Sat May 4 | 23:41 | George Kirby Undergoes MRI On Knee, Optimistic To Make Next Start | George Kirby | SP | Mariners | Free Agent |
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (knee) had an MRI on his right knee on Saturday as a precaution. Mariners manager Scott Servais is optimistic Kirby won't miss any time and will make his next start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. The 26-year-old was pulled from Friday's outing against the Houston Astros after just 88 pitches. Kirby's knee injury doesn't sound serious, and the MRI results should confirm the severity of his issue. He owns a 3.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 41:4 K:BB across 38 1/3 innings in 2024. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Kirby as long as he's cleared for his next scheduled start on Thursday. |
Source: Adam Jude | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 23:11 | John Means Throws Seven Scoreless Innings In Season Debut | John Means | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
Baltimore Orioles left-hander John Means (1-0) allowed three hits and no walks while striking out eight over seven scoreless innings in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Means started the season on the injured list after having a setback on his surgically repaired left elbow. Means picked up his first victory of the season. He completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk and made his 2024 debut on Saturday against the Reds. He was stellar in Saturday's win, blanking the Reds over seven innings on 85 pitches. The 31-year-old owned a 2.66 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and a 10:4 K: BB across 23 2/3 innings in 2023. Means will look to build on Saturday's performance at his next start on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. |
Source: MLB | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 22:48 | Yennier Cano Notches First Save Of The Season | Yennier Cano | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
Baltimore Orioles reliever Yennier Cano allowed a walk while striking out one over 2/3 innings in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Craig Kimbrel entered the game in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. Kimbrel was pulled from the save situation after he allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter in one-third of an inning. Cano replaced Kimbrel and retired two of the three batters he faced to notch his first save of the season. Kimbrel has been dealing with a back tightness and has blown back-to-back saves. The Orioles could turn to Cano for saves while Kimbrel is struggling. Cano owns a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers searching for saves should add Cano in all league formats. |
Source: MLB | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 22:35 | Steven Kwan Will Undergo An MRI On Injured Hamstring Sunday | Steven Kwan | LF | Guardians | Free Agent |
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (hamstring) will undergo an MRI on Sunday. Kwan initially injured his hamstring during Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels while trying to make a play in the outfield. "A hamstring is always concerning, especially with my history," said Kwan. "It's not something to be optimistic about." The Guardians will have a timetable and if an injured stint is needed once the MRI results are in. The 26-year-old is slashing .353/.407/.496 with three home runs and three stolen bases over 32 games in 2024. Gabriel Arias replaced Kwan in the game and would see an uptick in at-bats if he were to miss any time. Arias is on the radar in deep leagues after slashing .250/.271/.382 with a home run, nine runs, eight RBI, and three steals over 21 games this season. |
Source: Paul Hoynes | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 22:21 | Logan O'Hoppe Removed From Saturday's Game With Hand Contusion | Logan O'Hoppe | C | Angels | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe (hand) was removed from Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians with a right-hand contusion. The 24-year-old took a foul tip off his right hand during the fourth inning. He initially stayed in the game before being replaced in the bottom of the fifth inning. O'Hoppe went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting. X-rays came back negative on O'Hoppe's hand. He is considered day-to-day and will likely get the day off Sunday in the series finale against Cleveland. Matt Thaiss would see an uptick in playing time if O'Hoppe were to miss any time. |
Source: Jeff Fletcher | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 18:55 | Clay Holmes Earns 11th Save Saturday Afternoon | Clay Holmes | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes earned his 11th save Saturday afternoon in a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Holmes got four outs, two via strikeout, and remained unscored upon in 2024. Holmes also has a win to go along with his 0.00 ERA and 0.92 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 16 innings. The save ties him for the MLB lead with the St. Louis Cardinals' Ryan Helsley. Continue to deploy Holmes in all leagues that have a saves category, even if you do not get the high volume of strikeouts you may like in a closer. |
Source: New York Yankees | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 18:37 | Cole Sands Collects Second Save On Saturday | Cole Sands | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
Minnesota Twins right-hander Cole Sands earned his second save of the season on Saturday afternoon in a 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Sands pitched a spotless ninth and added a strikeout in relief of usual closer Jhoan Duran, who was called upon to face the heart of the Red Sox order in the eighth inning. That left the save opportunity for Sands. With the usual setup men Brock Stewart and Justin Topa out with injuries, Sands could see himself in a higher leverage role in the short-term with lefty Caleb Thielbar and should earn holds and the occasional vulture save. |
