TheRotofeed

Top 50 Corner Infielders for 2020 Fantasy Baseball: Rest of Season

Dan Richards — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 17:00:45 +0000

Ranking players is particularly difficult in a 60-game season. Typically, I avoid playing the hot hand, instead choosing to stick with my stars. If I bench Pete Alonso for Jesús Aguilar, and then Alonso ends his rut by hitting two homers that night, I would feel foolish. I'm not implying that, by any means, I prefer Aguilar to Alonso. But hot and cold streaks are real and, in such a short season, we have to take advantage of them to be successful. As a result, I decided to shake things up in this edition of my corner infielder rankings.

Christina Aguilera’s new Mulan single may not be ‘Reflection,’ but it’s still fire

Kimberley Spinney — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:56:10 +0000

Christina Aguilera dropped a new single for the live-action Mulan. If you watched Disney’s Mulan when it first released in 1998, then you already know that Christina Aguilera was a part of that movie in some small way. Her voice brought the passion and fire to the single, ‘Reflection.” And that is a song that […]

Christina Aguilera’s new Mulan single may not be ‘Reflection,’ but it’s still fire - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Shame on everyone sleeping on the Broncos in 2020

Max Smith — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:40:45 +0000

The Broncos have one of the league’s most skilled rosters. In 2019, the Broncos were a little bit all over the place. They started the season with Joe Flacco at quarterback, who went 2-6 in his eight starts in Denver. They then made the transition to rookie Brandon Allen, who went 1-2 in his starts. […]

Shame on everyone sleeping on the Broncos in 2020 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

FanDuel: Cruz Ship

TroyKlauder — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:30:28 +0000

Nelson Cruz ($4,000) is once again proving his doubters wrong at 40 years old, as he's got a 161 wRC+ this season. Cruz's 18 RBI are tied for fourth across baseball, and you should expect more production tonight out of the Twins three-hole. Opposing starter Jakob Junis had a 5.28 ERA last year and Cruz gets to face him in a hitter-friendly environment at home. Invest in Cruz as a standalone play or as part of a Twins stack and cruise to the cash on FanDuel. New to FanDuel? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well, be sure to read our content and subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays. Just remember to sign up through us before jumping into the fray. It’s how we know you care!

What the Travis Kelce contract means for Chiefs cap situation

Brad Berreman — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:23:06 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Travis Kelce to a contract extension, but how does the deal affect their cap situation? On the heels of the deal the San Francisco 49ers gave George Kittle, the Kansas City Chief signed tight end Travis Kelce to a four-year, $57 million contract extension on Thursday with $25 or […]

What the Travis Kelce contract means for Chiefs cap situation - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Ramon Laureano’s Suspension Reduced To Four Games

Steve Adams — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:21:05 +0000

Athletics outfielder Ramon Laureano’s six-game suspension has been reduced to four games after he appealed the punishment earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports (via Twitter). He’ll begin serving that four-game ban tonight.

Major League Baseball initially brought forth a six-game punishment after Laureano charged the Astros’ dugout during Sunday’s game. He’d been plunked twice that game and three times in the series, and Laureano was rather clearly goaded by Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron, who has been suspended 20 games as a result of his role in inciting the benches-clearing fracas.

The extra two games of Laureano are no small perk for the A’s, who’ve gotten out to a 13-6 start and currently lead the AL West by four games. Laureano has gotten out to a .262/.398/.462 start at the plate while playing excellent defense. The A’s can turn to either Mark Canha or Chad Pinder if they prefer to stick with options already on the 28-man roster. If they plan to dip into their 60-man player pool, the A’s have Dustin Fowler, Luis Barrera and Skye Bolt as alternatives who are already on the 40-man roster.

Kevin Durant and Odell Beckham Jr. make cameos in Drake’s new music video

William Ricks — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:19:47 +0000

The Toronto native had some notable athletes cameo in his sports-driven video that dropped Friday. It is well known by many that Drake is an avid sports fan. He is a diehard Toronto Raptors fan, mentions numerous athletes in his song lyrics, and has become close friends with many big names in the sports world. […]

Kevin Durant and Odell Beckham Jr. make cameos in Drake’s new music video - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Frank Reich should be your pick for Coach of the Year in 2020

Mike Luciano — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:15:21 +0000

Frank Reich and the Colts could be in for a terrific 2020 season. Frank Reich arrived in Indianapolis with the fanbase already a little trepidacious. Despite serving as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, Colts fans were still questioning the organization’s second choice for head coach after Josh McDaniels chose to back […]

Frank Reich should be your pick for Coach of the Year in 2020 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

NHL Playoffs: Blues vs. Canucks Game 1 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more

