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Franklin Arias Producing In a Big Way At Triple-A in August
Boston Red Sox top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias is having a red-hot month of August at Triple-A Worcester and could reward fantasy managers with a late-season call-up. Arias is hitting .311 this month with two homers and 16 RBI to go with 10 runs scored. Overall in 22 games with Worcester, the talented infielder has four homers and 22 RBI while hitting .291. With Double-A Portland prior to his promotion to Worcester, the 20-year-old had 19 homers and 52 RBI while hitting .318 in 75 games. Arias has a 60-grade hit tool with 55-grade power and has set the minor leagues on fire out of Venezuela. At just 20 years old, Boston would have to take a risk in bringing Arias up to the major leagues this season, but he has produced at every level of the minors. Fantasy managers will want to monitor Boston closely to see how they handle Arias, because he has significant upside if called up.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kade Anderson Has League-Winning Upside
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson will make his major league debut on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, and the left-hander is talented enough to win leagues for fantasy managers. Anderson was called up from Double-A Arkansas to make his start on Saturday, and he did nothing to disappoint while with the Travelers. He compiled a 10-1 record with a 1.06 ERA and 0.64 WHIP to go with 135 strikeouts in 93 1/3 innings pitched. The top overall prospect for the Mariners, Anderson is considered one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball. The 22-year-old boasts a 60-grade fastball and changeup combination to go with a 55-grade curveball and slider. The 2025 first-round draft pick rose through the minors seemingly easily to make his MLB debut, and he has the stuff to reward fantasy managers who stashed him.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Ketel Marte Seen at Casino During Friday's Contest
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (knee) was seen at a casino during the team's game on Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds. "He's free to do whatever he wants as long as he wakes up tomorrow and gets his work done at Salt River (Fields), which I am certain he will, that's all that matters right now," manager Torey Lovullo said when asked about Marte being at a casino, per Cameron Cox of 12 News. Marte was a no-show for the series opener in Boston against the Red Sox earlier this week, which prompted the D-backs to place the 32-year-old All-Star on the restricted list. Then we found out that Marte headed back to Arizona for an MRI exam on his left knee without telling the team. He was placed on the 10-day injured list on Thursday, with general manager Mike Hazen saying that he expects Marte to rejoin the team following his stint on the IL. It is unclear how long Marte will be sidelined with left-knee inflammation, but he needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues until he returns. In the meantime, Ildemaro Vargas should continue to serve as the team's primary second baseman.
Source: 12 News - Cameron Cox
Source: 12 News - Cameron Cox
Daniel Palencia Officially Returns on Friday
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (elbow) was activated off the 60-day Injured List ahead of Friday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Taylor McGregor reports. Palenica is officially back in the mix after being sidelined since mid-June due to an elbow issue. When healthy, Palencia has posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 19/6 K/BB ratio across 16.2 innings of work in 19 appearances. Jacob Webb was pitching well as the closer while Palencia was out, but he'll move out of that role now. Fantasy managers looking for a source of saves should snag Palencia off the waiver wire before it's too late. In a corresponding move, right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday
Source: Taylor McGregor
Source: Taylor McGregor
Marcelo Mayer is Dealing with Bone Bruise in Foot
According to Alex Pavlovic, San Francisco Giants infielder Marcelo Mayer (forearm, foot) has paused his rehab assignment due to a bone bruise in his right foot. The plan is for Mayer to rest through the weekend before being re-evaluated next week. He originally landed on the Injured List in late June with a left forearm stress reaction. Now, he'll need to hold off on his rehab assignment for a few days while he recovers from this foot injury. Mayer was nearing a return to the Giants, so hopefully this won't set him back too far. Fantasy managers should check back for an update on his status after he is re-evaluated.
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Bryan Woo to Have Start Pushed Back
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryan Woo won't make his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs this weekend. According to Adam Jude, Woo will be pushed back from his scheduled outing on Sunday. Instead, Kade Anderson will get the ball on Saturday, while Bryce Miller gets the starting nod for Sunday's series finale. Woo was removed early during his most recent start against the Houston Astros due to shoulder soreness. It sounds like Woo is still dealing with some soreness, but is expected to be worked into the rotation at some point next week. At the moment, there are no plans to have Woo placed on the Injured List, but it shouldn't be completely ruled out. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Woo next week.