Source: Minnesota Twins | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 18:20 | Hector Neris Earns Sixth Save Saturday Afternoon | Héctor Neris | RP | Astros | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Hector Neris earned his sixth save of the season in a 6-5 win against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon. Neris gave up two hits and an earned run with a walk and a strikeout to notch the save in the ninth inning. Neris has taken over the closer role for the ineffective Adbert Alzolay. Despite some shaky peripherals, including a 20.8 walk rate and an xERA of 7.15, Neris continues to get the job done for the Cubs. He should remain in the role for the foreseeable future. |
Source: Chicago Cubs | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 18:13 | Luke Raley Out Of Mariners' Lineup Saturday Night | Luke Raley | DH | Rays | Free Agent |
Seattle Mariners outfielder/first baseman/designated hitter Luke Raley will head to the bench on Saturday night with the Mariners facing Houston Astros' lefty Framber Valdez. The left-handed hitting Raley is hitting .224 with no home runs, three RBI, and four runs scored in 60 plate appearances. Sam Haggerty gets the start in left field. Raley and Haggerty appear to be in a left-field platoon at this time. Raley will look to be the starter when the Mariners face right-handed pitching. |
Source: Seattle Mariners | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 18:06 | Luis Arraez In DH Slot And Batting Leadoff In Padres' Debut | Luis Arraez | 2B | Twins | Free Agent |
Infielder Luis Arraez, acquired by the San Diego Padres for prospects on Friday night from the Miami Marlins, is in the designated hitter slot and is batting leadoff on Saturday night. Arraez is hitting .299 with no home runs, five RBI, and 22 runs in 148 plate appearances this season. Arraez could also see time at first base and second base in San Diego. The Padres face off against right-hander Brandon Pfaadt and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, and Arraez should be in all starting fantasy lineup. Although he lacks power, the move to a more potent lineup in San Diego is a boost to his fantasy value everywhere. |
Source: San Diego Padres | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 17:14 | Luis Rengifo Out Of Lineup On Saturday | Luis Rengifo | SS | Angels | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo (illness) is out of the lineup on Saturday with an illness. Brandon Drury will be hitting fifth starting at third base and Ehire Adrianza will be hitting second and starting at second base against the Cleveland Guardians. Adrianza has been getting extra playing time when Rengifo or Drury are out. Rengifo should be considered day-to-day. Rengifo has been having a solid season, hitting for an .839 OPS after a slow start to the season. As long as Rengifo is feeling better on Sunday, he should be expected to be back in the lineup against Guardians starter Carlos Carrasco. |
Source: Jeff Fletcher | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 14:58 | Josh Naylor Getting A Breather Versus Lefty Saturday | Josh Naylor | LF/RF/1B | Guardians | Free Agent |
Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor is getting a day off on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Reid Detmers. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a big start to his season and has actually fared quite well against left-handed pitching. Naylor has hit .263 with seven homers, two steals, and an .857 OPS across 132 trips to the plate on the season and has hit .300 with two homers and a 1.016 OPS across 34 plate appearances versus same-handed pitching on the season. He has also struck out in just 12.9% of his plate appearances while drawing walks at a nice 9.8% clip on the campaign. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 14:39 | Alek Manoah To Start Sunday For Blue Jays | Alek Manoah | SP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (shoulder) is slated to make his season debut on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old threw a side session on Friday after he was rocked for a 6.50 ERA across four starts with Triple-A Buffalo to begin his season. It's been tough sledding for Manoah since he was named a Cy Young finalist in the 2022 season as he posted a 5.87 ERA alongside a monster 14.2% BB% across 19 big-league starts. He was also optioned to the team's Florida spring training complex and refused an assignment to Buffalo after he scuffled in his big-league return. He will take on a Nationals offense that entered Saturday's action ranked 18th with a .303 wOBA on the season. |
Source: Keegan Matheson | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 13:46 | Yasmani Grandal Making First Start Of Season | Yasmani Grandal | C | White Sox | Free Agent |
