Archive for Featured

Pitcher Playing Time Changes: August 15, 2025

Jim Rassol – Imagn Images

It’s stretch run time, and contenders are continuing to reevaluate who can best help them win now — even involving some players who teams thought might be more win-later than win-now, like Nolan McLean. Here’s what’s changed in the past week.

Change in % of Team’s Remaining GS, 8/7 to 8/15
Name Team Old PT New PT PT Change Reason
Nolan McLean NYM 5% 13% 8% Making first MLB start Saturday
Victor Mederos LAA 1% 8% 7% Taking Kochanowicz’s rotation spot
Landen Roupp SFG 9% 16% 7% Back from IL on Friday
Chris Sale ATL 5% 12% 7% Began rehab assignment
Yoendrys Gómez CHW 1% 7% 6% Took Cannon’s rotation spot
Chase Dollander COL 10% 16% 6% Back from AAA
Joey Estes ATH 3% 8% 5% Could take SP5 spot, though Morales is also an option
Javier Assad CHC 2% 7% 5% Back from IL
Ryan Bergert KCR 9% 14% 5% Sticking in rotation with Lorenzen back
Chase Burns CIN 9% 4% -5% Grade 1 flexor strain
Logan Henderson MIL 6% 1% -5% Elbow inflammation
Carson Whisenhunt SFG 13% 7% -6% Sent to AAA
Michael King SDP 17% 11% -6% Knee inflammation
Shane McClanahan TBR 7% 0% -7% Season-ending nerve surgery
Anthony DeSclafani ARI 16% 7% -9% Thumb inflammation
Jack Kochanowicz LAA 15% 6% -9% Sent to AAA
Frankie Montas NYM 12% 3% -9% Moved to bullpen
Zach Eflin BAL 11% 0% -11% Season-ending back surgery
Bailey Falter KCR 16% 5% -11% Moved to bullpen
Jonathan Cannon CHW 17% 5% -12% Sent to AAA
Colton Gordon HOU 14% 2% -12% Sent to AAA
Carlos Carrasco ATL 13% 0% -13% DFA’d
Luis Severino ATH 19% 6% -13% Strained oblique

 

Change in % of RP IP, 8/8 to 8/15
Name Team % Chg in Proj. RP IP Reason
Luinder Avila KCR 333% Recalled from AAA
Bailey Horn DET 320% Recalled from AAA
Bailey Falter KCR 243% Pitching out of bullpen
Logan Evans SEA 242% Bryce Miller nearing return
Tylor Megill NYM 175% Bullpen is a possibility when he returns
Juan Morillo ARI 125% Has moved up the depth chart
Colton Gordon HOU 117% Bullpen is the likeliest place for him if he returns from AAA
Robert Gasser MIL 113% Bullpen is the likeliest place for him if he returns this year
Hayden Harris ATL 100% Dominating AAA
Bobby Miller LAD 88% Pitching well since move to bullpen in AAA
Michael Kopech RP 71% Nearing return from IL
Cam Booser RP 50% Back from AAA
Cristian Javier RP -39% Should stick in rotation
Hunter Harvey RP -44% Strained groin
Brock Stewart RP -45% Shoulder inflammation
Quinn Priester RP -46% Will stick in rotation, surely
Josh Hader RP -62% Shoulder strain
Zack Littell RP -100% Will stick in rotation
Félix Bautista RP -100% Season-ending shoulder injury

Big Kid Adds (Week 19)


Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

While the NFBC Main Event garners most of the attention, there are a handful of leagues with even larger entry fees ($2.5K to $15K). They are named “High Stakes Leagues,” and there are eleven of them. With so much money on the line, these fantasy managers try to gain any advantage. Most of the time, these managers will be a week or two ahead of everyone else on their adds. Here are the players and some information on the ones added in five or more leagues.

Batters

Kyle Karros (11): The further I got into my FAAB last Sunday, the more I started liking the 23-year-old third baseman. Here are his Steamer600 comps.

If given full-time plate appearances, all the players listed can be 15-team contributors.

Karros’s main trait is putting the ball in play and should post a decent batting average with the possibility of double-digit stolen bases and home runs over a full season. The home runs could even increase if he were to keep the ball off the ground (47% GB%).

C.J. Kayfus (8): Eight starts in 10 games since being promoted, while being a solid hitter (.258/.303/.452, 1 HR, 1 SB). He is struggling to make contact (30% K%), especially with normal four-seam fastballs (16% SwStr%). Of the 555 batters who have seen 25 or more four-seamers this season, it’s the 41st highest value.

