Fantasy Baseball News

Logan Webb delivered a masterful performance, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out five in the Giants' 5-0 victory over the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: This outing was the third straight of 7 IP, lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.93 and improving his record to 2-1. His ability to suppress runs while maintaining a solid WHIP of 1.17 and a FIP consistent with his ERA suggests that he's not just getting lucky but is genuinely effective. Fantasy managers should view Webb as a reliable starting option, particularly in matchups against less formidable offenses, as his performance today underscores his potential to dominate games and rack up quality starts.

Mike Trout finished 0-for-3 with a run and two steals in the Angels' 2-1 loss to the Rays.

Fantasy Impact: Despite not registering a hit, Trout managed to score a run and steal two bases, also drawing a walk and striking out once. This performance, while lackluster in terms of batting, highlights Trout's ability to contribute in multiple fantasy categories, particularly in stolen bases which now tally up to seven for the season. His overall batting average sits at .270, and while today's game didn't help, his ability to find ways to score and steal bases keeps his fantasy value afloat. Owners should keep an eye on his strikeout and walk rates, which could indicate more about his approach at the plate moving forward, but Trout is putting together a very impressive beginning of the season.

Jonah Heim went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in the Rangers' 9-7 win over the Tigers.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a crucial home run, contributing significantly to the team's victory. This season, Heim has maintained a solid .279 batting average with three home runs and 15 RBI over 17 games. His power at the plate, especially in clutch situations, enhances his value in fantasy leagues, particularly in formats that reward extra-base hits and RBI. However, his high strikeout rate and low walk rate suggest some volatility in his performance. Fantasy managers should consider Heim a viable starting option in deeper leagues or as a second catcher in two-catcher formats, given his current power-hitting trajectory and regular playing time.

Adolis Garcia went 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI in the Rangers' 9-7 victory over the Tigers.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included a crucial home run that contributed to the team's win, though he didn't manage to draw any walks or steal any bases. Garcia's season has been solid, maintaining a .311 batting average with consistent power, as evidenced by his five homers and 18 RBI over 20 games. His strikeout rate remains a concern at .229, but his wOBA at .399 indicates effective overall offensive production. Fantasy managers should value Garcia for his power and RBI potential as he hits in the heart of one of the best lineups in baseball.

Marcus Semien had a productive day at the plate going 3-for-6 with a home run, a double, two runs scored, and an RBI in the Rangers' win.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores Semien's solid start to the season, boosting his batting average to .286 with a .355 wOBA, which are encouraging numbers for fantasy managers. His ability to contribute across multiple categories, including power and run production, makes him a valuable asset in most fantasy formats. While his strikeout and walk rates both sit at 0.097, his consistent contact and ability to drive in runs should keep him relevant in fantasy lineups, especially in leagues that value middle infielders with power.

Colin Poche notched his second save of the season, allowing two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning as the Rays edged out the Angels 2-1.

Fantasy Impact: Despite a rocky start to the season with a 4.91 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, Poche's performance in this outing was a step in the right direction. His ability to secure the save without surrendering any runs could help stabilize his numbers and possibly earn him more trust in high-leverage situations. He remains behind Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam in the pecking order. This outing might not signal a complete turnaround, but it's a positive note for those holding onto him in deeper leagues or formats that reward saves and holds.

Kirby Yates delivered a solid performance, allowing just one hit and striking out one in 1.1 innings to notch a save as the Rangers edged out the Detroit Tigers 9-7 on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: This outing continues a stellar season for Yates, who maintains a 0.00 ERA and a 0.46 WHIP over his first 8.2 innings. His ability to suppress runs while maintaining a high strikeout rate (10.4 K/9) and a superb strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.00) makes him an increasingly reliable option in fantasy leagues, especially in categories of saves and ERA. Given his consistent performance and role in high-pressure situations, Yates should be considered a valuable asset in most fantasy formats, particularly those that reward saves and holds.

Emmanuel Clase delivered a flawless performance, securing a save in the Guardians' narrow 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Fantasy Impact: He tossed 11 pitches in a clean inning, allowing no hits or walks and striking out one batter. This outing lowers his ERA to an impressive 1.00 and marks his fifth save of the season. Despite a couple of hiccups earlier with two blown saves, Clase's ability to bounce back in high-pressure situations should keep him firmly in the closer role. Fantasy managers should continue to deploy him with confidence, expecting more save opportunities as he appears to have a solid grip on late-game duties for Cleveland.

