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  • Shane Baz strikes out eight on Friday at Triple-A
    Shane Baz struck out eight and allowed one run over six innings on Friday for Triple-A Durham.

    Advice: It’s time. Baz followed up last weekend’s 10-strikeout gem with another dazzling performance, allowing just four hits and one walk over six masterful frames. The 24-year-old top pitching prospect has completed his rehabilitation process from Tommy John surgery and appears poised to return to the majors at some point this month. He averaged 96.5 mph on his four-seam fastball in this one, while generating 14 swinging strikes and finishing with an astronomical 45 percent CSW. His ability to consistently generate whiffs on his fastball/slider combo will drive his fantasy appeal moving forward. Simply put, he should be rostered in all fantasy formats at this juncture. Rotoworld Today, 4:03 am
     
  • Max Meyer strikes out four on Friday at Triple-A
    Max Meyer struck out four and allowed two runs over four innings on Friday for Triple-A Jacksonville.

    Advice: So much for the whole notion from Marlins manager Skip Schumaker that Meyer would be returning to the majors “soon.” While Miami’s starting rotation continues to struggle, Meyer hasn’t exactly delivered dominant performances his last few times out. Still, he’s a vastly superior option than the cromulent journeymen the Marlins keep throwing out there. It’s only a matter of time before the 25-year-old top pitching prospect gets another shot after having his workload closely monitored in the minors over the last few months. His fastball/slider combo remains outstanding and gives him a shot at immediate fantasy relevance once the Marlins finally decide to let him pitch in the majors again. Rotoworld Today, 3:45 am
     
  • Kris Bubic completes four frames in rehab finale
    Kris Bubic (elbow) allowed two runs over four innings on Friday in a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Omaha.

    Advice: Bubic struck out three and also issued three walks, needing 84 pitches (52 strikes) to complete four frames. The 26-year-old lefty’s minor league rehab assignment is up after this latest outing and it appears he’ll rejoin Kansas City’s starting rotation mix at some point next week. The big question for fantasy managers is whether he can come close to re-discovering the form that was starting to make him an intriguing option prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. Rotoworld Today, 3:26 am
     
  • Labors in loss
    Howard (0-1) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out one over 2.1 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Angels.

    Advice: Howard had been generally passable over his first three appearances (one start), but he struggled as the starter against a weak offense Friday. The Angels got on the board in the second inning and then poured it on in the third before Howard exited the contest. He's now at a 4.02 ERA with a 1.66 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB over 15.2 innings this season. Howard's time in the rotation was always likely to be temporary, though none of Blake Snell (groin), Alex Cobb (hip/shoulder) or Robbie Ray (elbow) are particularly close to returning. If Howard remains in the majors, he's lined up to make his next appearance on the road against the Cubs. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:12 pm
     
  • Collects 11th save
    Estevez struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 8-6 win over the Giants.

    Advice: The Giants made a late push for a comeback, but Estevez shut the door with a 17-pitch ninth inning. He's up to 11 saves this season, five of which have come over his last seven appearances. The closer has added a 3.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 20:3 K:BB and three blown saves through 21 innings. The Angels don't often have leads to protect, but Estevez should continue to close as long as he's with the team, though as a pending free agent, he will be a trade target over the next six weeks. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:59 pm
     
  • Wild in win
    Anderson (6-6) allowed one run on five hits and five walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Giants on Friday.

    Advice: Anderson once again put on a masterclass in run prevention -- he's allowed multiple walks in five of his last six starts, but he hasn't given up more than one run in those outings. He's now at a 3.9 BB/9 this season, which means he's flirting with danger more often than not despite his excellent 2.58 ERA and passable 1.19 WHIP. He's also managed a 6.0 K/9 across 87.1 innings, which is the lowest strikeout rate of his career. Anderson is lined up to make his next start at home versus the Brewers, which could end up being a tough test despite his recent success. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:55 pm
     
  • Works as long reliever Friday
    Urena allowed two hits and a walk while striking out two over 3.1 scoreless innings of relief in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners.

    Advice: Starter Andrew Heaney struggled over 4.2 innings, but Urena's strong performance spared the Rangers' bullpen. Prior to Friday, Urena had worked as a starter, covering 31.2 innings with a 2.84 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB over his previous six appearances. Urena's at a 3.23 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 39:18 K:BB through 55.2 innings overall. The Rangers have a short-term dilemma on their hands, as Urena has been at least as good as Heaney, though both pitchers could be out of the rotation once Max Scherzer (back/arm) is able to return. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:48 pm
     
  • Carlos Estévez locks down save against Giants
    Carlos Estévez go the final three outs to get a save against the Giants on Friday.

    Advice: It didn’t look like Estévez was going to be necessary Friday night, but an 8-1 cushion turned into an 8-6 game, so the 31-year-old was called upon to convert his 11th save. The 31-year-old didn’t allow a hit, struck out one hitter and threw 12-of-17 pitches in the strike zone. Estévez should continue to see save chances as long as he’s a member of the Angels, but keep in mind a trade — very possible with Los Angels going nowhere — would likely make him a set-up hurler; severely limiting his fantasy upside. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:17 pm
     
  • Tyler Anderson works around five walks for win
    Tyler Anderson gave up just one run in 5 1/3 innings to get a win over the Giants on Friday.

    Advice: Anderson struck out five, but he also allowed five hits and five walks. The 34-year-old threw just 59-of-105 pitches for strikes, and while there were some questionable calls, it’s fair to say that he didn’t have his best command. Still, he was able to get the job done as he has for the overwhelming majority of 2024, and this outing lowers his ERA to 2.58. Assuming he’s still a member of the Angels, he’s scheduled to face the Brewers next week. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:17 pm