
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven across four innings in Saturday's 10-9 win over the Chicago Cubs. He did not factor into the decision. The 21-year-old threw 84 pitches, landing 54 for strikes. He did get into some trouble in the second inning by loading the bases but was able to escape the jam by retiring the next two batters he faced. The early jam brought his pitch count up, which prompted Pirates manager Derek Shelton for the fifth-inning removal. Skenes was electric in his debut, hitting 100 mph or more 17 times per MLB Pipeline. Skenes is here to stay and should be a crucial part of Pittsburgh's starting rotation. The rookie phenom's next scheduled start will be Friday against the Cubs.


Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter went 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout in Saturday's 8-2 win over the Houston Astros. Carpenter belted a two-run shot off Cristian Javier in the bottom of the third inning for his first homer of the game. He later took Hunter Brown deep in the bottom of the fourth inning for his second long ball of the night. Entering Saturday's game, Carpenter had gone 18 games without a home run. The 26-year-old is slashing .275/.333/.523 with five home runs, 18 RBI, and 12 runs over 37 games in 2024. Carpenter will look to build off Saturday's massive performance in the season finale against the Astros on Sunday and should be started in most league formats.


Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena went 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBI, a walk, and an additional run scored in Saturday's 7-2 win over the New York Yankees. Arozarena blasted a three-run shot off Nestor Cortes in the third inning to give the Rays a 4-2 lead. His home run went 385 feet with an exit velocity of 102.5 mph. It was his seventh of the season. He later logged an RBI double, driving in four runs in Saturday's game. The 29-year-old is off to a slow start this season, slashing .154/.253/.329 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 18 runs, and six stolen bases over 39 games. Arozarena will look to build off Saturday's performance and should remain in fantasy lineups despite the slow start.


Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (back) was removed from Saturday's game versus the San Diego Padres due to back tightness. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani's back tightened up. The concern level right now is "minimal," but the Dodgers are leaning toward giving Ohtani the day off on Sunday. They'll see how he feels in the morning. The 29-year-old went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored before exiting. Ohtani is off to a great start with the Dodgers this season, slashing .352/.423/.667 with 11 home runs, 27 RBI, 33 runs, and nine stolen bases over 40 games. Ohtani is considered day-to-day for now, and fantasy managers will have to check back on Sunday to see if he is in the lineup.


Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried (3-1) allowed three walks while striking out five over seven scoreless and hitless innings in Saturday's 4-1 win over the New York Mets. The 30-year-old was removed after 109 pitches. Braves manager Brian Snitker pulled Fried from continuing to pursue the individual no-hitter and turned to the bullpen to close it out. The team's no-hitter was broken when Raisel Iglesias surrendered a solo shot to J.D. Martinez during the ninth inning. Fried has been dealing lately and has not allowed a run in three of his last four starts. Overall, he owns a 3.57 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 37:17 K: BB across 45 1/13 innings in 2024. Fried has been pitching well recently and should remain in all fantasy lineups for his next start Friday against the San Diego Padres.
