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Alvarado (1-2) took the loss during Thursday's 11-inning 6-5 loss to the Mets, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks across one inning. He struck out two.

Advice: Alvarado didn't take the mound until the 11th frame, when the score was knotted up at four, and ended up with the loss. He allowed a single to JD Martinez to open up the inning -- scoring designated runner Francisco Lindor -- before Harrison Bader doubled to put two runners aboard. Alvarado managed to retire the next three batters he faced; however, Martinez crossed home plate on a wild pitch to put the Mets up two. Through 18.2 innings, Alvarado owns a 3.86 ERA and is 8-for-8 in save chances. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:43 pm

According to Ken Suguira of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves gave Ronald Acuña Jr. the day off on Wednesday because they wanted him to “detox” as a way to break his slump.

Advice: Acuña’s batting average (.245), slugging percentage (.342), and home-run rate (one per 51.7 at-bats) are all beneath the single-season lows in his seven-year career, as the 26-year-old tries to follow up a historically good season. “You can just read their faces sometimes, and actions,” said Braves coach Brian Snitker. “And it’s like, ‘Well, it’s time.’ Kid needs a little breather here. He’s played every inning of every game. It’s not a bad thing to sit and watch sometimes.” Braves coaches, Eddie Pérez and Tom Goodwin, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they believe that Acuña is pressing. “Sometimes, you force some things,” Goodwin said. Perhaps with a short break, Acuña will get back to the level everybody has seen him produce at before. Fantasy managers should clearly keep him in the lineup and hope he gets it going soon. Rotoworld Yesterday, 9:08 am

Houck (3-5) took the loss against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings.

Advice: Houck made it through three scoreless frames before giving up an unearned run in the fourth. The right-hander had a 2-1 lead when he exited with two outs and two runners on base in the sixth, but Greg Weissert gave up consecutive hits in relief to saddle Houck with two more runs (only one of which was earned) along with the loss. Despite the defeat, Houck gave Boston a solid chunk of innings again -- he's completed at least 5.2 frames in each of his nine outings this season. He's pitched much better than his 3-5 record suggests with a 2.17 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB through 58 innings. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:17 pm

Tanner Houck couldn’t get through the sixth inning against the Rays, but still managed to strike out seven and allow just two earned runs in a loss Wednesday. He also gave up five hits and three walks.

Advice: Houck was humming along until back-to-back singles in the sixth inning sent Alex Cora to the bullpen with Houck at 112 pitches, the highest total of his career. Greg Weissert then allowed both inherited runners to score, spoiling Houck’s chance for a victory. Still solid, he’s looked more mortal in his last three starts with a 3.86 ERA and 20.0 K%. Rotoworld Wednesday, 7:23 pm