pitcher like deGrom.Source: MLB.com
Mike Montgomery Making Debut for Royals
1 day agoKansas City Royals starting pitcher Mike Montgomery will make his debut with the team versus the Cleveland Indians on Friday. Montgomery was traded to the Royals from the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week in exchange for catcher Martin Maldonado. He has a rough 5.67 ERA, but hasn't pitched much this season. Montgomery is under control through 2021. He has experience in both the bullpen and starting rotation. He's not a great fantasy option at the moment, but should get plenty of chances to start in Kansas City.Source: MLB.com
Didi Gregorius Out Versus Lefty
1 day agoNew York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Gregorius will get a routine day off here against the left-handed starter. Gleyber Torres will draw the start at shortstop and bat seventh versus lefty Kyle Freeland. Torres has been tough to slow down at the plate this season, so he should continue to be reliable for fantasy leagues.Source: MLB.com
Jesse Chavez Demoted to Bullpen
1 day agoTexas Rangers pitcher Jesse Chavez has been demoted to the bullpen after his rough outing during his last start. Chavez hasn't pitched well lately, so a move to the pen could help him out. Joe Palumbo will draw the start against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Palumbo is expected to take over in the starting rotation for Chavez, but he's not worth grabbing in fantasy leagues yet.Source: Evan Grant
David Dahl Scratched on Friday
1 day agoColorado Rockies outfielder David Dahl (foot) has been scratched from the starting lineup on Friday. Dahl left Wednesday's game after fouling a ball off his foot and still isn't ready to play yet. However, he's considered day-to-day, so he shouldn't land on the injured list. Garrett Hampson will draw the start in left field and bat ninth versus lefty J.A. Happ. Hampson hasn't done much with the bat this season, so he's not worth a look in most formats.Source: Patrick Saunders
Nick Senzel Remains Out on Friday
1 day agoCincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Senzel (hamstring) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This is the second game in a row that Senzel has missed due to a hamstring strain. It's unclear when Senzel will get back in the lineup, but hopefully he'll be able to avoid landing on the injured list. Jesse Winker will bat leadoff and cover center field versus righty Adam Wainwright. Winker is worth considering in DFS contests on Friday.Source: MLB.com
Jonathan Schoop Remains Out on Friday
1 day agoMinnesota Twins second baseman Jonathan Schoop (abdominal) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Oakland Athletics. Schoop has not played since Tuesday due to an abdominal strain. Luiz Arraez will bat seventh and play second base versus righty Chris Bassitt. Arraez has been hitting over .300 in the last week, but doesn't have much power in his bat.Source: Phil Miller
Justin Holiday Signs With Pacers
1 day agoFree agent guard Justin Holiday has signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Pacers, where he joins his brother Aaron. Last year, Holiday split time between Chicago and Memphis, playing in 82 games with 77 starts and putting up averages of 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds on 38.6 percent shooting. Indiana's a better team and because of that won't afford Holiday with the same amount of minutes, but he gives the Pacers a bench option who can hit a ton of threes. There's late round fantasy value here, but not as much as there was for Holiday last season.Source: Shams Charania
Andrew Benintendi Won't Play on Friday
1 day agoBoston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Benintendi has been struggling with the bat this month, so he'll get the day off. Sam Travis will cover left field and bat sixth versus lefty John Means. Travis doesn't have enough upside to warrant ownership in most leagues.Source: MLB.com
Willy Adames Sits on Friday
1 day agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop Willy Adames (rest) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Adames will get a routine day off here, so he should be back in the lineup next game. Joey Wendle will draw the start at shortstop and bat eighth versus righty Reynaldo Lopez. Wendle has three hits in his last 23 at-bats, so he's not a great fantasy option right now.Source: MLB.com
Eagles Sign Darren Sproles
1 day agoThe Eagles are bringing back running back Darren Sproles for one more season. After playing in just six games last year, it looked like Sproles might be done in the NFL, but the Eagles decided to bring Sproles back to an already crowded backfield that features Jordan Howard, Corey Clement, and Miles Sanders. Clement might be in the most trouble from the Sproles signing, but overall it's looking more and more like this is a running back committee that fantasy owners should stay away from. This move does almost guarantee that either Josh Adams or Wendell Smallwood are cut before the season opens.Source: Ian Rapoport
Nick Pivetta Demoted to the Pen
1 day agoPhiladelphia Phillies pitcher Nick Pivetta is expected to be demoted to the bullpen after the Drew Smyly signing becomes official. Pivetta or Vince Velasquez were going to head to the pen, but it appears Velasquez has more value in the rotation. Pivetta has a 5.73 ERA through 13 starts this season for Philly. He's better off in the bullpen right now, but he won't gain much fantasy value there.Source: Jim Salisbury
Matt Chapman Remains Out on Friday
1 day agoOakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman (ankle) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Chapman will sit out his second straight game due to a sore ankle. However, Chapman is expected to return on Saturday, so that's good news for fantasy owners. Chad Pinder will cover third base and bat ninth against righty Jake Odorizzi. Pinder is not a solid fantasy option for this contest.Source: Susan Slusser
