Fantasy Baseball News

James Paxton delivered a lackluster performance in the Dodgers' 7-3 victory over the Reds on Friday.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed three earned runs on seven hits and struck out two over six innings, without issuing any walks. Despite not factoring into the decision, Paxton's outing was less than stellar, particularly in the strikeout department, which has been a weak point throughout the season with a low 4.9 K/9 rate. His season ERA slightly increased to 2.84, and his WHIP remains elevated at 1.38, reflecting ongoing challenges with baserunners. Paxton's low strikeout numbers and high FIP (5.26) suggest potential volatility ahead, making him a risky play in fantasy leagues that heavily reward strikeouts and low ERA.

Jason Heyward contributed significantly in the Dodgers' 7-3 win against the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: Jason Heyward went 1-for-3 with a home run, one run scored, two RBI, and a walk. This performance, highlighted by his first home run of the season, offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers who might have been discouraged by his injury-plagued start to the season. With a batting average of .235 and a modest total of four RBI through five games, Heyward's impact has been limited. However, his ability to drive in runs when he connects suggests he could be a situational asset in deeper fantasy leagues, especially in matchups that favor him. His low strikeout rate is promising, but he'll need to improve his on-base skills to become a more consistent fantasy contributor.

Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in the Dodgers' 7-3 victory over the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: His solo blast contributed significantly to the team's win, underscoring his role as a pivotal player in their lineup. Ohtani's performance this season has been stellar, boasting a .358 batting average and a .459 wOBA, which are dream numbers for fantasy managers. His power-speed combination, highlighted by 13 homers and 10 stolen bases, continues to make him one of the most valuable assets in fantasy baseball. While his strikeout rate sits at a manageable 19.5%, his ability to consistently get on base and drive in runs keeps his fantasy stock high. Managers should continue to view Ohtani as a top-tier option in all formats.

Mookie Betts went 1-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored in the Dodgers' 7-3 victory over the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included driving in a run, drawing a walk, and striking out once. Betts's consistent hitting this season, reflected in a robust .341 batting average and a .429 wOBA, continues to make him a top-tier fantasy asset. His power-speed combination, evidenced by eight home runs and eight stolen bases, provides a diverse range of contributions across multiple categories. Fantasy managers should continue to view Betts as a cornerstone of their lineups, given his high-level production and ability to impact the game in multiple facets.

Frankie Montas had a rough outing in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out just one over five innings. This performance underscores a troubling trend for Montas, whose season ERA now sits at 4.37 with a WHIP of 1.37. His strikeout rate remains low at 6.4 K/9, and his FIP at 5.60 suggests that his struggles are not solely due to bad luck. Fantasy managers should be cautious, as his reduced strikeout ability and high FIP indicate potential ongoing issues that could hurt his value in all formats.

Stuart Fairchild went 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's defeat, Fairchild's solo shot was a highlight, contributing his third homer of the season. His overall performance this year has been less than stellar, with a batting average lingering around the Mendoza Line at .213 and modest power numbers. While the home run might excite some fantasy managers, his low batting average, combined with a high strikeout rate of 22.2%, suggests limited upside. Fantasy managers should view Fairchild as a depth option in deeper leagues, primarily useful for occasional power surges rather than consistent production.

Tyler Stephenson went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in the Reds' 7-3 defeat to the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a solo home run, contributing one of the few offensive highlights for Cincinnati in the game. Despite the Reds' struggles, Stephenson's home run, his fifth of the season, offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers. His season batting average now sits at .264, and while his power numbers are modest, his ability to contribute across multiple categories can't be ignored. Stephenson's consistency at the plate and potential for run production make him a viable option in deeper fantasy leagues, especially given the scarcity of productive catchers.

Josh Hader delivered a flawless performance, securing a save as the Astros edged out the Brewers 5-4.

Fantasy Impact: He threw 12 pitches, allowing no hits or walks and striking out one. Despite a rocky season with a 4.50 ERA and a WHIP of 1.20, this outing could be a sign of stabilization for Hader, who has been struggling to find consistent form. His high strikeout rate of 14.0 K/9 remains a tantalizing feature for fantasy managers, and his FIP at 2.81 suggests better days ahead. Given his ability to close games, evidenced by his sixth save, Hader remains a high-risk, high-reward option in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of strikeouts and saves.

Hunter Brown allowed four earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over five innings in Friday's 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Fantasy Impact: Despite a shaky performance that continued his trend of high ERA and WHIP for the season, Brown managed to notch his first win. His season ERA now sits at an inflated 7.71 with a WHIP of 1.93, numbers that are concerning for fantasy managers. The high strikeout rate of 9.9 K/9 remains a silver lining, suggesting he can still rack up fantasy points in leagues that heavily reward strikeouts. However, his high BABIP of .398 indicates some bad luck, though it doesn't fully excuse the overall poor performance. Fantasy managers should be cautious, as his current form presents significant risk.

Jake Meyers went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in the Astros' 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a walk and a strikeout. Meyers's home run contributed crucially to the Astros' narrow victory, underscoring his potential impact in power categories for fantasy teams. Despite a modest .264 batting average this season, his slugging moments, like today’s home run, his fourth of the year, offer glimpses of upside in run production. Fantasy managers should note Meyers's ability to contribute across multiple categories, though his strikeout rate suggests potential volatility in his batting average. His current stats reflect a player who can provide sporadic bursts of fantasy relevance, particularly in deeper leagues or as a streaming option against favorable pitching matchups.

