Fantasy Baseball News

Yusei Kikuchi struck out nine while allowing one earned run over 4.1 innings in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Orioles.

Fantasy Impact: He surrendered six hits and walked one, throwing 88 pitches before exiting. Despite a strong individual performance marked by a high strikeout count, Kikuchi's efforts weren't enough to secure a win for the Blue Jays. His season ERA slightly rose to 2.60, maintaining a solid WHIP of 1.10. Kikuchi's high strikeout rate continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, particularly in categories that reward strikeouts and ERA. However, his win potential may be hampered by the team's inconsistent run support, as evidenced in this tight contest.

Kyle Bradish delivered a solid performance, allowing two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three over four innings in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact: Despite not factoring into the decision, Bradish maintained a commendable ERA, now sitting at 2.63 for the season. His WHIP slightly increased to 1.22, but his high strikeout rate of 11.20 K/9 continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues that reward strikeouts heavily. The elevated BABIP of .343 suggests some bad luck, potentially indicating better performances ahead as it normalizes. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his ability to sustain high strikeout numbers and manage walks, which could make him a key contributor in many formats.

Adley Rutschman went 2-for-4 in the Orioles' 3-2 win over the Blue Jays, including a home run, two RBI, and one run scored.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores Rutschman's consistent ability to contribute significantly in clutch situations, enhancing his value in fantasy leagues, particularly in categories of power and run production. With a solid .314 batting average and nine homers on the season, he remains a top-tier fantasy catcher. His moderate strikeout rate and increasing power numbers suggest sustained production, making him a reliable option for fantasy managers looking for stability behind the plate.

Jordan Westburg contributed significantly in the Orioles' narrow 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays, showcasing his power at the plate.

Fantasy Impact: Westburg went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Despite striking out three times, his ability to impact the game with a key home run highlights his potential as a valuable fantasy asset. With a solid .301 batting average and a growing power profile evidenced by his seven homers this season, Westburg is proving to be a consistent source of production. His moderate strikeout rate and ability to contribute across multiple categories should keep him relevant in fantasy lineups, especially in leagues that value middle infielders with power.

The Angels have recalled Davis Daniel from Triple-A Salt Lake. (Source: Jeff Fletcher on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Daniel will provide depth in the bullpen for the Angels. He has a 5.89 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP in seven games this season in Triple-A.

The Angels have designated Amir Garrett for assignment. (Source: Jeff Fletcher on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Garrett will be replaced by Davis Daniel on the 40-man and active roster. He could draw interest on the waiver wire from a team in need of bullpen depth.

The Giants have optioned Jakson Reetz to Triple-A Sacramento. (Source: Andrew Baggarly on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Reetz was head back to Triple-A after the Giants signed Curt Casali to a contract Wednesday. Reetz could be recalled if the Giants have more injuries to their current catchers on the roster.

The Giants have moved Tom Murphy to the 60-day IL. (Source: Andrew Baggarly on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Murphy is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a sprained left knee. The Giants signed Curt Casali to provide depth at catcher.

Curt Casali and the Giants have agreed to a one-year contract. (Source: Alex Pavlovic on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Casali was in Triple-A Iowa as a member of the Cubs’ organization, but he had an opt out in his minor league contract. He is in the lineup Wednesday, starting behind the plate and batting ninth.

The Dodgers have designated Nabil Crismatt for assignment. (Source: Fabian Ardaya on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Crismatt has made four appearances for the Dodgers since joining the roster on April 27th. He is replaced on the roster by Wednesday’s starter, Elieser Hernandez.

The Dodgers selected the contract of Elieser Hernandez from Triple-A Oklahoma City. (Source: Fabian Ardaya on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Hernandez will draw the start on Wednesday in a planned bullpen game for the Dodgers. He will likely be optioned to bring up another fresh arm for the Dodgers’ next series.

The Dodgers have optioned Gus Varland to Triple-A Oklahoma City. (Source: Fabian Ardaya on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Varland was optioned to create room for a fresh arm for the bullpen as they have a bullpen game Wednesday. He could be back up with the team as a depth option at a later date.

Nolan Gorman is missing from the lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday. (Source: St. Louis Cardinals on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Gorman will receive the night off for regular rest, with Brendan Donovan batting seventh and starting at second base against the Angels Wednesday.

Lars Nootbaar returns to the lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday. (Source: St. Louis Cardinals on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Nootbaar is back after taking a seat on the bench for rest reasons Tuesday, patrolling right field and batting second against the Angels for manager Oliver Marmol Wednesday.

Matt Carpenter is back in the lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday. (Source: St. Louis Cardinals on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Carpenter returns after receiving Tuesday off, batting leadoff and occupying the designated hitter spot against the Angels Wednesday.

Austin Wells is missing from the lineup for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins Wednesday. (Source: New York Yankees on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wells will take a seat on the bench for general rest, with Jose Trevino starting behind the plate at catcher and batting eighth against the Twins for manager Aaron Boone Wednesday.

Jose Trevino is back in the lineup for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins Wednesday. (Source: New York Yankees on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Trevino returns after sitting out Tuesday night for regular rest, batting eighth and starting at catcher for manager Aaron Boone against the Twins Wednesday.

Michael Busch returns to the lineup for the Chicago Cubs against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Busch is back after sitting out Tuesday night’s contest, batting fifth and starting at first base for manager Craig Counsell against the Braves Wednesday.

Keegan Thompson has been placed on the 15-day IL due to a viral illness, retroactive to 5/12. (Source: Taylor McGregor on X)

Fantasy Impact: The exact nature of the illness is unknown, but it will be worth watching if any other Cubs are impacted. Luke Little was recalled from Triple-A.

Nico Hoerner is not in the starting lineup Wednesday vs the Braves due to hamstring tightness. (Source: Chicago Cubs on X)

Fantasy Impact: Hoerner was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup due to his hamstring and will sit out once again Wednesday. He should be considered day-to-day for now. Miles Mastrobuoni will take over at shortstop for the time being.