There was a lot of excitement across the diamonds on Sunday. Albert Pujols played his last game in Busch Stadium, Pete Alonso smacked his 2th homer to top Darryl Strawberry’s Mets rookie home run mark and Will Smith walked it off for the Dodgers with a three-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning to cap off a stretch of three straight game-winning hits by rookies. Those performances were just some of the highlights from an action-packed day. Let’s dive in!
Here Comes Santana
Danny Santana has been fun to watch when the Rangers find room for him in the lineup. The multi-eligible athlete has been on tear lately but is available in 86 percent of ESPN leagues. He has played in six of the last seven games, hitting .409 with three home runs and two stolen bases. Santana has earning playing time with Joey Gallo still sidelined and Rougned Odor and Ronald Guzman contributing next to nothing. If you are looking to upgrade at second base, consider Santana.
Woodruff K’s his way to a W
Brandon Woodruff was sensational on Sunday afternoon. The burly righthander struck out 12 hitters across seven innings with one walk. His four-seam fastball was dominant, recording nine swinging strikes on that pitch alone. Woodruff has graduated from streamer to “must-start,” posting a stellar 114 punchouts with just 25 free passes in 94 1/3 innings. Woodruff and his 9-2 record will next toe the rubber against the Pirates at home.
Stroman Living His Best Life
Marcus Stroman has little margin for error, fanning a pedestrian 77 in 100 2/3 innings pitched. On Sunday, the 5-foot-8 righty reached into his bag of tricks, firing six scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Boston Red Sox. Even though Stroman’s low whiffs leave him vulnerable to the occasional rough outing, he is still roster-worthy in all formats, recording nine quality starts in 13 appearances.
Another Stallion?
With his three wins to begin his career, Jordan Yamamoto is turning heads. The 23-year-old righty was dominant against the Phillies, following up a pair of scoreless efforts against the Cardinals with five frames of two-hit ball, yielding two runs. Yamamoto fanned seven for the second straight outing, bringing his total to 19 in his inaugural 19 stanzas. Yamamoto is rostered in just 67 percent of CBS leagues, so he could be available in deeper formats. With Caleb Smith and Pablo Lopez on the IL, Yamamoto and fellow rookie hurler Zac Gallen are both worthy pickups.
Skaggs Opening Eyes
Here comes Tyler Skaggs. The crafty lefty mixed pitches effectively Sunday night against the Cardinals in St. Louis. Skaggs fanned three and didn’t walk anyone, making that two straight starts without issuing a free pass. Skaggs has endured his fair share of injuries but is healthy now and exhibiting promising improved control over his last two appearances. If Skaggs can continue limiting walks, he’s a solid contributor to any fantasy baseball staff, with the ability to strike out a batter an inning.
Sunday’s Transactions
Cleveland Indians promote 1B Bobby Bradley: The corresponding move was releasing Leonys Martin, shoring up playing time for Jake Bauers and Oscar Mercado. Bradley is a power-hitter though prone to the strikeout. He’s expected to share first base and designated hitter with Carlos Santana, playing against all righthanders.
Atlanta Braves Option RHP Mike Foltynewicz to Triple-AAA Gwinnett: Foltynewicz has yet to find a groove after beginning the season late due to elbow soreness. Hopefully a trip to the farm helps Foltynewicz regain confidence as he’s needed in what looks to be a closely contested battle in the NL East. It’s unclear how the Braves will fill the opening, but they do have a bevy of prospects itching for a chance.
Cameron Maybin placed on 10-day IL: With the return of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, Maybin’s playing time was set to take a hit anyway. When he returns, it will likely be as a defensive replacement and occasional starter.
Blake Treinen placed on a 10-day IL retroactive to June 21: Treinen has been diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff and is without a set timeline. Liam Hendriks is first in line for saves and should be grabbed in all formats.
Dodgers place David Freese on the 10-day IL: Freese has been quietly productive, occupying his typical short side platoon role.
Dodgers recall C Will Smith from Triple-A Oklahoma City: Smith is back for his second tour of duty, taking the spot of Freese. Smith has crushed Pacific Coast League pitching, slashing .291/.397/.609. With neither Austin Barnes nor Russell Martin having a productive season, Smith could see a decent amount of playing time behind the dish.
Diego Castillo of the Tampa Bay Rays place on 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation: The sometimes opener, sometimes closer has struggled lately and now we know why. Jose Alvarado is still away from the club, leaving closing duties to Emilio Pagan.
Garret Hampson recalled by the Rockies: With Trevor Story sidelined, Hampson will be afforded another chance to play to the preseason hype.
Orioles send Dan Straily to Triple-A Norfolk Tides: Those playing in fantasy leagues where the worst players score the most points are looking for a replacement.
Sunday Injuries
Mitch Garver remained sidelined on Sunday. The catcher is dealing with left heel soreness.
The hot hitting Ketel Marte was absent from the Diamondbacks lineup on Sunday with a left groin issue. The injury does not seem to be serious, but the club will be cautious with next steps.
Mike Soroka’s X-rays came back negative after her was hit by a pitch on the right forearm. The righthander could miss his next start.
Jonathan Schoop was not in the Twins lineup on Sunday, as he is still dealing with a sore right ankle.