Jeremy Pena went 1-for-4 in the Astros' 5-4 victory over the Brewers, delivering a crucial home run along with three RBI.

Fantasy Impact: This performance highlights Pena's knack for timely hitting, as his three-run shot contributed significantly to the narrow win. With a batting average of .326 over 45 games this season, Pena continues to be a reliable source of offense. His blend of power and average, evidenced by his .357 wOBA, makes him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups. While his walk rate remains low, his consistent contact and ability to drive in runs compensate for this minor shortfall. Fantasy managers should continue to ride his hot bat, especially in leagues that reward extra-base hits and RBI.

Freddy Peralta took the loss Friday, yielding five earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings against the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: This outing nudged his ERA up to 4.17 and his WHIP to a still-respectable 1.13 for the season. Despite the rough start, Peralta's high strikeout rate (11.6 K/9) and solid underlying metrics, such as a 3.58 FIP and a 3.76 K/BB ratio, suggest he remains a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. His ability to miss bats consistently should help him rebound, but fantasy managers might be growing a tad restless with the volatility in his run prevention.

Joey Ortiz had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI, and one run scored in the Brewers' 5-4 loss to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: This game highlighted Ortiz's ability to deliver when it counts, significantly boosting his RBI total to 15 for the season. His consistent hitting has kept his average near the .300 mark, an encouraging sign for fantasy managers. The power display, with his fifth homer of the season, combined with a solid .405 wOBA, suggests that Ortiz could be a valuable asset in fantasy lineups, especially in leagues that value extra-base hits and RBI. While the Brewers fell short in this contest, Ortiz's individual performance could be a silver lining for fantasy managers looking for infield productivity.

Jake Bauers went 1-for-2 with a home run, two runs scored, one RBI, and a stolen base in the Brewers' 5-4 loss to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: Bauers also drew two walks, showcasing his ability to get on base despite a challenging matchup. This performance could hint at a potential uptick in his fantasy value, especially considering his power-speed combination. With a season batting average of .241 and a modest .358 wOBA, Bauers remains a risky fantasy play. However, his ability to contribute across multiple categories, as evidenced by his five home runs and five stolen bases, makes him a potential asset in deeper leagues or as a streaming option depending on the matchup.

Clay Holmes delivered a clean performance, securing a save in the Yankees' 4-2 victory over the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched a scoreless inning, allowing no hits, one walk, and striking out two. Holmes continues to be a lockdown option at the end of games, maintaining a pristine 0.00 ERA through 19 appearances this season. His ability to strike out batters at a high rate, coupled with a solid WHIP of 0.98, makes him a top-tier fantasy option. Given his consistent performance and role as the Yankees' closer, Holmes should remain a staple in all fantasy lineups where saves are a premium.

Nestor Cortes Jr. delivered a stellar performance, tossing seven shutout innings with five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the White Sox on Friday.

Fantasy Impact: This outing was a breath of fresh air for fantasy managers, especially considering his solid season stats that include a 3.56 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. His ability to maintain a high strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.75) and a decent K/9 rate (8.5) continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy rotations. The zero earned runs allowed in this game should help improve his ERA and WHIP slightly, reinforcing his status as a reliable starting option. Cortes's performance today, against a competitive team, should keep him firmly on the fantasy radar.

Giancarlo Stanton went 2-for-4 in the Yankees' 4-2 victory over the White Sox, delivering a double, a home run, one run scored, and two RBI.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores his ability to contribute significantly to the Yankees' offense, despite a season batting average of .250. Stanton's power remains evident with 10 homers and 24 RBI through 39 games, aligning with his career profile as a potent slugger. However, his high strikeout rate of .335 continues to be a concern, potentially limiting his batting average and on-base opportunities. Fantasy managers should value Stanton for his power numbers, but be wary of the batting average and strikeout liabilities he carries.

Aaron Judge went 1-for-1 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI in the Yankees' 4-2 victory over the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact: Judge's selective eye at the plate was on display as he drew two walks, contributing to his robust .409 wOBA for the season. His performance today, marked by his 12th homer of the year, underscores his continued relevance as a power threat in fantasy lineups. Despite a batting average that might not dazzle (.267), Judge's ability to draw walks and hit for power makes him a valuable asset in leagues that reward on-base percentage and slugging. His consistent run production, now at 30 for the season, along with a decent mix of 15 doubles and 12 homers, should keep him firmly planted in fantasy rosters.

Mike Clevinger took another hit to his already shaky season, absorbing the loss in Friday's 4-2 defeat against the Yankees.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five over 4 2/3 innings. This outing pushes his ERA to an unsettling 5.56 and WHIP to 1.85 through his first three starts of the season. The high BABIP of .351 suggests some bad luck, but the underlying metrics like a 5.37 FIP indicate that not all his struggles can be chalked up to misfortune. With a modest strikeout rate of 7.9 K/9 and a concerning 1.67 K/BB ratio, Clevinger's fantasy relevance is dwindling. Owners should consider other options unless he shows signs of substantial improvement.

Tommy Pham went 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base in the White Sox's 4-2 loss to the Yankees.

Fantasy Impact: Pham's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing game for Chicago, showcasing his ability to contribute both on the bases and at the plate. With a season batting average now standing at .338 and a consistent ability to get on base, Pham's fantasy value remains solid, especially in categories like runs scored and stolen bases. His low strikeout rate and high BABIP suggest he's making quality contact, reinforcing his status as a reliable fantasy outfielder in most formats.