Mike Zawisza — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:12:47 +0000

The upstart Vancouver Canucks kept the St. Louis Blues on their toes in game one and skated away with a convincing 5-2 victory. It’s been a rocky start to the playoffs for the defending champs, who are looking to bounce back in Game 2. It has been a rough go of it for the St. […]

NHL Playoffs: Blues vs. Canucks Game 1 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

5-star Georgia signee Kelee Ringo undergoes surgery and will miss start of season

John Buhler — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:57:02 +0000

Kelee Ringo won’t be playing for Georgia football right out of the gate. It may be a little while before Kelee Ringo makes his Georgia football debut. According to Dayne Young of UGASports.com, “Georgia defensive back Kelee Ringo had shoulder surgery this week to repair a torn labrum, sources tell UGASports.com. He is out indefinitely as […]

5-star Georgia signee Kelee Ringo undergoes surgery and will miss start of season - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

NHL Playoffs: Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Game 2 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more

Mike Zawisza — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:54:54 +0000

The Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens played host to a goaltender’s duel in game one of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Will game two feature similar virtuosic performances in net? Heading into game one, the storyline of the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens matchup was of the young Carter Hart going head-to-head against his childhood […]

NHL Playoffs: Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Game 2 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Astros Activate Yordan Alvarez

Steve Adams — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:24:40 +0000

The Astros announced Friday that they’ve activated designated hitter Yordan Alvarez from the injured list. Righty Nivaldo Rodriguez was optioned to the team’s alternate training site to make space on the 28-man roster. This will mark the 2020 debut for Alvarez, last year’s American League Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old has yet to suit up for the ’Stros after also missing all of Summer Camp.

Alvarez burst onto the scene in 2019, appearing in 87 games down the stretch and overpowering opposing pitchers with a gaudy .313/.412/.655 batting line, 27 home runs and 26 doubles in just 369 trips to the plate. He served primarily as a designated hitter, which is likely to be his primary role with the club moving forward, but Alvarez does experience at first base and in left field. Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle tweets, however, that Astros skipper Dusty Baker said this week that Alvarez won’t be playing the outfield when he returns. That could make it tough to get Alvarez and Michael Brantley in the lineup early, as Brantley has been hobbled by a quadriceps issue and working as the Houston DH recently.

The return of Alvarez is a boon for an Astros roster that has been ravaged by injury and underperformance throughout the season. Justin Verlander is sidelined for a yet-to-be-determined chunk of time owing to a forearm strain, and closer Roberto Osuna is dealing with a UCL injury that could necessitate Tommy John surgery. Pitchers Jose Urquidy, Brad Peacock, Austin Pruitt, Rogelio Armenteros, Joe Biagini and Cionel Perez are all on the injured list as well, and star center fielder George Springer has been slowed by a wrist strain over the past week.

The result is an Astros club that currently sits third in the AL West at 8-10. Houston’s collective .238/.330/.403 batting line translates to a 106 wRC+ that ranks ninth among big league teams. The pitching staff ranks 11th in ERA (4.09) but 20th in FIP (4.46) and 25th in xFIP (4.77). The Astros trail the division-leading Athletics (13-6) by four and a half games and the second-place Rangers (8-9) by half a game.

It sure sounds like Gregg Popovich will be back next year

Mike Luciano — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:10:43 +0000

Gregg Popovich will likely be back with the Spurs next season. The San Antonio Spurs, who picked up five championships over the last two decades thanks to Gregg Popovich’s über-consistent style of coaching, will not be in the playoffs in 2020, as their porous defense that ranked 25th in the NBA wasn’t good enough to […]

It sure sounds like Gregg Popovich will be back next year - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Mookie Betts should’ve been batting leadoff this whole time

Brad Berreman — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:31:29 +0000

After his three home run game Thursday night, it’s clear Mookie Betts should’ve been hitting leadoff the whole time. The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 11-2 on Thursday night. Outfielder Mookie Betts led the offensive charge from the leadoff spot, going 4-for-4 with three home runs, four runs scored and five RBI. […]

Mookie Betts should’ve been batting leadoff this whole time - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Otto Wallin on growth from Tyson Fury bout and Anthony Joshua’s power

Jeremy C. Herriges — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:25:58 +0000

Otto Wallin fights for the first time since losing a decision to Tyson Fury. Wallin learned a lot from the loss, and he’s ready to show he’s an elite boxer. As Otto Wallin goes into his heavyweight boxing bout against Travis Kauffman on Saturday, Aug. 15, he’s ironically more confident since losing his first professional […]

Otto Wallin on growth from Tyson Fury bout and Anthony Joshua’s power - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Mets Notes: Rotation, Rosario, Gimenez, Peterson

