MLB Player News

Kochanowicz stranded four runners across three scoreless innings before the Blue Jays got on the board with one run in the fourth. Toronto completely broke through in the fifth, tagging Kochanowicz for six more runs, five earned, knocking him from the game before recording an out in the inning. The 25-year-old right-hander ends the day with a 3.97 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 30/23 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 innings. He’ll look to bounce back in a tough matchup against the Dodgers in Anaheim on Friday.

The clubs ultimately decided there wasn’t enough of a window in the forecast at Camden Yards that it made sense to try to start this contest. It’ll be made up as a split doubleheader on Sunday instead. Fantasy managers should anticipate Saturday’s original starters — Framber Valdez and Brandon Young — taking the ball at some point during the twin bill.

Leasure returns to Chicago’s relief corps with Jordan Hicks landing on the shelf with a lat strain. The 27-year-old has struggled to an underwhelming 6.06 ERA across 16 1/3 innings at the highest level this season. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots for the White Sox until he turns things around.

Hicks has been marginally better this season, posting a 5.60 ERA across 17 2/3 innings after logging an abysmal 6.95 ERA over 67 1/3 innings between the Red Sox and Giants last year.

It’s the highest Ewing has hit for New York since being called up back on May 12. The 21-year-old speedster leapfrogs veteran second baseman Marcus Semien after hitting .281/.425/.438 with one homer and two steals in 11 games to open his career.

Pintaro, who made one relief appearance for the Mets last year, earns another look after posting a solid 2.81 ERA and 32/12 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings for Triple-A Syracuse this season. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots for the Mets.

All signs point to Jonah Tong sticking around for another turn in New York’s rotation after tossing three scoreless frames in his season debut on Friday night. Thornton heads back to the minors after allowing four runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Nationals in his big-league debut earlier this week. The unheralded 24-year-old control artist figures to get another chance when injuries or ineffectiveness create an opportunity later this season.

Okamoto won’t have to face Pirates ace Paul Skenes as he gets a breather following five consecutive starts at the hot corner. It’ll be Ernie Clement taking over with Lenyn Sosa at second base. The 29-year-old could use a break since he’s been mired in a slump for a couple weeks, hitting .161 (9-for-56) with one homer and 24 strikeouts over his last 15 games.

It continues to be a completely bizarre season for Yoshida as he’s basically been eclipsed by unheralded reserve Mickey Gasper and utilityman Andruw Monasterio for at-bats against right-handed pitching since Roman Anthony hit the injured list earlier this month. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats until that equation changes.

Thomas remains on the bench for the third consecutive game due to an ongoing minor hamstring issue. The 30-year-old came off the bench during Wednesday’s series finale against the Red Sox, so it appears he’s healthy enough to play, if needed. The Royals are probably going to stay away from him as much as possible this weekend to give him extra time off to rest and recover.

Cruz takes a seat with Toronto lefty Patrick Corbin toeing the rubber. It’ll be intriguing prospect Jhostynxon Garcia getting a chance in center field with Nick Gonzales moving up to the leadoff spot. Cruz is hitting .303 (20-for-66) with four homers against lefties this season. However, he’s been struggling a bit of late, hitting just .242 (15-for-62) with one homer and 26 strikeouts over his last 15 games.