JJ Bleday (8):  A .588 BABIP since his last callup makes him seem like he’s on fire (.444/.483/.741). The problem is that he started in just six of the last 10 games. He is a 20 HR hitter, while not stealing bases and dragging down a team’s batting average.

Blaze Alexander (7): Playing (14 straight starts), hitting (.264/.362/.462, 4 HR 2 SB in 91 PA), and has seven games this week with four in Colorado.

Romy Gonzalez (6): I was a little surprised to see Gonzalez on the list of adds with no lefties on the schedule. So far this week, he started against two righties, going three for eight (all singles). To be fantasy relevant, he needs to be on the field.

Brooks Baldwin (6): Baldwin is off the IL and playing (10 starts in 11 games). While not hitting for batting average (.222), he does have 7 HR and 4 SB. He makes a nice injury replacement since he’s qualified at outfield, second, third, and short.

Mike Yastrzemski (5): Strong-side platoon bat who faces five righties this week. So far with the Royals, he’s batting .188/.300/.469 with 2 HR.

Gabriel Arias (5): Back to starting with the Guardians (13 straight starts). While a .236 AVG (32% K%) is a bit of a drain, he does have 9 HR and 4 SB in 342 PA. Additionally, he’s qualified at three positions (2B, SS, 3B).

Darell Hernaiz (5): Starting while Jacob Wilson is on the IL (possibly returning next week). While struggling with a .190 BABIP, he does have 2 HR and 1 SB in 56 PA. He’s not overmatched with a 7% K% (5% SwStr%). He might be trading weak contact (52% GB%, 34% HardHit%) for the contact.

Victor Robles (5): Robles is on his way back from the IL (shoulder). My worry with Robles is that he might end up on the short side of a platoon with Dominic Canzone.

Name: Career OPS vs LHP, vs RHP
Robles: .722, .675
Canzone: .495, .732

Additionally, Canzone has been solid with a 125 wRC+ while Robles sported a 76 wRC+ before going on the IL.

Curtis Mead (5): The #9 hitter for the White Sox. With a career 81 wRC+. Who might reach double-digit steals and home runs in a full season? What does he do?

Starters

Cade Cavalli (11): Every part of his profile (8.7 K/9, 53% GB%, 3.86 ERA, 3.93 xFIP) looks great except the walks (3.9 BB/9). The walks have him with a 1.50 WHIP, which is doing as much ratio damage in a roto league as a 5.52 ERA. His 38% Ball% is the equivalent of a 4.0 BB/9. He’s always had issues with walks with a 4.4 BB/9 throughout the minors.

Cavalli is a fine addition in point leagues or for teams that don’t care about their WHIP.

Luis Gil (10): Like Cavalli, Gil struggles with walks (career 4.8 BB/9), and there are no signs of them improving this year (5.2 BB/9, 38% Ball% for equiv 4.0 B/9). If Gil hadn’t run a .237 BABIP last season, he’s likely not on anyone’s radar. In the second half, when he posted just a .262 BABIP, he had an unremarkable 1.42 WHIP and 4.20 ERA. In two starts this year, it’s a 7.27 ERA (4.63 xFIP) and 1.85 WHIP.

Additionally, his results could even get worse if his home runs regress upward. Normally, pitchers with a 35% GB% (career) have a 1.4 HR/9, not the 1.1 HR/9 that Gil has posted.

Hurston Waldrep (10): Finally, a pitcher I can get behind. The 1.54 ERA won’t last (0.0 HR/9, .226 BABIP, 80% LOB%), but so far he looks to be a high-3.00 ERA talent.

He’s got two amazing pitches. A splitter with a 27% SwStr% (STUPH models are off the charts) and a sinker with an 11% SwStr% and 50% GB%.

Shane Smith (6): Without a cupcake schedule, I was surprised to see the Shane Smith love. He’s been fine this year with a 4.01 ERA (4.41 xFIP), 1.28 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9. But just 3 Wins in 21 starts. There are worse options.

Troy Melton (6): Speculation came out late during the weekend that Melton might return to the rotation and start on Wednesday. He did start going 5 IP with 0 ER and 6 K. The only question now is if he’ll stay in the rotation or go back to the bullpen. As a starter this season, he posted a 3.18 ERA (3.04 xFIP), 9.5 K/9, and 0.88 WHIP.

Jason Alexander (6):  While a solid starter (2.83 ERA, 4.15 xFIP, 1.19 WHIP, 6.9 K/9), he could be losing his rotation spot with Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier coming off the IL.