Steve Adams — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:16:33 +0000

Robert Gsellman’s first start as a member of the Mets’ rotation this week lasted just two innings, as the right-hander is still getting stretched out after opening the year in the bullpen. But manager Luis Rojas expressed confidence this week that the righty can “have some stamina for us” and “give us that depth to start a game” as he builds up (link via MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo). The 27-year-old Gsellman said he “felt like a little kid again” as he prepped for his first start since 2017, and DiComo notes that a move back into the rotation has long been something for which Gsellman has hoped. Righty Seth Lugo, too, has expressed interest in getting back into a starter’s role, but the Mets are more reluctant to alter his role given the resounding success he’s enjoyed as a late-inning weapon in recent years. Lugo has a career 2.50 ERA out of the ’pen and has punched out 28.3 percent of the hitters he’s faced in a relief role. Those numbers dip to 4.06 and 19.2 percent, respectively, in a nearly equal sample of innings as a starter.

It’s time to pay attention to Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander

Mike Luciano — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:07:04 +0000

Anthony Santander has been crushing it for the Orioles. Even in a 60-game season, most figured the Baltimore Orioles would be stuck in the basement of the competitive AL East given their lack of star power both in their rotation and in their lineup. Instead, Baltimore has turned all preseason projections upside-down, as they stand […]

It’s time to pay attention to Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich live stream: Watch Champions League online

Warren Pegg — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:04:36 +0000

Barcelona face Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz on Friday, August 14. Here’s all the info you need to watch. With Atletico Madrid’s elimination yesterday, Barcelona are the only Spanish club still in the competition and, although there were some nervy moments on Saturday, Barca were surprisingly good in their 3-1 win over Napoli. […]

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich live stream: Watch Champions League online - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Manchester United make expensive transfer mistake with Jadon Sancho

Rucker Haringey — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:00:33 +0000

Manchester United’s failure to ink Jadon Sancho this summer is going to cost them millions in the future. Barcelona and Real Madrid will see to that. Officials at Manchester United had a golden opportunity to sign Jadon Sancho this summer if they only met Borussia Dortmund’s hefty, but reasonable, asking price. Instead, the Premier League […]

Manchester United make expensive transfer mistake with Jadon Sancho - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

The Whiteboard: Can the Grizzlies beat the red-hot Trail Blazers twice?

Ian Levy — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:52:03 +0000

The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. As the playoff odds of the Portland Trail Blazers have surged in dramatic fashion, those of the Memphis Grizzlies’ have plummeted. They were the No. 8 seed when […]

The Whiteboard: Can the Grizzlies beat the red-hot Trail Blazers twice? - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Bulls fire head coach Jim Boylen

Mike Luciano — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:46:55 +0000

Jim Boylen is out in Chicago. Even though the Chicago Bulls were bringing in a new GM, the miserly ways of owner Jerry Reinsdorf led some to believe that they were going to hold on to head coach Jim Boylen. Ownership seems to have put success on the court above finances for the first time […]

Bulls fire head coach Jim Boylen - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

One X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020

Rucker Haringey — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:31:54 +0000

Every team needs a guy who can make a difference when the game is in the balance. Here’s one X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020. Listen to any NFL head coach talk about his roster for very long and you’re going to hear the subject of difference-makers come up. The league’s obsession with […]

One X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

NBA Power Rankings: Damian Lillard’s willpower and the good time Suns

Ian Levy — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:56:15 +0000

In this week’s NBA Power Rankings, no one can stop the Phoenix Suns. Except maybe Damian Lillard? Our new look NBA Power Rankings are back, a non-traditional structure for a non-traditional era of professional basketball. The world is no longer just about wins and losses and teams are no longer the primary crucible of basketball power. So […]

NBA Power Rankings: Damian Lillard’s willpower and the good time Suns - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

5 NFL coaches starting 2020 on the hot seat

Dustin Baker — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:35:48 +0000

Which NFL coaches are on the hot seat heading into the 2020 season? This past offseason, 16 percent of all NFL coaches were terminated: Freddie Kitchens in Cleveland, Jason Garrett in Dallas, Jay Gruden in Washington, Ron Rivera in Carolina, and Pat Shurmur in New York. Kevin Stefanski took over for the Browns, Mike McCarthy […]

5 NFL coaches starting 2020 on the hot seat - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

These 5 running backs are the NFL’s most explosive right now

Dustin Baker — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:25:33 +0000

What running backs in the NFL are the most explosive? In 2019, 26 running backs accrued over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Tailbacks implement various styles to churn up this yardage: some are downhill runners, others are slasher-type backs, and a few are hybrids of both styles. As a disclaimer, this analysis does not necessarily illuminate […]

These 5 running backs are the NFL’s most explosive right now - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

