Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have selected the contract of Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cook was acquired in a trade with the Orioles prior to the deadline and will now make his MLB debut on Sunday. He will likely serve in a variety of roles considering is defensive versatility.

The Pirates have placed Henry Davis on the 10-day IL with left hand inflammation. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Davis has not played since Wednesday and was likely out of the lineup due to the hand injury. Billy Cook was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Mitch Keller delivered a solid performance, allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out eight over six innings in Saturday's 8-6 loss to the Nationals.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the Pirates' defeat, Keller's outing was a bright spot as he managed to keep his walks down and strikeouts up, maintaining his season-long effectiveness. His season ERA now sits at 3.85 with a WHIP of 1.26, reflecting his ability to limit base runners and manage games effectively. Keller's consistent strikeout rate and improved control are positive indicators for fantasy managers, suggesting he remains a reliable option in most fantasy formats, especially given his ability to sustain a high level of performance throughout the season.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the Pirates' 8-6 loss to the Nationals.

Fantasy Impact: He also managed to drive in a run and drew a walk. Kiner-Falefa's multi-hit performance boosts his season batting average to .271, maintaining his role as a steady contributor in the Pirates' lineup. His ability to make contact and minimize strikeouts, evidenced by a modest strikeout rate, continues to provide him with opportunities to score and drive in runs. While he may not offer overwhelming power or speed, his consistency at the plate makes him a viable option in deeper fantasy leagues, particularly for managers in need of batting average and on-base percentage support.

Oneil Cruz went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the Pirates' 8-6 loss to the Nationals.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's defeat, Cruz's performance was a modest highlight, adding a double to his season tally and driving in a run. His season batting average holds at .270, with a solid .334 wOBA indicating decent offensive production. However, his high strikeout rate of 30.6% continues to be a concern for fantasy managers, potentially capping his value due to lost opportunities. While Cruz offers some power and speed with 18 homers and 21 steals, his inconsistency at the plate might make him a risky play in less forgiving fantasy formats.

The Pirates have activated Joey Bart (hamstring) from the IL. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Bart will return after missing the minimum amount of time on the IL. He will likely return to seeing the bulk of the starts behind the plate.

The Pirates have designated Billy McKinney for assignment. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: McKinney will lose his spot on the roster to a returning Joey Bart. He will hit the waiver wire.

Friday's game between the Pirates and Nationals has been postponed due to rain. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday. Both teams will be allowed to add a 27th player for the doubleheader.

Nick Gonzales went 1-for-4 with three RBI in the Pirates' 9-4 win over the Nationals.

Fantasy Impact: His contributions were crucial in extending the lead, though his overall performance this season has been a mixed bag. With a batting average of .264 and a modest power output of five homers over 74 games, Gonzales remains a fringe fantasy option. His low walk rate (3.9%) and high strikeout rate (19.8%) limit his on-base potential, making him a risky play in most fantasy formats. However, his ability to drive in runs, as seen in this game, can provide occasional value in deeper leagues or as a streaming option when matchups are favorable.

Aroldis Chapman struck out one in a clean frame to notch a save as the Pirates topped the Nationals 9-4.

Fantasy Impact: This brief appearance was a textbook example of efficiency, utilizing just six pitches to secure his sixth save of the season. Chapman's performance this year has been a mixed bag, marked by a decent ERA of 3.38 and a high strikeout rate of 14.3 K/9, but his WHIP of 1.31 and four blown saves have likely caused some frustration for fantasy managers. However, his ability to rack up strikeouts and holds (now at 22) keeps him relevant in leagues that value these categories. Moving forward, Chapman remains a volatile but potentially rewarding option for those in need of strikeouts and saves.

Bailey Falter earned a win, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings in Thursday's 9-4 win over the Nationals.

Fantasy Impact: This performance was a typical outing for Falter, who has maintained a middling ERA of 4.45 and WHIP of 1.31 throughout the season. His modest strikeout rate of 6.2 K/9 and FIP of 4.30 suggest limited upside for fantasy managers seeking dominant pitching stats. However, his ability to secure wins, now totaling seven on the season, keeps him relevant in formats where victories are highly valued. Moving forward, Falter should be considered a back-end rotation option, primarily useful in deeper leagues or as a streaming candidate when matchups are favorable.

The Pirates have added Joey Wentz to their active roster. (Source: Pirates on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Wentz was claimed off waivers from Detroit after the Tigers designated the 26-year-old for assignment. Domingo German was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Pirates have designated Domingo German for assignment. (Source: Pirates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: German struggled in his start Wednesday, allowing six earned runs in just three innings. He will hit the waiver wire and be replaced on the roster by Joey Wentz.

Rowdy Tellez is in the starting lineup for the Pirates Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Tellez will start at first base and bat fifth against the Nationals Thursday. He is hitting .257, with 12 home runs, and 51 RBI this season.

Bryan De La Cruz is out of the starting lineup for the Pirates Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: De La Cruz will head to the bench after going hitless Wednesday. Connor Joe will start in right field and bat sixth against the Nationals Thursday.

Michael A. Taylor is out of the starting lineup for the Pirates Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Taylor will head to the bench after going hitless Wednesday. Oneil Cruz will start in center field and bat third against the Nationals Thursday.

The Pirates have scratched Andrew McCutchen from the lineup Wednesday. (Source: Andrew Destin on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: McCutchen was scratched due to a knee issue, but it does not sound serious. Oneil Cruz will now slot in as the DH and Michael Taylor will patrol center field.

Paul Skenes delivered a masterful performance in Tuesday's 5-0 victory over the Cubs. He threw 100 pitches across five innings, allowing zero earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six.

Fantasy Impact: This outing further solidifies Skenes's status as a top-tier fantasy starter, lowering his already impressive ERA to 2.13 and maintaining a WHIP just under 1.00. His consistent ability to rack up strikeouts, evidenced by an 11.2 K/9 rate, combined with a strong 4.73 strikeout-to-walk ratio, makes him a must-start in all formats. Despite a relatively high number of walks in this game, Skenes's season-long control and efficiency should keep fantasy managers confident in his continued success.

Yasmani Grandal is in the starting lineup for the Pirates Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact: Grandal will start behind the plate and bat eighth against the Cubs Tuesday. He is hitting .215, with seven home runs, and 23 RBI this season.

Alika Williams is out of the starting lineup for the Pirates Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact: Williams will head to the bench after going hitless Monday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start at shortstop and leadoff against the Cubs.