Bryan Abreu Melts Down in Loss
Bryan Abreu turned in a rare poor performance in a 4-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Abreu fell to 3-4 on the season after surrendering three earned runs on four hits and two walks (two strikeouts) in two-thirds of an inning. The Astros called on Abreu to pitch the ninth in a 1-1 game, but the right-hander wasn't up to the task. After striking out Jo Adell to lead off the inning, Abreu yielded four straight singles and later walked in a run. It was a surprising blowup by Abreu, whose ERA jumped from 1.47 to a still-excellent 1.89 in the span of one game. Even though Saturday didn't go well, Abreu should remain the Astros' primary choice for saves with injured closer Josh Hader (shoulder) unlikely to return during the regular season.Source: ESPN
Houston Astros reliever Jeff Hoffman Hammered in Loss
Jeff
Hoffman
(8-6)
took
his
sixth
loss
of
the
year
in
a
4-1
game
against
the
Milwaukee
Brewers
on
Saturday.
Hoffman
entered
a
1-1
contest
in
the
top
of
the
ninth
inningread more...
Toronto
Blue
Jays
closer
Jackson Chourio Slugs Clutch Homer in Return From Injured List
Jackson Chourio returned from the injured list on Saturday and hit a key home run in a 4-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. With the game tied 1-1, Chourio led off the top of the ninth inning and took Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman deep to give the Brewers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Chourio singled earlier in the day and finished 2-for-5 in his first game since suffering a strained right hamstring on July 29. Despite the missed time, the 21-year-old looks like a lock to begin his career with a second straight 20/20 season. Chourio has slashed .278/.313/.481 with 18 homers, 68 RBI, 72 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 476 plate appearances.Source: ESPN
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Chris Sale Stellar in Return From Injury
Chris Sale didn't miss a beat in his first start in over two months on Saturday. Although the Braves lost 3-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies, Sale didn't factor into the decision in his return from a fractured rib cage. The 36-year-old southpaw limited the Phillies to one run on three hits while tallying nine strikeouts against one walk in six innings. Sale threw 78 pitches (51 strikes) and recorded his seventh straight quality start in his first outing since June 18. Last year's National League Cy Young winner now owns a 2.45 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and 123:27 K:BB in 95 1/3 innings this season. He's scheduled to make his next start on Sept. 6 against the Seattle Mariners.Source: ESPN
Atlanta Braves ace Pavin Smith Likely Out for Season
Pavin Smith (quadriceps) is likely to miss the rest of the season, manager Torey Lovullo said. Smith went on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 28 with a strained left quadriceps, and with the D-backs' season nearing an end, it doesn't appear he'll have enough time to make it back. The 29-year-old, who also missed time earlier this season with an oblique strain, has played in 87 games and slashed .258/.362/.434 with eight homers, 28 RBI, and 36 runs scored over 288 plate appearances. Rookie Tyler Locklear, acquired from the Seattle Mariners last month in the Josh Naylor trade, has gotten the start at first base in three straight games since Smith suffered his injury.Source: Jacob Gurvis - MLB
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman/designated hitter Aroldis Chapman Agrees to Contract Extension
Aroldis Chapman has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the organization on Saturday. He'll get a one-year, $13.3 million extension that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Chapman has been outstanding with a 1.04 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a 74/14 K/BB ratio with 26 saves this season. Somehow, the 37-year-old flamethrower continues to get better with age. This seems like a good deal for Boston to lock up their stopper for at least one more season. Chapman needs to be rostered in all fantasy formats considering he has been arguably the best reliever in baseball.Source: Chris Cotillo
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Tyler Phillips Earns Third Save
Tyler Phillips was called upon to hold a three-run lead versus the New York Mets on Saturday. Both Ronny Henriquez and Calvin Faucher were already used earlier in the game. That being said, Phillips was given a save chance and made the most of it. He tossed a scoreless inning, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one batter to earn his third save of the season. It's worth noting that Phillips received a save chance in two of his last three games. He figures to remain in the mix for saves down the stretch of the season. However, Henriquez and Faucher should also get chances, so Phillips won't be a consistent option for saves in fantasy formats.Source: mlb.com
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Juan Soto Homers Twice in Loss