5 best NFL rookie seasons of the last five years

Dustin Baker — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:19:20 +0000

Which NFL players have had the best rookie seasons in the last five years? Since 2015, roughly 1,300 players have entered the NFL via the draft. Of these 1,300 draftees, just men 24 have been awarded Pro Bowl honors in their rookie campaigns. That’s just below two percent. The first-year players the received the nod […]

5 best NFL rookie seasons of the last five years - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

NHL Playoffs: Avalanche vs. Coyotes Game 2 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more

Adam Stocker — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:17:24 +0000

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes. The first game of the series could not have gone better for the Colorado Avalanche, winning Game 1, 3-0. The Avalanche will look to extend their series lead to two games, while Arizona will try to even […]

NHL Playoffs: Avalanche vs. Coyotes Game 2 preview, stream, start time, TV channel and more - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

5 reasons Chiefs can win the Super Bowl this year

Russell S. Baxter — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:07:21 +0000

The defending NFL champions have added depth and look very dangerous. From a 4-0 start to four losses in six games to an unbeaten finish that featured come-from-behind postseason wins over the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. The Kansas City Chiefs got back to the Super Bowl for the first time since […]

5 reasons Chiefs can win the Super Bowl this year - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Playoffs or not, the Phoenix Suns made the most of the NBA bubble

Gerald Bourguet — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:00:18 +0000

Win or lose, play-in spot or not, the Phoenix Suns made the most of the NBA bubble. Just as they have for the past nine years, the Phoenix Suns finished their season outside of the playoff picture. They finished 10th in the Western Conference, five games below .500, and will see their playoff drought extend […]

Playoffs or not, the Phoenix Suns made the most of the NBA bubble - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

The Daily Overlay: Cheap Bohms

Justin Mason — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 11:15:37 +0000

We have a 13 game slate on DraftKings for Friday! Don’t forget to check your lineups before lock.

AGENDA
1. The Daily Overlay DK Contest
2. Casual Weather
3. Favorite Stacks
4. Favorite Hitting Plays
5. Favorite Pitching Plays

1. The Daily Overlay DK Contest
Join our contest running on Tuesday’s and Friday’s all season long! Take the money of Justin Mason, Paul Sporer and other fantasy analysts in this fun contest! Next season we will make a DFS League if there is interest.

Join the Daily Overlay’s Draftkings contest here: https://www.draftkings.com/contest/draftteam/89766293

2. Casual Weather
PIT at CIN- 40% chance of rain with thunderstorms at game time. It should get better later so expect a potential delay.

KC at MIN- 60% chance of rain at game time. Risky.

3. Favorite Stacks
Rangers versus Ryan Castellani. Castellani pitched well in his first start, but in Colorado, I am always willing to stack against a young pitcher.

Athletics versus Johnny Cueto. Cueto is not the pitcher he used to be and the A’s are hot.

Left-handed Indians versus Ivan Nova– Nova is an easy pitcher to pick on especially with how awful he looked in his last start.

Twins versus Jakob Junis. The Twins are a stack possibility against anyone and Junis is giving up a ton of hard contact.

4. Favorite Hitting Plays
Catcher (Expensive): None. Not a day to pay up for a catcher.
Catcher (Punt/Value): Austin Nola vs HOU. Nola is crushing lefties and is going up against Patrick Sandoval. Also consider Martin Maldonado, Francisco Cervelli, and Tomas Nido.

1B (Expensive): Matt Olson at SF.
1B (Punt/Value): Dom Smith at PHI. Smith is hot right now and gets rookie Spencer Howard in his second start after a shaky debut. Also consider Dylan Moore, Justin Smoak, and Eric Hosmer.

2B (Expensive): Keston Hiura at CHC.
2B (Punt/Value): Jake Cronenworth at ARI. Cronenworth should be back in against a righty and has been great in this small sample. Also consider Andres Gimenez

3B (Expensive): Justin Turner at LAA
3B (Punt/Value): Alec Bohm vs NYM. Bohm has a tough matchup, but it’s rare to find this kind of upside at $2,100. Also consider Maikel Franco and Hunter Dozier.

SS (Expensive): Fernando Tatis at ARI
SS (Punt/Value): Andres Gimenez at PHI. Gimenez is quietly putting up a really nice start to his career and is way too cheap in a decent matchup.

OF (Expensive): Mookie Betts, Nelson Cruz, Christian Yelich, Shin Soo Choo, Max Kepler
OF (Punt/Value): Mike Tauchmann, Dylan Moore, Byron Buxton, Brandon Nimmo, Ian Happ, Bradley Zimmer, Oscar Mercado, Shogo Akiyama.

5. Favorite Pitching Plays
Cash Games: Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, Clayton Kershaw, Merrill Kelly, Sonny Gray, Framber Valdez, Frankie Montas,

Tournament: Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, Clayton Kershaw, Merrill Kelly, Sonny Gray, Jake Odorizzi, Dinelson Lamet, Framber Valdez, Pablo Lopez.