Brandon Walter (5): On the IL with an elbow injury. He was great in his nine starts (3.35 ERA, 3.09 xFIP, 0.93 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9)

Relievers

Justin Topa (7): While Topa isn’t the most talented reliever (3.50 ERA to 3.75 ERA talent), every sign points to him being the Twins closer.

Riley O’Brien (7): The 30-year-old righty was added in the hope JoJo Romero can’t hold the closer’s job. The deal is, Romero and O’Brien have posted similar stats this season.

Name: ERA, xFIP, K%
O’Brien: 1.69, 3.68, 23%
Romero: 2.36, 3.96, 23%

David Bednar (5): Was a good closer, then became a good setup man, and now he’s a good closer again.

 

Players Added In NFBC High Stakes Leagues
Name Leagues Added Max Winning Bid Min Winning Bid
Cade Cavalli 11 55 3
Kyle Karros 11 25 1
Luis Gil 10 205 38
Hurston Waldrep 10 36 2
CJ Kayfus 8 64 2
JJ Bleday 8 12 1
Blaze Alexander 7 29 5
Justin Topa 7 23 3
Riley O’Brien 7 17 1
Shane Smith 6 18 1
Romy Gonzalez 6 14 1
Brooks Baldwin 6 14 3
Troy Melton 6 7 1
Jason Alexander 6 5 2
David Bednar 5 145 38
Mike Yastrzemski 5 35 1
Brandon Walter 5 13 1
Gabriel Arias 5 11 1
Darell Hernaiz 5 9 2
Victor Robles 5 9 2
Curtis Mead 5 4 1
Chris Sale 4 140 47
Jordan Walker 4 95 1
Phil Maton 4 44 16
J.T. Ginn 4 31 3
Nick Martinez 4 29 3
Miguel Andujar 4 16 1
Elvis Alvarado 4 14 1
Tylor Megill 4 13 1
Tanner Scott 4 12 2
Kai-Wei Teng 4 2 1

 


Starting Pitcher Chart – August 15th, 2025

Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

Read the rest of this entry »


Starting Pitcher Chart – August 14th, 2025

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

  • Skubal is obviously far and away the best pitcher going today (though divisional gms on the road can be tricky!)
  • Of the Senga-Luzardo-Boyd trio, Boyd’s been the best guy pitch-for-pitch but has far and away the toughest matchup which drove the hair-splitting rankings of them
  • I still think the Marlins should’ve sold high on Cabrera, but it seems the SP market didn’t materialize for the top end ones; he’s tried to keep them in the playoff mix w/2 absolute gems since the deadline: 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, 18 Ks, 2 BB in 14 IP
  • I’m inclined to start Scherzer everywhere when he’s healthy
  • Bibee is far from a must-start w/MIA surging to 5th in wOBA vR over the L30
  • It might just be an injury washout (& he’s looked fine in his 2 starts off the IL), but I do think he lives on a thin margin so when it does go, it’ll be quick. 90-91 mph fastballs with a 1.5 HR9 don’t age super well. It’s giving Kevin Slowey vibes – a pitcher I loved along with Scot Baker (who also had this profile type!)
  • Lord has a 2.70 ERA in 4 starts since returning to the rotation, but a modest 12% K-BB says it’s more run-hot than breakout

Read the rest of this entry »


Mining the News (8/13/25)


Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

American League

Athletics

Colby Thomas is being more athletic in the batter’s box.

“Darren and I sat with [Thomas] and we made some adjustments,” Kotsay said. “I wanted him to get a little bit more athletic in the box.”

What exactly does “more athletic in the box” mean?

“Well, I’m usually really wide,” Thomas said. “I’ve skinnied up a little bit just so I can be a little more adjustable with my legs. A little more athletic.”

In addition to practicing the new stance in batting practice, Thomas said he worked with Bush one-on-one in the batting cage a few hours before Thursday’s game. Later, in his first at-bat of the game, Thomas crushed his first homer.

The only number that matters right now is finding a way to lower his 52% K%. Read the rest of this entry »


Position Player Playing Time Changes: August 13, 2025

Jeff Curry – Imagn Images

Hello again, and welcome to the latest Position Player Playing Time Changes update! With the trade deadline passed, we’ve got far fewer changes to go over than last week, but there are still some notable changes made in the past week. As always, the change shown is in percent of remaining playing time for the player’s team down the stretch.

