Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball

  • Justin Verlander playing catch every other day
    Astros’ manager Joe Espada told reporters on Wednesday that Justin Verlander (neck) is now playing catch every other day.

    Advice: There’s still no timeline on a potential return to the Astros’ rotation, but it’s encouraging to hear that the 41-year-old hurler is ramping back up. He’ll probably require a rehab start or two before he’s ultimately ready to return. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect him back prior to the All-Star break. Rotoworld Today, 2:24 pm
     
  • RHP Shane Baz to start on Friday
    RHP Shane Baz will join the Rays’ rotation and start Friday’s game against the Rangers, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

    Advice: Baz will take the rotation spot that opened up when the Rays dealt Aaron Civale to the Brewers. In Baz’ last five games with Triple-A Durham he has a 1.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 10.4 walk percentage, and 36.5 strikeout percentage in 23 innings. He should be rostered in any format where he’s available. Rotoworld Today, 10:45 am
     
  • Taking Civale's spot in rotation
    Baz will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to take Aaron Civale's spot in the Rays' rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

    Advice: Prior to being traded to the Brewers, Civale's next turn was slated to be Friday in Texas. It's not clear whether Baz will start that day or another, but his return to the big leagues is imminent. Baz struggled in May at Durham with a 7.71 ERA and 9:13 K:BB over 16.1 innings, but he rebounded in June, collecting a 1.57 ERA and 35:10 K:BB across 23 frames. The Rays could be careful with his workload in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, but Baz should be rostered in all fantasy formats. Rotowire.com Today, 10:27 am
     
  • Struggles in non-save scenario
    Miller allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk over one inning in a 7-5 win over the Angels on Tuesday. He struck out two.

    Advice: Miller had last seen action Friday, so manager Mark Kotsay opted to give his closer some work in what started as a low-leverage scenario. The fireballing right-hander inherited a 7-3 advantage going into the ninth inning and proceeded to retire two of the first three hitters he faced, but he subsequently allowed an RBI double and single to Nolan Schanuel and Luis Rengifo, respectively, to tighten matters up. Miller bore down and retired Taylor Ward on four pitches to put an end to the threat and the game, but not before allowing multiple earned runs for the first time since May 23. Despite the stumble, Miller has contributed a win and 14 saves to fantasy managers this season, accomplishing those marks with the help of a stellar 15.8 K/9. Rotowire.com Today, 9:52 am
     
  • Three hits in loss
    Melendez went 3-for-3 with a double in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Rays.

    Advice: Melendez accounted for half of the Royals' hits in the loss. This was his second multi-hit effort in the last three games, but he went just 3-for-19 over a seven-game stretch prior to his recent rebound. The outfielder continues to struggle overall with a .191/.258/.366 slash line, eight home runs, 24 RBI, 21 runs scored and two stolen bases through 256 plate appearances in a strong-side platoon role. Rotowire.com Today, 9:47 am
     
  • Homers in second straight
    Vaughn went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Tuesday against the Guardians.

    Advice: Vaughn got the scoring going with a home run in the first inning, his 11th of the season and second in as many matchups. He also extended his hitting streak to five games, during which he's gone 7-for-16 with five RBI and six runs scored. The recent stretch has also brought Vaughn's OPS to .701, its highest mark at any point this season. Rotowire.com Today, 9:12 am
     
  • Shane Baz could join Rays rotation soon
    RHP Shane Baz could join the Rays’ rotation soon.

    Advice: While nothing is imminent, Baz was scratched from his Triple-A start Tuesday in case the Rays were rained out in Kansas City and he was needed for a potential doubleheader on Wednesday. That situation didn’t come to pass, but the Rays traded Aaron Civale on Wednesday opening up a spot in their rotation. Baz has a 4.12 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings in 10 starts with Triple-A Durham as he makes his comeback from Tommy John surgery. Rotoworld Today, 8:06 am
     
  • Rare regular-rest start Sunday
    Lopez will start on regular rest Sunday versus the Phillies for just the second time this season, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Lopez struggled in his last start Tuesday versus the Giants, allowing just two runs but walking four over five inefficient innings. Atlanta has baked in extra rest for Lopez whenever it can during the first half as the right-hander shifts from reliever to starter, but he'll take the ball on normal rest against the division-rival Phillies this weekend. With 79.1 innings in 2024, Lopez has already exceeded his workload from each of the previous two seasons. Rotowire.com Today, 7:18 am
     
  • Inefficient in no-decision
    Lopez came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Giants, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out six.

    Advice: The right-hander blanked San Francisco through four innings but was far from efficient, and when he served up back-to-back solo shots to begin the fifth, Lopez got the hook after 101 pitches (57 strikes). He's walked four batters in two straight trips to the mound, while the 4.1 innings represented his shortest start of the year. Despite the recent stumbles, he still hasn't given up more than three earned runs in an outing in 2024. He'll take a 1.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 87:31 K:BB through 83.2 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come at home this weekend against the Phillies. Rotowire.com Today, 5:29 am