Contrarian Plays: Lance Lynn, Brandon Wood ruff, Patrick Sandoval, Kyle Wright, Yusei Kikuchi, Spencer Howard.

The Daily Overlay will be running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday this season, so stay tuned for more DFS content next week.

Roto Riteup: August 14, 2020

Justin Mason — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 11:00:39 +0000

Nothing wrong with having imaginary friends.

Protect @TheCUTCH22 at all costs. pic.twitter.com/RcIxrJS4MY

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 12, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

COVID Issues
The Cardinals and White Sox game on Friday has been postponed after a member of the coaching staff for the Cardinals tested positive for COVID-19. There is some hope that they will be able to play a double-header on Saturday, but it seems unlikely at this point.

Closer Chaos
Keone Kela was activated off the IL. He should slot right into the closer role in Pittsburgh since the Pirates bullpen has been hit by injuries with both Nick Burdi and Kyle Crick hurt.

Quick Hits
Victor Reyes did not play on Thursday. Robles was hit by a pitch in Wednesday’s game but x-rays came back negative. Consider him day-to-day for now.

According to manager Brian Snitker, Ozzie Albies is unlikely to come off the IL when first eligible next week. This is disappointing news, but Albies should be held on to in most formats in spite of this.

Jeff McNeil left Thursday’s game with a knee injury. McNeil ran into a wall while making this catch:

Jeff McNeil is being carted off the field after making this catch. He attempted to walk back to the clubhouse under his own power, but was unable. pic.twitter.com/1FJoK6QIR7

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 13, 2020

X-rays after the game were negative, consider him day-to-day for now, but he is likely to miss a few days over the weekend.

Sean Doolittle was placed on the IL with a knee issue. Will Harris was activated to take his place on the roster. Doolittle can be dropped in all formats.

Adam Haseley was placed on the IL with a wrist injury. Both the MRI and x-rays that were taken were negative, but the Phillies decided he would need some time to recover. Roman Quinn and Scott Kingery will likely take his spot in center.

Kris Bryant was scratched from the lineup on Thursday with a finger issue. Manager David Ross stated that the injury is not considered serious and he is expected back soon.

Jose Peraza left Thursday’s game after being hit in the knee with a pitch. X-rays came back negative after the game. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Various News and Notes
Top prospect Alec Bohm made his major league debut on Thursday night, going 1-for-4 with a double against the orioles. Bohm is a nice power bat with the ability to walk and a decent hit tool. His presence will be bad news for Scott Kingery as Bohm will likely play third and that moves Jean Segura over to second. However, Kingery could move out to center with Adam Haseley hitting the IL. Bohm should be picked up in all formats on upside alone.
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Look at this beautiful spray chart from Alec Bohm. This is, combined with a 13.5% K rate and 7.6% SwStr rate is why he's a top 20 prospect on the @ProspectsLive top 500 list.https://t.co/1I9Lp7H6al pic.twitter.com/zhJk7wVj7f

— mdthompFWFB (@mdthompFWFB) August 14, 2020

Tomas Nido went 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs in the win over the Nationals on Thursday., Nido isn’t a premium talent, but with Wilson Ramos hitting .196/.274/.286 so far this season, he could find himself getting more and more plate appearances. Nido is now hitting .353 on the short season and is worth a stream in deeper two catcher formats.

Jorge Mateo made his Major League debut on Friday for the Padres. Mateo is a former top prospect with the Yankees and A’s that was traded to San Diego before the season. However, he contracted COVID-19 and has been recovering. While there is no clear path to playing time, Mateo can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield, Mateo has game changing speed and is worth a stash in deeper formats.

Hunter Renfroe went 3-for-6 with two home runs in the victory over the Red Sox on Thursday. Renfrow had been struggling this year and the big day only brought him up to a .200 batting average. Renfroe has a ton of power, the ability to walk and plays good defense, but his tendency to strikeout makes him difficult to roster on a team that will likely platoon him.

According to team president John Mozeliak, the Cardinals will bring up prospect Dylan Carlson once the team is cleared to play again. Carlson is an interesting prospect that has the ability to hit for power and chip in some speed while contributing in average and OBP. If he was dropped in any formats, he should be grabbed immediately.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Tommy Milone vs WAS
I keep waiting for the wheels to fall off, but it hasn’t happened yet for Milone.

