MLB Player News

Sporting an ugly 18/14 K/BB in 24 1/3 innings, Staumont was released by the Twins last August in spite of a 3.70 ERA. He’s typically been skilled at avoiding the home run ball, which is important in Cincinnati. Still, he’s probably not going to make much of a contribution.

Hader hadn’t gotten more than three outs in an appearance this season, but the Astros asked him to continue after an 11-pitch ninth tonight and he needed only another 11 pitches to get through the 10th. Hader lowered his ERA to an even 1.00 through 27 innings. He’ll probably get Tuesday off after this, perhaps setting up a save chance for Bryan Abreu.

Tidwell generated 16 whiffs and struck out six, so that’s pretty good. He was probably fortunate to allow only three singles and a double, considering that he gave up nine hard-hit balls. Yordan Alvarez actually hit three balls in excess of 109 mph against him. Still, he made it work. Tidwell has allowed three runs in 10 2/3 innings in his two starts for the Giants. He could be of use in NL-only leagues going forward, and he’s a streaming option in shallower formats with a home start against the Rockies on deck.

The blown save was the product of a walk, a wild pitch and then a single through the right side of the infield. Rafael Devers probably could have gotten to it, but he instead retreated back to first, thinking that Osleivis Basabe had the easier play. Basabe, though, deflected it into the outfield while trying to make a diving attempt. In truth, neither infielder had much shot of turning it into an out, but both should have been capable of keeping the ball in the infield and preventing the runner from scoring from second. Smith is probably still the clear favorite for saves in San Francisco, but it’d be for the best if he doesn’t blow another chance right away.

Lee’s 382-footer down the right field line only barely missed being a splash hit. He now has one more homer than he did last year in 175 fewer plate appearances.

Gelof’s home run was his 12th of the year. He hit a solo shot off Freddy Peralta in the fifth inning. Gelof was eased into the lineup batting last in his first game after being activated from the IL. He’s hitting .277 with an .823 OPS and 31 RBI this year.

Heading into the eighth inning, things didn’t look good for the Rays. Tampa Bay trailed 6-2, but finally Athletics starter Jacob Lopez was out of the game. After two singles, Caminero blasted a three-run home run to bring the Rays to within a run. With still no outs, the Rays went on to score five more runs in the inning, making it a 10-6 ballgame. Caminero is hitting .277 with a .917 OPS and 74 RBI.

Díaz’ home run was his 16th of the season. He hit a solo shot off Jacob Lopez in the first inning. He also scored on Junior Caminero’s home run and had a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. Díaz is hitting .302 with an .835 OPS and 67 RBI.

Lopez gave up five hits, walked one and struck out five. He turned the game over to the bullpen in the eighth inning with a 6-2 lead. The Athletics’ bullpen proceeded to allow eight runs to Rays in the eighth inning, costing Lopez the win. That’s a tough break for Lopez as well as fantasy managers. Lopez is lined up to face the Rangers at home on Sunday.

Peralta gave up six hits, walked one and struck out five. It was a solid rebound start after he allowed seven runs to the Rockies at Coors Field in his Rays debut. The Rays haven’t totally fixed Peralta quite yet, but this was certainly a step in the right direction. Peralta is lined up to face the Orioles at home on Sunday.

Carroll hit a 103.5 mph line drive that found second baseman Willi Castro’s glove in the first inning. With two outs, the Diamondbacks were able to rally and Nolan Arenado’s grand slam put them up 4-0. In the second inning, Carroll was in the middle of the rally with an RBI double and two batters later it was 7-0. It was his 24th double of the year. He’s hitting .241 with an .802 OPS and 55 RBI this season.