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Yasmani Grandal is making his first start of the season and will bat in the six-hole against Colorado Rockies southpaw Austin Gomber. Grandal was activated from the injured list on Friday after recovering from plantar fasciitis, a move that also sent Henry Davis down to Triple-A. The 35-year-old catcher posted a .234/.309/.339 stat line with eight long balls last season and should be expected to split duties behind the dish with Joey Bart for the time being. Grandal could emerge as an option in NL-only leagues if he can produce at the plate, especially from a power standpoint. Grandal is worth consideration as a sneaky pay in DFS as Austin Gomber enters Saturday with a hefty 4.50 ERA. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 13:36 | Kevin Kiermaier Activated From Injured List | Kevin Kiermaier | CF | Rays | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (hip) has been activated from the 10-day injured list and will start in Saturday's lineup as the Blue Jays continue a three-game set against right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin and the Washington Nationals. Kiermaier only stayed on the injured list for a minimum of ten days and should be expected to return to his everyday role in center field. The 34-year-old struggled at the plate to open the season with a .193/.246/.228 line but put up a solid .265/.322/.419 line last season, so fantasy managers should expect a nice turnaround. He swiped 14 bags last season and already stole two before being placed on the injured list and remains on pace to smash his 2023 total. Kiermaier remains an AL-only option but could be deployed in a good matchup in DFS. |
Source: Toronto Blue Jays | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 13:25 | Alex Kirilloff Idle Against Lefty | Alex Kirilloff | DH | Twins | Free Agent |
Minnesota Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff is not in Saturday's lineup as the Twins are slated to face Boston southpaw Brennan Bernardino. Kirilloff has yet to make a start this season against a left-handed pitcher, and Saturday will be no different. As a result, Willi Castro will play left field, which opens the hot corner for Jose Miranda. Kirilloff has put up a solid .247/.310/.449 slash line with three home runs this season. The 26-year-old should be expected to return to the Twins lineup on Sunday, as they are scheduled to face right-hander Cooper Criswell. Both Castro and Miranda are sneaky plays in DFS on Saturday, as they are batting in the two- and three-holes, respectively, and should see plenty of RBI and scoring opportunities. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 13:15 | Matt Mervis Sent Down, Miles Mastrobuoni Promoted | Miles Mastrobuoni | LF | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Mervis | | | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs infielder Miles Mastrobuoni was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday in a corresponding move that sent Cubs first base prospect Matt Mervis back down to the minor leagues. Mervis disappointed fantasy managers in his second major league stint and will most likely not receive another chance until later in the summer. Mervis posted a .115/.148/.154 line in nine games with the Cubs this season, which is not too different from his .167/.242/.289 line he had across 27 games last year. Mastrobuoni played in 61 games last season with the Cubs and put up a modest .241/.308/.301 stat line. The 28-year-old should be expected to reclaim his utility role once again this season after starting games at second base, third base, and in the outfield last season. He is nothing more than a desperation play in DFS when he is in the Cubs lineup. |
Source: Patrick Mooney | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 12:27 | Danny Mendick Lands On 10-Day Injured List | Danny Mendick | 2B/3B | White Sox | Free Agent |
The Chicago White Sox placed infielder Danny Mendick (back) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 2) with lower-back tightness on Saturday and recalled infield prospect Bryan Ramos from Double-A Birmingham in a corresponding move. Mendick was scratched from Friday's lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals and will now be forced to miss at least 10 days. In the meantime, Ramos, the club's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could see ample playing time at the hot corner until Mendick is recovered. For what it's worth, infielder Braden Shewmake is starting at third on Saturday. The 30-year-old Mendick will hit the shelf after hitting .256 (10-for-39) with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in limited action for the Pale Hose this year. |
Source: Chicago White Sox | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 12:13 | Gerrit Cole Throws Successful Bullpen Session | Gerrit Cole | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, his first bullpen session since he was shut down from throwing in spring training back in March. Cole was giddy while talking about it and said he was looking forward to this step for a long time, his first taste of pitching in an extended stretch. It's a big step for the 33-year-old, who won the American League Cy Young award in 2023. He was put on the 60-day injured list with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow in late March, meaning he won't be eligible to return to the Yankees until May 27. Cole is reportedly targeting a return in mid-June, so fantasy managers are going to have to remain patient and keep him stashed in all leagues until then. |
Source: NJ Advance Media - Max Goodman | RotoBaller.com |
Sat May 4 | 12:02 | Javier Baez Out On Saturday | Javier Báez | SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez is not in the starting lineup on Saturday versus the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The struggling Baez went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Friday night's walk-off loss and is now slashing a miserable .183/.228/.258 with one home run, nine RBI, six stolen bases, six runs scored, five walks and 22 strikeouts in 101 plate appearances over his 28 games in 2024. The 31-year-old free swinger has fallen far since his last All-Star appearance in 2019 with the Chicago Cubs, and he's been a massive bust since joining the Tigers in 2022. About the only thing fantasy managers can count on him for now is some modest stolen base numbers. Zach McKinstry is starting at the 6 on Saturday and is hitting eighth against Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt. |
Source: Detroit Tigers | RotoBaller.com |