MLB News
Nats Decline Options On Adam Eaton, Anibal Sanchez, Others
Written by Staff
2 hours ago
Category: Top-Headlines, Transactions
The Washington Nationals declined club options for the 2021 season on outfielder Adam Eaton and right-hander Anibal Sanchez, making them free agents. The Nats also declined their portion of mutual options on infielders Howie Kendrick and Eric Thames. Eaton's option was worth $10.5 million, but they'll instead pay him a $1.5 million buyout. Sanchez's option was for $12 million and he'll receive a $2 million buyout. Kendrick will get a $2.25 million buyout after his $6.5 million option wasn't picked up. Thames had a $4 million mutual option but will receive a $1 million buyout. Eaton hit just .226 with four home runs and 17 RBI after excelling in last year's World Series. Sanchez was 4-5 with a 6.62 ERA in 11 starts for Washington in 2020. The 37-year-old Kendrick hit .275 with two homers and 14 RBI this year. Thames batted only .203 with three home runs and 12 RBI in his only season in D.C.
Source: RotoBaller
Corey Seager Named World Series MVP
Written by Staff
23 hours ago
Category: Risers, Top-Headlines
Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after earning the same honor in the National League Championship Series. Seager hit .400 with two home runs, five RBI and six walks in six games in the World Series against the Rays. He hit .310 with five home runs and 11 RBI in the seven-game win over the Braves in the NLCS, including three long balls in Games 5 and 6. The previous MVP of both the League Championship Series and the World Series in the same year was Giants lefty Madison Bumgarner in 2014. Only eight players have ever accomplished that, and they've all been in the National League.
Source: RotoBaller
Tony Gonsolin To Start Game 6 Of World Series
Written by Staff
yesterday
Category: Matchup-Outlook, Prospects-Rookies, Sit-Start
Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin will start Game 6 of the World Series against the Rays on Tuesday. He'll be opposed by left-hander Blake Snell for Tampa Bay. Snell, who won the American League Cy Young in 2018, didn't allow a hit to the Dodgers through the first four innings of Game 2 but ended up with a no-decision in the eventual Rays win. Gonsolin was essentially the opener for the Dodgers in Game 2, and he has a rough 9.39 ERA in 7 2/3 postseason innings after a strong regular season for LA. Manager Dave Roberts said there was no thought to bringing right-hander Walker Buehler back on short rest for Game 6. Gonsolin will be a risky DFS selection because he'll likely have a very short leash in this one.
Source: RotoBaller
Mets Claim Robel Garcia Off Of Waivers From Reds
Written by Staff
2 days ago
Category: Transactions
Mets
The New York Mets claimed infielder Robel Garcia off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. Garcia last appeared in the majors in 2019 for the Chicago Cubs hitting .208 with five home runs and 11 RBI in just 80 plate appearances. The move by the Mets was strictly for depth purposes. Even assuming Garcia makes the major league team out of spring training in 2021, he won't hold much fantasy value.
Source: RotoBaller
Matt Strahm To Have Knee Surgery
Written by Staff
6 days ago
Category: Injuries
Padres
San Diego Padres left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm (knee) will undergo a patellar tendon repair in his right knee. He underwent a similar surgery on his left knee in 2017 when he was with the Royals. Strahm went 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 19 outings in his third season with the Friars this year. The 28-year-old southpaw made 46 appearances in 2019 and started 16 of those, sporting a 4.71 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while striking out 9.3 hitters per nine innings. In his five MLB seasons, Strahm has made 151 appearances, with only 24 coming in the form of a start. He can be ignored in the vast majority of fantasy leagues heading into the 2021 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Morton Gets The Nod For Game 3 Of World Series
Written by Staff
7 days ago
Category: Matchup-Outlook, Sit-Start
Rays
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Charlie Morton, who is 5-0 in five playoff starts with the team, will get the ball for Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Friday. Morton's velocity was down during the regular season, but he's been great in the postseason. The right-hander threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings in just 66 pitches in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Astros. The 36-year-old is 3-0 with a 0.57 ERA in three playoff starts this year, with opposing hitters sporting just a .474 OPS against him. Morton helped beat the Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series with the Astros back in 2017. The playoff experience and success is there, but he's also facing a historically stacked Dodgers lineup, making him a risk/reward DFS choice.
