Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks (lat) resumed throwing on Saturday. Manager Kevin Cash provided an update Friday saying the pitcher was "asymptomatic" from his strain, clearing the path for the 30-year-old to resume throwing. Fairbanks was initially expected to be shut down from throwing for 2-4 weeks so the step towards resuming throwing activities on Saturday puts him on the fast end of the recovery process. Right now there is no announced timetable for Fairbanks' return to the Rays though the expectation is that he will be able to rejoin the club in late September. For many fantasy managers this likely won't provide much value to their rosters. Fantasy managers in need of help for relief pitchers can look at Rays reliever Manuel Rodriguez, who has a 1.69 ERA and two saves in 10.2 innings pitched over the last 30 days.

Texas Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday. Dunning has had a very underwhelming year for the Rangers, posting a career high 5.38 ERA in just 90.1 innings pitched. That would be the fewest amount of innings Dunning has pitched in a season since joining the Rangers in 2021. The 29-year-old has mainly been used out of the bullpen in the second half of the season, making just two starts since being moved to the bullpen in late June. He's also been dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in July. With his 6.86 ERA in August, and the Rangers well out of the playoff picture, Dunning simply wasn't going to keep his spot on the club. Fantasy managers needing help with relief pitchers should turn to Rangers reliever Kirby Yates, who has posted a 2.08 ERA and recorded six saves over the last 30 days.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day IL due to a bone spur in his toe. The lefty was removed in the second inning of his start on Friday after giving up a home run to Corbin Carroll on a 67 MPH curveball, well below his average velocity for his curve. "There's so much swelling, he can barely move around with it," manager Dave Roberts said of the injury. Kershaw has spent most of the 2024 season recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of game action until late July. There's no estimate for when Kershaw could potentially return to the Dodgers' rotation, but it likely wouldn't be until a playoff run. Fantasy managers should be fine to cut Kershaw from their roster and look elsewhere for starting pitching help. A great option from the Dodgers would be Gavin Stone, who has posted a 3.25 ERA and a 9.76 K/9 over his last five starts.

Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz (wrist) was ruled out for the rest of the season today per Athletics manager Mark Kotsay. Ruiz has been out since late May after straining his left wrist. The 25-year-old had been playing in rehab games as part of his progression back to the major league club but was pulled off his rehab assignment on July 20th. Ruiz was having a so-so season at the plate, hitting for an 87 OPS+, on par with his production in 2023. He stole just five bases in 29 games, well behind pace from his 2023 clip of 67 stolen bases in 132 games. Ruiz will have to wait until 2025 to improve his numbers. Fantasy managers that happen to still be holding onto him can cut bait for the rest of 2024. Those looking for outfield help should turn to JJ Bleday, who is hitting for a .972 OPS in August.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice was optioned to Triple-A Scranton on Saturday, according to the ballclub. The expectation is that this move is in correlation to Anthony Rizzo's expected activation off the injured list on Sunday. Rice got off to a hot start with the Yankees but majorly cooled off in August, hitting for just a .228 OPS in 41 PA during the month. Most of Rice's playing time at first base was taken over by veteran DJ LeMahieu, though LeMahieu's production has been less than ideal (.525 OPS in August). Fantasy managers should feel free to cut Rice loose between the combination of subpar production and Rizzo's eventual return. Those who have Rizzo on their roster should get ready to get him in their starting lineups as soon as tomorrow in his potential return to Wrigley Field against Cubs' scheduled starter Jameson Taillon.