High Risk Options: Chad Kuhl at CIN, Spencer Howard vs NYM, Kyle Wright at MIA, Yusei Kikuchi at HOU, Pablo Lopez vs ATL

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High Risk Options: Asher Wojcieowski vs WAS, Kevin Gausman vs OAK

Philly Resorts To The A-Bohm

Grey — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 07:00:14 +0000

Robert De Niro, dressed in a Phillies jersey with Phanatic-fur pants, points down a dark alleyway, "Hey, Kingery, I have some beautiful furs for you. Go ahead, what are you scared of?" Little did Kingery know that just down that alleyway was a group of Phillies fans readying batteries to throw. So, Phils called up Alec Bohm, and, while I did have a laugh at Kingery's suckitude, I have to think this is more likely the end of Jay Bruce's playing time at DH, but maybe Kingery loses some ABs too. During the shutdown, I wrote an Alec Bohm fantasy, but since I am more of a gent than Jimmy Conway, I will quote some relevant parts, "Last year in Double-A, Alec Bohm hit for power, he has 60-grade power, but even more glamorous is he had a 10.4% walk rate and 14.1% strikeout rate. He only hit .269, but that was with a .265 BABIP. He also had a 18.1% line drive rate, 41.2% ground ball rate and 40.7% fly ball rate. One other player with a 10.4% K-rate, 18% line drive rate, 40.5% GB rate and 41.5% fly ball rate goes by the name of Pete Alonso! Swoon! *draws hearts on Trapper Keeper, stares out at the moonlight as I lower my Rapunzel-like quarantine hair* By the way, Rapunzel was the world’s first quarantine’er. Prove me wrong. So…Is Bohm Alonso? Alonso is Bohm? Finkle/Einhorn? Einhorn/Finkle? No, no, yes, yes. Alonso strikes out way more than Bohm! Holy swooning, Batman! Bohm's gonna be 24 years old in August. Double-A is not where he should be. Double-A negatives be damned, he has never not waited for his pitch at any level. The eye is there. He is taking so long to get challenged by MLB pitchers, that I worry he could struggle at the MLB level. Our Prospectonator, which gives 162-game stats for every rookie so you can get an idea of what they’re capable of, has some rose-colored glasses for Bohm, giving him 23 HRs, 5 SBs and a .265 average. That’s surprising to me, because I don’t think we have any idea what to expect from Bohm yet, let alone that highly. I’m concerned Bohm ever connects, but if he does, it better be this year, so he’s as good a dart throw as any." And that's me quoting me! There's more in that article from Prospect Hobbs and Itch, but you get the picture like Bohm waits for the pitcher, and has power. I grabbed him in all leagues where he was available. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

Darwin (Deni) Martin — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:52:42 +0000

You expect starting pitchers like Cincinnati’s Sonny Gray and Trevor Bauer to be consistently strong throughout the season, but here are four other fantasy baseball pitchers that have started and remained hot going into this season’s 3rd weekend of games. Two Hot Starters for Friday’s Games Righthander Dinelson Lamet of the San Diego Padres struck […]

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Watch Magic Camp online: Stream Disney+

D.J. Rivera — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:15:21 +0000

Wondering how when and where to watch the hilarious family-friendly Disney+ film Magic Camp starring Adam Devine? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! After a long delay and a bit of unwanted controversy, the family-friendly comedy Magic Camp will finally be released, but instead of the big screen, the Adam Devine starrer will become a […]

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Watch 3% season 4 online: Stream Netflix

D.J. Rivera — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:10:42 +0000

Wondering how when and where to watch the final season of the Netflix international sci-fi original series 3%? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! The popular Brazilian sci-fi series 3% has been a fan favorite since it first arrived back in 2016, and ever since the last season ended, anticipation has reached an all-time high […]

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Watch Project Power online: Stream Netflix

D.J. Rivera — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:05:03 +0000

Wondering how when and where to watch the exciting new Netflix original film Project Power starring Jaime Foxx? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There is no shortage of great original films subscribers can find on Netflix, and Project Power looks to be another stellar addition to an already impressive lineup of titles. The sci-fi, […]

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Watch Teenage Bounty Hunters season 1 online: Stream Netflix

D.J. Rivera — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:00:45 +0000

Wondering how when and where to watch the exciting new Netflix original series Teenage Bounty Hunters? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Jenji Kohan, the incredibly brilliant mind behind Weeds and Orange Is the New Black has a brand new series that fans will definitely not want to miss. The executive producer of GLOW, along […]

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Bullpen Report: August 14, 2020

Jason Martinez — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:59:21 +0000

The 2020 version of Bullpen Report includes six different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
Injury News
Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.
Reliever On The Rise: Non-closer who is quickly moving up the depth chart based on potential and recent performance.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save.)

Notable Workloads

•Rowan Wick, CHC: Back-to-back days; 15 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

Jeremy Jeffress and Kyle Ryan are candidates for a save chance on Friday if Wick is unavailable after throwing 38 pitches over the past two days.

•Keone Kela, PIT: 28 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

It’s unlikely that the Pirates would allow Kela to pitch on Friday after he threw 28 pitches in his 2020 debut. Richard Rodriguez or Chris Stratton could get a save chance if Kela is unavailable.