Cooper Criswell took the loss Thursday, yielding one earned run on three hits and a walk over just 2.1 innings as the Red Sox fell 5-4 to the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: Following an opener, Criswell took the loss on Thursday. The poor defense behind him led to two errors and three unearned runs. However, the three hits and a walk, in 2.1 innings, did him no favors. Fantasy managers should stay clear of Criswell unless he takes on a more traditional relief role.

Jack Leiter had a rough outing on Thursday, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings as the Rangers edged the Tigers 9-7.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's victory, Leiter's performance was far from victorious, marking a concerning start to his season. He got through a clean first inning before the Tigers tagged him for four runs in the second and a few more a couple of innings later. He has struggled in the minors since getting drafted but there is still plenty of upside here. He is likely going to be sent back to the minors to work on some things, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get another shot later in the year.

Kenta Maeda had a rough outing, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over just 2.2 innings in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Fantasy Impact: This performance further inflates his already bloated ERA to 7.64 and WHIP to 1.58 for the season. With a declining K/9 rate now at 6.1 and a high FIP at 8.41, Maeda's start to the 2024 season raises serious concerns about his viability as a fantasy option. His inability to work deep into games or suppress hits and walks significantly limits his appeal. Fantasy managers should consider other more stable options, as Maeda's current form does not inspire confidence for future outings.

Ryne Nelson exited early after taking a comebacker to the elbow. He allowed two hits and no runs in two innings in Thursday's 5-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

Fantasy Impact: Nelson is dealing with a bruised elbow and seems to have avoided major injury. Despite not recording any strikeouts, his ability to prevent walks and runs helped keep the Giants off the board in this one. Given his season-long struggles with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP, Nelson is hard to trust in most leagues. His spot in the rotation should be secure until Eduardo Rodriguez is ready to be activated.

Brennan Bernardino delivered a solid performance, throwing 21 pitches across two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out two in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: This outing continues to build on Bernardino's impressive early-season stats, maintaining a low ERA and WHIP, which are crucial for fantasy relevance. His ability to suppress hits and manage walks effectively, evidenced by a stellar 0.154 BABIP and a strong 3.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio, makes him a potentially valuable asset if he can work his way into some higher leverage situations.

Griffin Canning pitched 5.1 innings, gave up two runs, four hits, and one walk with four strikeouts as the Angels were edged by the Rays 2-1 on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four. Despite a slightly better outing in terms of runs allowed, Canning's season continues to be troubling with a ballooning 8.05 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP through his first five starts. His strikeout rate remains mediocre at 7.6 K/9, and while his FIP at 6.04 suggests some bad luck, it's still far from promising. Fantasy managers should be wary of relying on Canning in their rotations, as his performance offers little in terms of reliability or upside at this stage.

Carlos Carrasco earned a win Thursday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings as the Guardians edged out the Red Sox 5-4.

Fantasy Impact: This performance brings his season ERA to a respectable 3.44 and his WHIP to 1.53, though his control issues continue to inflate his walk totals, impacting his WHIP and K/BB ratio, which sits at a less-than-ideal 1.33. Despite these struggles, Carrasco's ability to limit damage and secure wins has kept him relevant in fantasy circles, especially in leagues that value innings and strikeouts. However, fantasy managers should remain cautious, as his high WHIP and low K/BB ratio could lead to more volatile outings.

Ryan Pepiot delivered a strong performance allowing one run, three hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Angels.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out seven. This outing marks a significant improvement for Pepiot, whose season ERA dropped to 4.37 and WHIP to 1.01. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate (10.7 K/9) and a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.38) continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially in categories that reward strikeouts and WHIP. Despite a somewhat elevated ERA, his low BABIP (.240) suggests some bad luck has been at play, indicating potential for even better performances ahead. Fantasy managers should consider Pepiot a viable starting option, particularly in matchups where strikeouts are heavily rewarded.

The Red Sox acquired Vladimir Gutierrez from the Brewers for cash considerations. (Source: Gabrielle Starr on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Gutierrex should provide Boston with some pitching depth in its organization. He was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

The Red Sox transferred Trevor Story to the 60-day injured list. (Source: Gabrielle Starr on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The move was made to open up a roster spot for Vladimir Gutierrez. Story is out for the season.

Tyler Alexander will start on Friday against the Yankees. (Source: Marc Topkin on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Alexander has posted a 6.46 ERA across 15 1/3 innings over three appearances and one start so far this season for Tampa Bay.

Max Scherzer reportedly could return as soon as early May. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)

Fantasy Impact: Scherzer could begin a rehab assignment soon after he faces live hitters on Friday. It would be a quicker return than expected as he was originally expected to return closer to June. He should return next month barring any setbacks.