Ryan Gusto effective vs. Padres in short start

Flores’s homer left his bat at 108.6 mph and was projected at 434 feet. He’s just 3-for-29 with a 12/1 K/BB in his last eight games, but the power is still really impressive; he’s totaled seven homers in 86 plate appearances for Pirates.

Lake Bachar again pitched in front of Mlodzinski and allowed one run in 2 1/3 innings. The win is Mlodzinski’s first since July 11 and comes after he went 0-3 with a 12.71 ERA in his previous four outings, the first three of which were starts. The Pirates likely will continue to treat him as more of a bulk guy for now, and he’s lined up to face the Angels on Thursday.

Leahy was taken out after 51 pitches today. Last time out, it was four scoreless innings and 63 pitches. The Cardinals will probably keep this up for the most part, since Leahy did spend the last three years in the pen. It’s going to make him worthless in mixed leagues, though. His next start is due to come in Colorado.

Horwitz has started eight games in the leadoff spot and 10 more in the middle of the order this month and has totaled one run scored in 82 plate appearances. He’s batting .147/.220/.160 during the span. It would make sense for the Pirates to him lower. Even when he’s going well, his extreme lack of speed is something of a problem leading off.

Cavalli was able to make the play to end the inning, but limped off the field and into the tunnel. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers as the 28-year-old right-hander was dealing — as he hadn’t allowed a hit and had struck out eight batters through four scoreless frames. He’ll presumably head for imaging to see if there’s any structural damage. Expect the Nationals to provide an update on his status as soon as more information is available.

The Yankees needed to clear a spot on their active roster for the return of Max Fried on Saturday and unfortunately for Topa he drew the short straw this time around. The 35-year-old hurler made just two appearances during his time with the Yankees, logging three scoreless frames with a 3/1 K/BB ratio. It’s possible that another club comes calling on waivers.

As anticipated, Fried will return from the injured list to start the nightcap of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw is expected to be limited to around 60 pitches in the contest, which could impact his ability to pitch long enough to earn a victory.

Bellinger will get a breather in the second game of Saturday’s twin bill with left-hander Alec Gamboa starting on the mound for the Red Sox. Spencer Jones will draw a start in his place in left field and will bat seventh for the Bombers.

It’s the first three-homer game in the superstar outfielder’s young career. He started the home half of the first inning with a bang, crushing an 0-1 fastball from Andrew Abbott for a 435-foot (105.8-mph EV) solo shot. He victimized Abbott again in the second inning, that time for a 375-foot (103.4-mph) two-run blast to right. He then singled and scored in the fourth inning before tagging Tony Santillan for a monstrous 444-foot (105.3-mph EV) three-run bomb in the seventh inning. While he’s unlikely to win, Crow-Armstrong is certainly going to garner MVP consideration this season. He’s slashing a robust .282/.377/.567 with 36 homers, 89 RBI, 97 runs scored and 32 stolen bases while playing exceptional defense in center field.

Bregman did his damage in the opening inning, crushing an 0-2 curveball from Andrew Abbott for a 416-foot (102.3-mph EV) two-run shot that increased the Cubs’ lead to 3-0 before an out had been recorded. He added an RBI single in the fourth inning and a double in the ninth for good measure. On the season, the 32-year-old third baseman is now slashing .255/.344/.422 with the aforementioned 20 long balls and 73 RBI on the season.