Injury News

•Keone Kela, PIT | RosterResource

Kela’s first game of 2020 was a non-save situation, pitching with his team ahead by four runs in the ninth. But it quickly became high-leverage after he allowed a leadoff homer to Tucker Barnhart and a single to Phillip Ervin with the heart of the Reds’ order coming up. The 27-year-old settled down, however, retiring Nick Castellanos, Joey Votto, and Eugenio Suarez in order to end the threat.

Outlier Saves

•None

Committee Clarity

•Rowan Wick, CHC | RosterResource

After closing out the Cubs’ 4-2 win over the Brewers on Thursday, Wick (IP, ER, 2 H, 0 K) has a save in three of his last four appearances. Jeffress has not had a save chance since his second appearance of the season, but he continues to impress with seven scoreless and hitless innings. Neither Ryan or Craig Kimbrel has pitched since the team’s last series more than a week ago.

Losing A Grip

•None

Reliever On The Rise

•Lucas Sims, CIN | RosterResource

With Michael Lorenzen struggling (10 ER allowed in 5.1 IP before 3.1 scoreless innings on Thursday) and Pedro Strop on the Injured List, there could be an opportunity for someone in the Reds’ bullpen to step into a high-leverage role. The 26-year-old Sims, who has allowed just one earned in 9.1 innings, seems worthy.

While his fastball has steadily creeped up from the low-nineties to the mid-nineties since he entered the majors as a starter with the Braves in 2017, it’s the increase in spin rate that has him missing so many bats over the past two seasons. His 4.60 ERA in 43 innings last season kept him under the radar, but there were plenty of signs that he had the potential to be an impact late-inning reliever.

Today’s #TheFastPitch looks at:

Lucas Sims’ CB:
3285 RPM (3rd in MLB)
.176 wOBA (6th)
.140 BA (10th)
40.6% K rate (17th)
Dozens of ugly swings

Want to hear @LSims_ himself talk about the pitch? Check out my podcast with him here: https://t.co/TXWen69PCG pic.twitter.com/Op9jUPN1jB

— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) November 11, 2019

In 2020, he’s still making hitters look silly. More importantly, he’s also preventing the other team from scoring against him.

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Taylor Cole Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

Connor Byrne — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:21:14 +0000

Angels right-hander Taylor Cole announced on Instagram that he underwent surgery on a bothersome shoulder Wednesday (hat tip to Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times). It’s unclear how much time Cole will need to recover, but he wrote that there’s “a difficult road” ahead.

The 30-year-old Cole, an ex-Blue Jay, appeared in the majors in each of the two previous seasons with the Angels. He prevented runs at an impressive rate in 2018 (2.75 ERA), but not so much last year (5.92). In all, Cole has thrown 87 2/3 innings of 4.62 ERA/3.31 FIP ball with 9.14 K/9, 3.7 BB/9 and a 49.1 percent groundball rate since the Angels signed him to a minor league contract in 2018.

In the wake of his 2019 struggles, the Angels outrighed Cole in late March. He hasn’t rejoined their 40-man roster since then, but he was part of their 60-player pool.

Marlins Acquire Jesus Tinoco

Connor Byrne — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:52:36 +0000

The Marlins have acquired right-hander Jesus Tinoco from the Rockies for fellow righty Chad Smith, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. Tinoco will join the Marlins’ player pool and report to their alternate training site.

This is the second trade involving Tinoco, who was part of the Troy Tulowitzki blockbuster between the Blue Jays and Rockies in 2015. Tinoco reached the Triple-A and major league levels for the first time last season, though he didn’t produce great numbers in either place. The 25-year-old did pitch to a 3.97 ERA in 34 innings at the minors’ top level, but he only logged 6.1 K/9 against 4.98 BB/9. In his MLB debut, Tinoco’s control issues continued, as he recorded a 5.5 BB/9 with a 4.75 ERA and 7.0 K/9 across 36 frames.

Smith, 25, was an 11th-rounder of the Marlins in 2016 who hasn’t advanced beyond Double-A yet. He owns a 4.46 ERA with 10.0 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in 149 1/3 minor league innings.