Source: RotoBaller
Dodgers Expected To Go With Bullpen In Game 2
Written by Staff
8 days ago
Category: Lineup, Matchup-Outlook, Sit-Start
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn't willing to divulge who would start Game 2 of the World Series against the Rays on Wednesday. "It's going to be a bullpen, whatever, kind of game, using various arms," Roberts said. "Who starts that game, I just don't know yet." They'll be opposed by 2018 American League Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who went 4-2 with a 3.24 ERA in 11 regular season starts. Snell has gone 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA in four playoff starts. Left-hander Julio Urias and right-handers Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are all options to get the nod for the Dodgers. Urias is 4-0 in the playoffs, with his only start coming in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. Urias could also be a potential starter for Game 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Walker Buehler To Start Game 3 Of World Series
Written by Staff
9 days ago
Category: Matchup-Outlook, Sit-Start
Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler will start Game 3 of the World Series against the Rays on Friday. Buehler started Game 1 in the first three rounds of the playoffs, but he just pitched on Saturday in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. Instead, lefty Clayton Kershaw will be pitching on normal rest in Game 1 on Tuesday. Buehler will be going on five days of rest on Friday after he tossed six scoreless innings last Saturday against Atlanta. The right-handed Buehler would be set up to start a deciding Game 7, if necessary. Buehler is likely to be matched up against veteran right-hander Charlie Morton in Game 3 on Friday. He'll be a fine DFS play in the Fall Classic's third game.
Source: RotoBaller
Cody Bellinger Should Be Fine For Game 1 Of World Series
Written by Staff
9 days ago
Category: Injuries
Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger (shoulder) popped his shoulder out of socket during a celebration with Kike Hernandez after his go-ahead home run in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against the Braves on Sunday. The training staff popped Bellinger's shoulder back into place and he returned to the field in the eighth inning. The left-handed hitter was 4-for-23 with nine strikeouts entering Game 7 of the NLCS, but he broke out with his huge game-winning home run. His shoulder felt sore but functional, and he should be fine for Game 1 of the World Series against the Rays on Tuesday, but it will be something to watch heading into the Fall Classic.
Source: RotoBaller
Dustin May To Start Game 5 Against Braves
Written by Staff
12 days ago
Category: Matchup-Outlook, Prospects-Rookies, Sit-Start
Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Dustin May will start Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Friday against the Braves with the Dodgers trying to stave off elimination in the series. Gingergaard went 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 12 outings (10 starts) during the regular season, and he hasn't give up a run in 4 2/3 innings over three playoff appearances. He'll be the third-youngest pitcher in Dodgers history to make a postseason start with the team facing elimination at 23 years and 40 days old. May tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief in Game 1 on Monday. The right-hander sits in the high-90s with his fastball and has wicked movement on his offspeed pitches, but he may be on a short leash with all hands on deck in this elimination game, making him a risk/reward DFS pick.
Source: RotoBaller
Gio Urshela Doesn't Need Surgery On Elbow
Written by Staff
14 days ago
Category: Injuries
Yankees
New York Yankees third baseman Gio Urshela (elbow) did not need surgery for a bone spur in his right elbow after the team was eliminated by the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. The 29-year-old will go with rest and recovery in the offseason. Urshela has played extremely well the last couple of seasons in the Bronx and has solidified his spot at the hot corner moving forward. He slashed a healthy .298/.368/.490 with six home runs, 30 RBI and 24 runs in 151 at-bats over 43 regular season games during the shortened season. Urshela had five hits in his 28 postseason at-bats, including a big grand slam against the Indians in the wild-card round.
Source: RotoBaller
Kevin Kiermaier Leaves Game 3 Early Tuesday
Written by Staff
14 days ago
Category: Injuries
Rays
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (hand) left in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Astros on Tuesday after being hit by a pitch and suffering a left hand contusion. X-rays came back negative and Kiermaier is day-to-day. He went 0-for-2 with a run and a strikeout before departing the game. The 30-year-old hit a disappointing .217/.321/.362 with only three home runs, 22 RBI and eight stolen bases in 49 games for the Rays during the shortened season. In 33 postseason at-bats this year, Kiermaier has seven hits (two doubles, one homer) with four RBI. He's most valuable to the Rays for his defense in center field, so they'll be hoping to get him back as soon as possible. The injury doesn't seem to be too serious, but check back on Wednesday to see if he's in the lineup for Game 4.
Source: RotoBaller
White Sox Mutually Part Ways With Rick Renteria
Written by Staff
15 days ago
Category: Top-Headlines, Transactions
The Chicago White Sox mutually agreed to part ways with manager Rick Renteria on Monday. The team also parted ways with pitching coach Don Cooper on Monday. General manager Rick Hahn is looking for something a bit different moving forward as the White Sox move from a rebuilding phase to their goal of winning multiple World Series championships. Renteria was hired on Oct. 3, 2016, to replace Robin Ventura. He was hired mainly to help build a new clubhouse culture, and the White produced 284 losses from 2017-2019. But they finished over .500 (35-25) in 2020 for the first time since 2012 and reached the postseason for the first time since 2008. Hahn said the next manager will likely come from outside the organization.
