

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has been recalled from Triple-A on Friday. This move comes after outfielder Tommy Pham was designated for assignment. That being said, Walker is expected to play every day going forward, according to Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. The Cardinals have high expectations for Walker that he hasn't quite lived up to yet. Last season, Walker did solid as he hit .276 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 117 games. In 2024, Walker is hitting .145 with four RBI in 24 games. He'll cover right field and bat seventh versus right-hander Marcus Stroman on Friday. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues don't need to rush to the waiver wire. It might be better to wait and see if Walker can bounce back at the plate before snagging him.


Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.



Miami Marlins first base/third base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos went 2-for-6 with a double and his 36th home run of the 2024 campaign. De Los Santos was traded to the Marlins at the deadline in exchange for left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk. The infielder opened the campaign at the Double-A level and posted an excellent .372/.426/.696 line through a 38-game stint. Then, through 77 games at Triple-A (split between Reno and Jacksonville), he sits with a .278/.326/.562 line with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. De Los Santos has emerged as one of the best power hitters in the minor leagues and could be in contention for a late-season major league debut. Deeper league managers should continue to stash the 21-year-old as he could provide elite power down the stretch.


Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-year-old outfielder continues to deal with a lingering left knee issue. The hope is that Kepler can rest on Friday and be available to play this weekend. For now, fantasy managers should consider Kepler as day-to-day. Matt Wallner will play right field and bat cleanup against right-hander Kevin Gausman on Friday. Wallner has eight hits, two home runs, and three RBI over his last five games. He's worth a look as a streaming option until Kepler is back in the mix.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop prospect Carson Williams went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI on Thursday evening. This was his second round-tripper over the past three games. Since the start of the month, the top prospect has held a solid .253/.367/.434 line with two doubles, two triples, three home runs, 17 RBI, and four stolen bases. Overall, through his first extended look at Double-A ball, the former first-round pick has posted a .256/.354/.463 line with 18 doubles and 17 home runs. MLB.com ranks Williams as the No.2 best prospect in Tampa Bay, only behind Junior Caminero and the fifth-best in the entire sport. Dynasty managers should continue to stash Williams as he could make a case for his major league debut next summer.