Juan Soto did a little bit of everything during Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. He started his day off by getting hit by a pitch in the first inning. He would walk in the second frame, steal second base, and score a run. Soto took right-hander Edward Cabrera deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning. He would go yard again in the sixth inning, but this time it was a two-run home run. Soto finished his day 2-for-2 with two homers, three RBI, two steals, and two walks in the loss on Saturday. He has 35 homers, 84 RBI, and 24 steals on the season.Source: mlb.com
New York Mets outfielder Abner Uribe Records Fourth Save
Abner Uribe was called upon in the bottom of the ninth inning after his team took the lead in the top half of the inning. Uribe was handed a three-run lead and needed only 13 pitches to close down this game. He allowed a hit, but Uribe tossed a scoreless inning while striking out one batter to convert his fourth save of the season. Uribe has been asked to convert two straight save chances. He figures to be the primary closer while Trevor Megill (elbow) is out. Uribe has been fantastic this season and deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats where saves matter.Source: mlb.com
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Nick Kurtz Avoids Serious Injury
Nick Kurtz (oblique) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. Kurtz was forced to make an early exit on Friday due to an oblique injury. Luckily, the MRI came back clean and Kurtz has avoided any major injuries. A's manager Mark Kotsay said he's hopeful that Kurtz returns sooner rather than later. For now, Kurtz should be considered day-to-day, but a stint on the injured list hasn't been ruled out. Tyler Soderstrom shifts over to first base on Saturday and figures to see a majority of his time over there until Kurtz returns.Source: Martin Gallegos
Athletics first baseman Matt Shaw Retreats to the Bench
Matt Shaw is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Shaw will head to the bench after starting in five straight games. He has struggled with only two hits over his last three games. The rookie infielder could use a day off to get his head straight. Willi Castro will take over third base and bat ninth versus right-hander McCade Brown. Shaw has been in a mini slump at the plate, but outside of that he has been crushing the ball in the second half of the season. He's worth a look in most 12-team formats right now.Source: mlb.com
Chicago Cubs third baseman Jordan Beck Heads to the Bench
Jordan Beck is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Beck will get a rare day off on Saturday after starting in nine straight games. He's looking like he could use a day off after going 2-for-19 over his last five games. It has been an ugly week or so at the plate for Beck, but he was doing well at the plate before that. Mickey Moniak, Brenton Doyle, and Tyler Freeman will cover the outfield at Coors Field on Saturday. Fantasy managers should expect Beck back in the lineup following this game.Source: mlb.com
Colorado Rockies outfielder Nick Kurtz Absent on Saturday
Nick Kurtz (oblique) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. This doesn't come as a surprise after Kurtz was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game due to right-oblique soreness. After the game, A's manager Mark Kotsay said Kurtz will likely undergo additional imaging to determine the severity of the injury. For now, Kurtz should be considered day-to-day and will likely sit out the weekend series. Tyler Soderstrom will cover first base and bat cleanup versus right-hander Merrill Kelly on Saturday. Fantasy managers should check back on Sunday for another update on Kurtz, but they should also be prepared for a potential injured-list stint from the left-handed power hitter.Source: mlb.com
Athletics first baseman Javier Baez to Rest on Saturday
Javier Baez is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. This appears to be a routine rest day for Baez who has sat out in three of the last five games. Baez went 1-for-9 in the two games that he did play in during that span. He got off to a hot start to begin the season, but has slowed down in the second half. In his absence, Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez, and Kerry Carpenter will cover the outfield on Saturday. At the moment, Baez is really only worth rostering in deep leagues.Source: mlb.com
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kyle Hart to Pitch on Sunday
Kyle Hart will take the mound for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. It's unclear if Hart will be making a traditional start or be used as a bulk reliever in an opener situation. Regardless, Hart is unlikely to offer much fantasy value considering he has struggled in the big leagues this season. He holds a 5.29 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 32.1 innings with the Padres. He hasn't pitched on the big league roster since July 24 in a one inning outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. Hart isn't a recommended streaming option for this game.Source: Kevin Acee
San Diego Padres pitcher