

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler (hamstring) will be kept out of the lineup on Sunday afternoon for the fourth straight game. Soler was diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain on Thursday but remains day-to-day. As a result, veteran Ramon Laureano will cover right field again. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 32-year-old's status prior to their three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies, which kicks off on Tuesday evening. The slugger has once again enjoyed a nice power season, hitting 16 long balls so far with a .244/.339/.438 line. He returned to Atlanta at the deadline, where he won World Series MVP in 2021. When he returns to the lineup, he and Michael Harris II should share leadoff duties. Laureano could be a value play in DFS this afternoon as he will bat in the five-hole against Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz, who holds a 7.98 ERA.



Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Tyler Black has struggled at the plate since rejoining the major leagues on August 11. Black has started three out of the eight games so far and gone 1-for-11 in the batter's box. Earlier this summer in the majors, Black held a .235/.316/.294 line across 12 games. At Triple-A Nashville this summer, the No. 4 ranked prospect in the Milwaukee system has held an excellent .276/.389/.448 slash line with 12 doubles, four triples, 11 long balls, 52 RBI, and 16 swiped bags. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's playing time, as he could be sent down to Triple-A in the coming weeks to continue his development. Given his production in the minors, deeper league managers should continue to hold onto Black, as he could be a viable fantasy asset down the stretch if given the playing opportunities.


Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (finger) is set to return to the bump on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The 30-year-old was dealing with some general finger soreness after being hit by a comebacker in his previous start, but the injury does not seem serious, as Blanco will not miss a turn in the rotation. The right-hander has enjoyed a nice campaign so far as he sits with a solid 2.89 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 51:130 BB:K ratio. Since allowing a high 4.40 ERA through July, Blanco has settled down through the start of August, holding a much-improved 2.40 ERA. Blanco should remain in all starting lineups and will be a popular play in DFS on Tuesday evening, given his recent stretch.


Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (arm) left Sunday's game early after being hit by a pitch in his left arm. The infielder was seen being checked out by a trainer before exiting the game. Diaz was replaced by Christopher Morel, who then shifted to the hot corner as Junior Caminero moved over to first base. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Rays lineup on Monday evening ahead of their game against the Oakland Athletics as the 33-year-old may need a few days off. Diaz was enjoying another nice as season as he sits with a solid .273/.329/.396 line with 10 long balls. He holds a strong 15.7% K rate and an excellent 49.7% hard-hit rate. If Diaz were to miss an extended period of time, Caminero could see time at first base more often, or second baseman Brandon Lowe could shift over as well.UPDATE: Diaz was diagnosed with a left-forearm contusion.


Former Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Amed Rosario was designated for assignment this week and will now head to Cincinnati. This was a surprising move as the Dodgers traded for the infielder at the trade deadline but recently let him go when Mookie Betts (hand) returned from the injured list. The veteran infielder has held a solid .305/.331/.415 line with two home runs and 10 stolen bases across 81 games this summer. Fantasy managers should expect Rosario to serve as a depth utility infielder in Cincinnati as Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, and Elly De La Cruz have second base, shortstop, and third base covered on most nights. Rosario could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats if he is given consistent playing time, as he should produce a solid AVG with the upside for speed.