Source: Adam Jude
Source: Adam Jude
Hunter Dobbins Exits Early with Forearm Tightness
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's start against the Philadelphia Phillies. According to Derrick Goold, Dobbins left this game early due to right forearm tightness. Dobbins was pulled after throwing one pitch in the fifth inning. His day finishes with three earned runs on five hits while striking out three batters across four innings of work. The Cardinals haven't said whether or not Dobbins will require a trip to the Injured List. Brycen Mautz could get a shot in the rotation if Dobbins does miss time. Fantasy managers will need to check back over the weekend for another update on his status.
Source: Derrick Goold
Source: Derrick Goold
Kade Anderson is a Must-Add Ahead of Season Debut
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson is scheduled to make his season debut against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Anderson has earned a late-season call-up after posting fantastic numbers during his lone season in the minor leagues. The Mariners selected Anderson as the third overall pick during the 2025 June Amateur Draft. During his first year in Double-A Arkansas, Anderson posted a 1.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and a 135/13 K/BB ratio across 93.1 innings of work. The 22-year-old is clearly ready to be promoted above Double-A, but the Mariners feel he's ready for the big leagues after 18 starts in the minors. Given his numbers, Anderson is a must-add player ahead of his big league debut versus the Cubbies on Saturday.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kodai Senga is Picking up Steam After Earning Fourth Save
New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is attempting to reinvent himself as a relief pitcher. Senga has been working as a closer lately and has pitched extremely well in that role. During August, Senga has only given up one earned run while recording four saves in six appearances. The expectation is that Senga will continue being the closer until Devin Williams (shoulder) returns, which is likely at some point in September. Fantasy managers seeking help in the relief pitcher department should consider adding Senga while he's still the closer. Williams figures to take over as the closer once he's healthy, but it's unclear when that'll be right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Yelich is Taking a Seat on Friday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this appears to be a routine rest day for Yelich. The Brewers are electing to rest Yelich against tough southpaw Chris Sale. Gary Sanchez will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth during Friday's game. The Brewers are electing to give Yelich plenty of rest to keep him fresh for the postseason. The expectation is he'll be back on Saturday, but fantasy managers should get him out of their lineups on Friday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Justin Martinez Could be a Stash Option
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez recently made his season debut after missing a majority of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Martinez threw a scoreless inning against the Boston Red Sox during his season debut on Tuesday. He is pitching in low-leverage situations right now, but could work his way into the closer role in Arizona. Martinez earned 14 saves between the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the D-Backs. This team doesn't have a lockdown closer at the moment after Paul Sewald lost the job. Martinez could quickly slide into the role if he continues to pitch well. He's someone to keep an eye on as a possible stash in September.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Steven Cruz has Interesting Deep League Appeal
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Steven Cruz has been working as the closer lately. He has earned four of the team's last five saves and appears to have a strong hold on the closer role right now. Cruz did give up two earned runs during his latest appearance against the Athletics on Wednesday. Outside of that, Cruz has looked good enough on the mound to warrant adding in deep leagues. Overall, Cruz owns a 4.37 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 51/18 K/BB ratio across 45 appearances. There's enough value here to warrant scooping up Cruz in deep leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ben Joyce is Gaining Value After Notching Third Save
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Ben Joyce might be the closer of the future for this organization. He has been limited to six innings this season, but is quickly making an impact with the Halos. So far this season, Joyce has thrown six scoreless innings, allowing one hit, while striking out eight batters. He notched his third save of the season versus the Houston Astros on Tuesday. Joyce is looking like a decent source of saves for fantasy managers down the stretch of the season. The Angels don't win a ton of games, but Joyce is likely to remain the full-time closer as long as he keeps pitching well.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Reynaldo Lopez to Begin Rehab Assignment on Sunday
Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (knee) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, according to Chad Bishop. Lopez has been out since late July due to left knee inflammation. It's unclear at the moment how many rehab appearances he'll need before rejoining the Braves. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect Lopez to be back in the mix in September. His fantasy value will be dependent on whether he returns as a starting pitcher or reliever. This season, Lopez owns a 3.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 66/29 K/BB ratio across 24 games (11 starts) with the Braves. Fantasy managers in deep leagues could stash Lopez as a helpful option down the stretch of the season.
Source: Chad Bishop
Source: Chad Bishop
Maikel Garcia Likely Headed to Injured List
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is likely headed to the 10-day Injured List, according to Joel Goldberg. Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the team plans to place him on the shelf after Garcia suffered a hamstring strain during Thursday's win over the Athletics. This is a tough break for Garcia, who was playing in just his fourth game since returning from nearly a two-month absence. If he is placed on the IL, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back until some point in September. Nick Loftin figures to return to being the primary third baseman in Kansas City. Fantasy managers might want to consider moving on from Garcia, who is looking at a multi-week absence.
Source: Joel Goldberg
Source: Joel Goldberg
