Nick Loftin homers, doubles twice in Royals’ win

Messick allowed six hits without walking anyone but took a tough-luck loss. His 10 punchouts tied his career high, and the outing marked a full calendar year since his big-league debut on August 20, 2025. He entered Wednesday’s start with the sixth-lowest ERA among qualified starters during that span. He’ll aim to keep pitching like one of the best arms in the American League next time out in a favorable matchup versus the Angels.

Wilkinson started but was effectively used as an opener, limited to 25 pitches before Adrian Houser took over and threw the next five frames. “Tugboat” didn’t record any strikeouts while averaging 90.1 mph with his four-seamer. He was drafted by the Guardians in 2023 but traded to the Giants earlier this season as part of a package for catcher Patrick Bailey. He won’t have fantasy value unless he gets stretched out at the big-league level.

Smith allowed just one hit and didn’t walk anyone. The save was his third of the season, and he has two of the Giants’ three this month. San Francisco’s bullpen has been a sore spot all season as nine different relievers have earned at least one save. Caleb Kilian leads the unit with eight, but Smith looks like the best bet for ninth-inning chances right now. That said, opportunities could be scarce if this remains a committee like it’s been all year.

It’s a bit unclear whether Peña underwent X-rays already, but he appears to have avoided serious injury after taking a 100-mph sinker from Angels starter Walbert Ureña off his right hand in the first inning. The 28-year-old shortstop came into this contest hitting .278 (32-for-115) with eight homers and 18 RBI in 27 games since last month’s All-Star break. There should be some additional clarity on his status leading into Thursday’s series finale.

It sounds like a precautionary exit, but there should be some additional clarity on Caglianone’s status following the contest. The 23-year-old slugger was hit by a pitch in the third inning, but it wasn’t anywhere near his ankle. He’s been tearing the cover off the ball recently, hitting .429 (27-for-63) with five homers and 20 RBI in 16 games to start the month of August. He’s presumably day-to-day for now, but fantasy managers should check back in ahead of Thursday’s series finale.

Peña took a 100 mph sinker from Angels starter Walbert Ureña off his right hand in the first inning, but managed to remain in the contest initially. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the third inning. The 28-year-old shortstop has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball during the second half. He’ll presumably head for imaging to determine whether he suffered any fractures. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Nola allowed five hits without walking anyone in his 100-pitch outing. The veteran right-hander has pitched far better lately after posting a 6.04 ERA through the end of June. Since then, he has given up more than three earned runs just once. Given that he’s 33 and signed through 2030, the turnaround has been a much-needed development for reasons beyond this season. Nola will look to continue his second-half rebound next time out against the Mariners in Seattle.

Duran allowed one hit and needed 18 pitches to retire the side. He earned his 28th save of the season and is closing in on his career high of 32, set last year. The Twins never used him as a full-time closer, but the Phillies have since trading for him at last summer’s deadline. Duran has responded with a career-high K-BB% in 2026, trailing only Mason Miller among qualified relievers.

Alcantara only struck out one batter on the evening but came away with a quality start. He has his lowest strikeout rate since 2019, but his run prevention has rebounded after last season’s 5.36 ERA. He leads MLB in innings pitched this season, a feat he also accomplished in 2022. He’ll carry a 3.46 ERA into his next matchup, a home start against the Red Sox.

Arraez’s homer was a two-run shot off Sandy Alcantara in the bottom of the third. It was his second round-tripper with his new team. The lefty-hitting infielder has started at second base and hit cleanup in all 15 games since the Phillies acquired him before the trade deadline.