Change in % of Remaining PT, 8/5 to 8/12
Name Team Positions Old PT New PT PT Change Reason
Adael Amador COL 2B 3% 61% 58% Starting 2B with Arcia, Estrada out
Drew Gilbert SFG RF, CF 11% 61% 50% Called up to be starting RF
Everson Pereira TBR CF, LF, DH 10% 47% 37% Called up to play at least against LHP
Luke Keaschall MIN 2B, DH, CF, LF, 1B 61% 85% 24% Keeps raking, keeps playing
Willie MacIver ATH C 3% 23% 20% Replaced Wynns as backup
JJ Bleday ATH RF, LF, CF 28% 47% 19% On fire since recall
Byron Buxton MIN CF, DH 62% 80% 18% Back fro IL (and homered!)
Braxton Fulford COL C 12% 30% 18% Replaced Nola as backup
Kristian Campbell BOS 1B, DH, 2B, CF, LF 25% 43% 18% Could be nearing return with stronger AAA performance
Drew Millas WSN C 10% 27% 17% Should stick around with Ruiz being ramped up slowly
Ryan Mountcastle BAL 1B,DH 63% 79% 16% Back from IL
Brooks Baldwin CHW 3B, CF, 2B, LF, SS, RF 29% 45% 16% Versatility has helped him play more
Ryan Noda BAL RF, DH, 1B 5% 19% 14% Playing more with injuries
Jeremiah Jackson BAL 3B, DH, 2B, LF, RF 14% 25% 11% Playing more with injuries
Jacob Young WSN CF 58% 68% 10% Has taken some time back from Hassell
Jose Miranda MIN DH,1B,3B 42% 32% -10% Passed over for callup
Jonathan Ornelas ATL 3B, SS 15% 5% -10% Optioned back to AAA
David Hamilton BOS 2B, SS 16% 6% -10% Sent back to AAA
Austin Slater NYY RF, LF 27% 16% -11% Hamstring strain
Tommy Edman LAD 3B, 2B, CF, SS 71% 60% -11% Reinjured ankle
Chase Meidroth CHW 2B, SS 87% 76% -11% Thumb contusion
Abraham Toro BOS 1B 54% 42% -12% Losing time to Romy
Colton Cowser BAL LF, CF 85% 72% -13% Concussion
Christian Vázquez MIN C 46% 33% -13% Shoulder infection
Kyle Farmer COL 2B,3B,1B 38% 24% -14% Losing time to Amador, Karros
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. MIN CF,RF,LF 19% 4% -15% Optioned to AAA
Edouard Julien MIN 2B 56% 41% -15% Might be 1B-only now, which cuts into time
Jerar Encarnacion SFG RF,DH,LF,1B 31% 14% -17% Hamstring strain
Keibert Ruiz WSN C 62% 42% -20% Being brought along slowly (concussion)
Tyler O’Neill BAL RF, LF, DH 82% 60% -22% Wrist inflammation
Heston Kjerstad BAL DH,RF,LF 27% 3% -24% Fatigue, unlikely to be back this year
Grant McCray SFG RF,LF,CF 55% 30% -25% Barely playing with Gilbert up
Jonny DeLuca TBR LF,RF,CF 53% 25% -28% Strained hamstring
Orlando Arcia COL 3B,2B,SS,DH 71% 16% -55% Elbow inflammation

Starting Pitcher Chart – August 13th, 2025

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

Updates:

  • I know this won’t get out to everyone, but I have to postpone my chat today. I will probably be able to run it Friday, but there is a small chance it’s cancelled entirely for the week. Thanks for understanding!
  • Melton in for Montero for the Tigers!

Read the rest of this entry »


Starting Pitcher Chart – August 12th, 2025

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

I had a little issue last night with some foot swelling so I was laid up for a good part of the evening. Swelling is not just down but completely gone this morning so hopefully it was just a blip! Apologies to those of you who use this for pickups because I know that requires a night-before release, but I just ended up falling asleep after elevating the foot while watching the Tigers game. Everything should be good tonight for Wednesday’s board.

Updates:

  • Brown in for Horton, still just 1-x reco
  • Assad in now… c’mon Chicago, make a choice! 😂
  • Y’all are right on Wacha, 1-x is crazy work… updated him to full 3-x reco
  • Also agree on Baz skepticism (consider he & Wacha switched in ranks – Wacha to 9, Baz to 16)

Read the rest of this entry »


Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – August 11, 2025

Here is today’s chat transcript:
Read the rest of this entry »


Starting Pitcher Chart – August 11th, 2025

Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.
Read the rest of this entry »