Fantasy Baseball News

Cody Bellinger went 2-for-4 in the Cubs' 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks with a home run, two runs scored, and one RBI.

Fantasy Impact: This performance could be a sign of awakening for Bellinger, who has struggled significantly at the plate this season with a mere .200 batting average. His power stroke, evidenced by his third homer of the season, offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers looking for signs of a turnaround.

Brandon Pfaadt delivered a quality start but took the loss in Wednesday's 5-3 defeat to the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched seven innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, striking out six without issuing a walk. Despite the loss, this performance was a step in the right direction for Pfaadt, who entered the game with a bloated 6.48 ERA and 1.38 WHIP from his first three starts. His ability to avoid walks and maintain a high strikeout rate was on display, which should provide some comfort to fantasy managers rattled by his rocky start to the season. However, his elevated BABIP and ERA suggest there might still be some bumps ahead.

Ketel Marte went 3-for-4 in the Diamondbacks' 5-3 loss to the Cubs, delivering a home run, a double, and driving in two runs.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores Marte's consistent hitting prowess, as evidenced by his solid .325 average this season. His ability to contribute across multiple categories, including power and run production, makes him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups. While the Diamondbacks struggled in this game, Marte's individual success continues to bolster his fantasy relevance, especially in leagues that reward extra-base hits and RBIs.

Mason Miller delivered a sharp performance, securing his fourth save of the season as the Athletics topped the Cardinals 6-3.

Fantasy Impact: Miller threw 15 pitches, allowing no hits and striking out two while walking one in a scoreless inning. This outing continues a strong season for Miller, who now boasts a 2.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. His impressive 17.0 K/9 and 4.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio highlight his dominance and reliability in high-leverage situations. Given his consistent performance and ability to shut down opponents, Miller remains a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of saves and strikeouts.

Paul Blackburn earned the win Wednesday, allowing three earned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out seven over 5.2 innings as the Athletics topped the Cardinals 6-3.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the win, Blackburn's control issues were apparent, as he issued five free passes, the most he's allowed this season. However, his ability to rack up seven strikeouts and limit the damage to just three runs helped him secure his second win. Looking ahead, fantasy managers should be slightly concerned about the high walk rate in this outing, but Blackburn's overall strong season metrics, including a pristine ERA and solid WHIP, suggest he can be a valuable asset if he maintains control. His strikeout numbers aren't elite, but his efficiency and ability to manage games should keep him relevant in most fantasy formats.

Esteury Ruiz went 1-for-5 in the Athletics' 6-3 win over the Cardinals, delivering a home run, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Fantasy Impact: Ruiz's performance, highlighted by his impactful swing and speed on the bases, continues to build on his impressive early-season surge. With a batting average holding strong at .357, he's proving to be a valuable asset in fantasy lineups, especially given his ability to contribute across multiple categories.

Steven Matz struggled on Wednesday, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over five innings in a 6-3 loss to the Athletics.

Fantasy Impact: This performance was a stark departure from his stellar early-season form, where he boasted a 1.80 ERA through his first three starts. The outing inflated his ERA and WHIP, raising questions about his consistency moving forward.

Kyle Finnegan notched a save in a pristine inning as the Nationals edged out the Dodgers 2-0 on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact: He threw 13 pitches, striking out one without allowing any hits or walks. This performance should reassure fantasy managers after a somewhat turbulent start to the season, marked by a 3.24 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP over nine appearances.

Jake Irvin delivered a stellar performance on Wednesday, allowing no earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings in a 2-0 victory over the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: This outing was a significant improvement for Irvin, whose season had been marked by a somewhat bloated 4.24 ERA and a single win prior to this game. His ability to navigate through the Dodgers' lineup with efficiency, evidenced by a low WHIP of 1.00 and a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.33, suggests potential for more consistent outings ahead. Fantasy managers should consider the quality of this start against a tough opponent and keep an eye on Irvin's next outings, as he could be turning a corner towards more reliable fantasy production.

Luis Garcia went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and a walk in the Nationals' 2-0 win over the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: Despite not driving in any runs or scoring, Garcia's ability to get on base and steal twice was crucial in a tightly contested game. His performance this season has been solid, maintaining a .294 batting average through 16 games. The increase in stolen bases could hint at a more aggressive baserunning approach, which would enhance his fantasy value, especially in categories leagues. Garcia's consistent contact and emerging speed game make him a player to watch or pick up if available in fantasy leagues.

