MLB Player News

Vierling missed Friday and Saturday’s contests against Toronto with back spasms, but the 27-year-old will be the designated hitter and hit leadoff against Hayden Birdsong and the Giants.

Busch’s opposite-field homer off Walker Buehler was hit just 339 feet and would have been an out in most ballparks, but it was to the right part of the Dodger Stadium. It was Busch’s first homer since Aug. 7 and 17th of the year. He finished with three RBI and three runs scored to go along with his four hits. He matched his career high in all three of those categories. In fact, he had reached each of those totals just once previously, all in different games this year (three RBI on Apr. 7, four hits on July 9 and three runs scored on July 11).

Hendricks walked four, but he survived anyway, as none of the four hits he allowed went for extra bases. In spite of a 6.51 ERA, it seems likely that he’ll get to finish the season in the Cubs rotation. He’s due to take on the Rockies in Coors Field next time out.

Buehler looked a little better than the line suggests, as he allowed nine hits despite only having five balls in play with an xBA greater than .500. Still, he doesn’t have enough swing and miss to his game to be a difference maker right now. He fell to 1-5 with a 5.95 ERA, and he shouldn’t be used in fantasy leagues in his next start against the Braves.

The 430-foot homer off Walker Buehler was Bellinger’s longest of 2024 and 16th overall in 114 games this year. Since leaving L.A. two years ago, he’s hit an impressive .333 with five homers and three steals in 11 games against his former club.

There was some concern that Betts might not show as much power as usual after returning from a broken hand, but he has three homers in six games and seven in 26 games since coming off the IL. He’s slugged .622 since returning, compared to .488 before getting hurt on June 16.

Perez’ home run was his 26th of the year. He hit a solo shot off Carlos Rodon in the third inning. Perez also had RBI singles in the first and fifth innings. He had a rough night behind the plate with two throwing errors, including one that directly lead to a run when he misfired as Jasson Dominguez stole third base. Perez was stellar at the plate, though. He’s hitting .275 with an .809 OPS and 98 RBI on the year.

Dominguez scored after stealing third base and a Salvador Perez throwing error allowed him to score. He hit sixth and played centerfield, which is likely to continue. It wasn’t a huge game for Dominguez, but he’s an explosive player and he showed that with the steal of third base. He has to be rostered in all formats going forward.

Wells’ home run was his 13th of the season. He hit a three-run shot off James McArthur in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth inning. Wells has driven in seven runs in his last four games. It turns out batting clean-up for the Yankees can do wonders for your fantasy value. Wells is hitting .252 with a .780 OPS and 49 RBI on the year.

Singer gave up five hits, walked three and struck out three. Singer has allowed three runs or less in four of his last five starts and has a 3.90 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings in that time. He’s somewhat struggled in the second half after posting a 3.12 ERA in his first 16 starts. Singer is 9-10 with a 3.42 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 153 strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings on the year. The 28-year-old right-hander is set to face the Pirates on the road this weekend.

Rodon gave up six hits, walked one and struck out nine. He’s allowed three earned runs or less in eight of his last 10 starts and has a 3.42 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings in that time. Rodon is 14-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 181 strikeouts in 158 1/3 innings on the year. The 31-year-old left-hander is set to face the Red Sox at home this weekend.