Source: RotoBaller
Gerrit Cole Dominates In Last 2020 Start
Written by Staff
18 days ago
Category:
Yankees
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole held the Rays to one run and three baserunners with nine strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings on Friday in Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Rays. Cole cruised after escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, with a solo home run being the only damage against the ace, and he finished the postseason with a 3.18 ERA and 30 strikeouts over three starts. Home runs were a problem for Cole all season, as he allowed a career-worst 4.9% home-run rate, but his characteristically excellent 26.7% K-BB% limited that home-run damage. Fantasy managers should expect Cole to continue being a top-five starting pitcher going forward, and he should once again have a shot at a Cy Young award in 2021.
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Montgomery Holds Rays To One Run On Thursday
Written by Staff
20 days ago
Category:
Yankees
New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery pitched well on Thursday, holding the Rays to one run over four innings with four strikeouts. Montgomery was in and out of trouble all night with six baserunners allowed, but some timely outs allowed the 27-year-old to escape with limited damage. The Yankees pulled Montgomery after only 62 pitches as the team fought to stay alive in an elimination game, and Montgomery should be a viable DFS option going forward depending on matchups and game scenarios.
Source: RotoBaller
Masahiro Tanaka Pitches Poorly On Wednesday
Written by Staff
20 days ago
Category:
Yankees
New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka struggled against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing five runs over only four innings of work. Tanakas slider was the lone bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance as the pitch generated seven swinging-strikes (28 pitches) for a 25% swinging-strike rate, but Tanaka also left a slider hanging over the plate that Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena hit into the seats. Its only one start and the Rays hitters have terrorized New York pitching with 18 runs in their last three games, so Tanakas poor start shouldnt have fantasy managers too concerned regarding his performance going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
George Springer Carries Astros To Game 2 Win
Written by Staff
22 days ago
Category: Lineup, Risers, Sit-Start
Astros
Houston Astros center fielder George Springer went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three runs batted in to carry the Astros to a 5-2 win over the A's in Game 2. October has belonged to Springer the past few seasons as the 30-year-old continues to dominate in the postseason. Springer hit a two-run bomb in the third inning to get Houston on the board and added a solo shot in his next at-bat. The slugger now has 16 career home runs over his last 48 playoff games played with 30 runs batted in during that stretch. He will carry a lifetime OPS of .943 in the playoffs into Game 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Carlos Correa Blasts Two Home Runs In Game 1
Written by Staff
23 days ago
Category: Lineup, Risers, Sit-Start
Astros
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, two home runs and four runs batted in as the Astros defeated the A's in Game 1 of the ALDS. After a regular season that saw Correa slug only .383 through 201 at-bats, the 26-year-old now has three home runs through his first 11 postseason at-bats. Correa smacked a ball over the fence in the Astro three-run fourth inning and tacked on a second blast in the seventh inning. Correa is the hottest hitter rolling right now in a suddenly awake Astros offense and will be a top selection in DFS for Game 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Starling Marte's Status For NLDS Uncertain
Written by Staff
24 days ago
Category: Injuries
Marlins
Miami Marlins outfielder Starling Marte (hand) is uncertain on his availability for the National League Division Series against the Braves this week. Marte fractured his pinky after getting hit by a pitch in Game 1 against the Cubs, and the team has "no determination" on the status of the 31-year-old, according to manager Don Mattingly. If Marte is not able to join the team on the NLDS roster, outfielder Magneuris Sierra could earn another start in center field after being included in the starting lineup for Game 2 against the Cubs. Marte's status should be known closer to the start of the series on Tuesday night, with the roster submission deadline happening earlier in the day.
Source: RotoBaller
Yankees To Continue Having Kyle Higashioka Catch Gerrit Cole
Written by Staff
26 days ago
Category: Lineup
Yankees, Yankees
New York Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka will be the primary catcher for starting pitcher Gerrit Cole through the rest of the playoffs, according to manager Aaron Boone. That declaration has Higashioka slated to start behind the plate against the Rays on Monday, and Monday will be Coles sixth consecutive start with Higashioka behind the plate. A superior defensive catcher compared to Gary Sanchez, Higashiokas presence bolsters Coles already high fantasy value through the playoffs, but the 30-year-olds career .602 OPS should keep him off of most fantasy rosters.
Source: RotoBaller