CJ Abrams went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in the Nationals' 2-0 victory over the Dodgers.

Fantasy Impact: His solo home run contributed significantly to the win, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Abrams's performance this season has been solid, maintaining a .295 batting average with five homers and 11 RBI through 15 games. His power-speed combination remains appealing in fantasy circles, especially given his role in a Nationals lineup that benefits from his ability to drive in runs and score. While his strikeout rate is a bit high, his overall production and potential make him a valuable asset in most fantasy formats.

Landon Knack allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk Wednesday. He struck out four Nationals’ and tallied his first loss of the season.

Fantasy Impact: Knack pitched relatively well Wednesday considering it was his first major league start. The rookie likely did enough to earn himself another turn in the rotation should the Dodgers keep him on the roster.

Clay Holmes secured his seventh save of the season, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning as the Yankees topped the Blue Jays 6-4 on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact: Despite not recording any strikeouts, Holmes's ability to prevent runs remained intact, maintaining his pristine 0.00 ERA. His performance this season, characterized by a solid 6.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 1.11 WHIP, suggests that while he's effective, he's skating on thin ice given the high number of baserunners.

Marcus Stroman had a middling outing against the Yankees, allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees.

Fantasy Impact: Stroman's season ERA slightly rose but remains impressive at 2.42, with a solid 1.16 WHIP through four games. His performance this season suggests a strong underlying skill set, though his low strikeout count in this game might raise some eyebrows among fantasy managers used to his higher K/9 rate of 7.66. Moving forward, Stroman's ability to maintain his ERA and WHIP will be crucial for his fantasy relevance, but managers might want to monitor his strikeout numbers and BABIP for signs of regression or inconsistency.

Giancarlo Stanton went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI in the Yankees' 6-4 victory over the Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact: His solo shot contributed to the team's win, alongside drawing a walk and striking out once. Stanton's performance numbers currently sit a .254 average and five homers over 15 games. His power is evident, but the high strikeout rate continues to dampen his batting average potential. Fantasy managers should value Stanton for his home run capability, though his inconsistency at the plate may cause some frustration. His current form suggests reliance on power numbers, with limited contributions in batting average and on-base percentage.

Juan Soto had a standout performance in the Yankees' 6-4 win against the Blue Jays, delivering a robust offensive display.

Fantasy Impact: Juan Soto went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, one run scored, two RBI, and also drew two walks. This game is a clear indicator that Soto is in prime form, enhancing his already impressive season stats. Soto is currently hitting .352 with four home runs and 17 RBI.

Kevin Gausman delivered a mixed performance, allowing just one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out six over five innings in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees.

Fantasy Impact: Despite a decent outing, Gausman's season has been rocky, marked by a bloated 8.16 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP through his first four starts. His 10.05 K/9 and 3.20 strikeout-to-walk ratio continue to offer some hope for fantasy managers searching for strikeouts, but the high BABIP of .395 suggests he's been somewhat unlucky with balls in play.

Masataka Yoshida is missing from the lineup for the Boston Red Sox against the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday. (Source: Boston Red Sox on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Yoshida will take a seat on the bench for manager Alex Cora, with Rafael Devers occupying the designated hitter spot and batting second against the Guardians Wednesday.

Daulton Varsho went 1-for-3 with a double and scored twice in the Blue Jays' narrow 5-4 victory over the Yankees.

Fantasy Impact: He also managed to swipe a base and draw a walk, despite striking out once. Varsho's performance this season has been less than stellar, with a batting average lingering around the Mendoza line at .218. However, his ability to contribute in multiple categories like runs, stolen bases, and occasional extra-base hits keeps him relevant in deeper fantasy leagues.

Raisel Iglesias secured his fifth save of the season in the Braves' narrow 5-4 victory over the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed no hits and one walk in his inning of work. Despite not striking out any batters, Iglesias managed to maintain his composure and keep his ERA at 2.84. His performance this season, characterized by a solid 0.95 WHIP and a low 2.69 FIP, suggests reliability, though his low strikeout rate (4.26 K/9) might be a concern for fantasy managers looking for more punch from their relief pitchers.