Mookie Betts makes history with latest 3 home run game (Video)

Mark Powell — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:46:27 +0000

Mookie Betts needs to bat lead-off all the time The Los Angeles Dodgers have tried batting their prized offseason addition at the top of the lineup previously, but not with this sort of success. With the universal DH in play in 2020, being able to turn the lineup over to a player like Betts on […]

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Trail Blazers secure play-in spot, eliminate undefeated Suns

Gerald Bourguet — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:37:54 +0000

The Portland Trail Blazers secured their play-in spot with Thursday’s win. The Portland Trail Blazers had a simple task entering their final seeding game on Thursday night: Win or go home. After the Memphis Grizzlies secured a play-in spot with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in the day, followed quickly by the Phoenix […]

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Yu Darvish gets revenge on Christian Yelich nearly a year in the making

Mark Powell — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:14:30 +0000

Yu Darvish threw six no-hit innings against Christian Yelich’s Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night While Darvish would never admit it, Thursday’s utter dominance of the Brewers at Wrigley Field should’ve been personal. Such a matchup is nearly a year in the making. After a sub-par year by Darvish’s standards in 2019 — we’re talking 6-8, […]

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Who should be TE1 in fantasy football: Travis Kelce or George Kittle?

John Buhler — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:00:22 +0000

Who will be the better fantasy tight end: Travis Kelce or George Kittle? Thursday was a great day to be a top-tier tight end in the NFL, unless you’re named Zach Ertz, then it was a rough day for you. The presumptive top-two tight ends in football, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and […]

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Red Sox President Sam Kennedy On Slow Start, Trade Deadline

Connor Byrne — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:54:39 +0000

The Red Sox suffered their 13th loss in 19 games on Thursday, dropping an embarrassing 17-8 decision to the Rays. Before that, Red Sox president Sam Kennedy joined The Greg Hill Show on WEEI and expressed optimism that the team could still compete for a playoff spot, saying (via Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com) that “you can run off three or four wins and all of a sudden you’re two or three games back in the American League East and anything can happen.”

Kennedy isn’t wrong, but realistically, this is not going to be a playoff year for the Red Sox, who sit dead last in the AL and are dealing with health issues and various roster flaws. So, with the Aug. 31 trade deadline looming, the Chaim Bloom-led Red Sox could look to sell instead of buy over the next couple weeks.

In regards to the deadline, Kennedy said of Boston’s front office that “there are conversations going on given the condensed season.” As far as possible trade chips go, Kennedy unsurprisingly noted that you’d “never label anyone untouchable,” but he expressed a reluctance toward dealing those “who have grown up in the system.”

Superstar outfielder Mookie Betts grew up in Boston’s system, yet the club traded him to the Dodgers during the offseason. However, he was only a year from free agency then (he has since signed a mega-extension with the Dodgers). Boston doesn’t have those types of concerns with its two best players, shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers, whom the organization has developed into superb contributors. The Red Sox already inked Bogaerts to a six-year, $120MM contract before 2019, while Devers will enter arbitration for the first time during the offseason. Meanwhile, catcher Christian Vazquez – another homegrown product – has another two affordable seasons on his deal after this one.

Speculatively, designated hitter J.D. Martinez could make for a trade target for some teams, especially considering National League clubs are using the DH this season. Martinez is expensive, though, as he’s on a prorated $23.75MM salary this season and owed a combined $38.75MM from 2021-2022. And the fact that Martinez has an opt-out clause after this season could further complicate matters.

A Martinez trade doesn’t seem very likely, but the Red Sox have more obvious trade candidates in a couple pending free agents, reliever Brandon Workman and outfielder Kevin Pillar. One of Pillar’s fellow outfielders, Jackie Bradley Jr., could also wind up on the block, though he hasn’t done anything to boost his value during a miserable start to 2020.

CJ McCollum has been playing through a back fracture

Mark Powell — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:28:45 +0000

Damian Lillard gets all the attention, but CJ McCollum deserves some props for playing through injury McCollum often takes a back seat to the face of the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard, and for good reason. The Weber State product in Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA, perhaps only taking a […]

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Will Keenan Allen outperform his 2020 average draft position?

John Buhler — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:09:04 +0000

Could Keenan Allen find his way back into being WR1 status in 2020? Keenan Allen is entering his eighth NFL season with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers franchise. The 2013 NFL Rookie of the Year has overcome his early-career injury woes to become a perennial Pro Bowler for the Bolts the last three years. However, […]

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Victor Caratini’s pitch framing is a work of art for the Cubs (Video)

Mark Powell — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 01:59:42 +0000

Yu Darvish is dealing on Thursday night, and Victor Caratini has played a role in that success Darvish has arguably been the Cubs’ best pitcher so far this season, playing an absolutely vital role for the team as they look to build upon their early lead in the NL Central. In a 60-game season, every […]

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Gregg Popovich mercilessly trolls reporters over Spurs playoff streak (video)

Gerald Bourguet — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 01:28:24 +0000

Gregg Popovich trolled the hell out of reporters asking about the San Antonio Spurs’ playoff streak. Heading into Thursday’s batch of NBA seeding games, the San Antonio Spurs needed some help to earn a spot in the league’s play-in scenario. In addition to a win over the Utah Jazz, the Spurs needed two losses from […]

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