

The Boston Red Sox recalled middle infielder Vaughn Grissom from Triple-A Worcester on Friday and placed outfielder Rob Refsnyder (forearm) on the 10-day injured list with a right-forearm strain in a corresponding move. Grissom was expected to be Boston's primary second baseman in his first year in Beantown in 2024, but injuries have limited him to 23 big-league games for the second straight season. The 23-year-old didn't enter the starting lineup for Friday's contest at Fenway Park against the visiting Minnesota Twins, but he could get some playing time at the keystone to close out the year if the Red Sox fall any further from wild-card contention in the American League. Grissom struggled in his 87 plate appearances for Boston earlier this year, going just 12-for-81 (.148) with a double, three RBI and 19 strikeouts.


Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon pitched six strong innings and picked up the win on Friday in the Cubs' 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. Taillon struck out four and gave up just two hits while improving his record to 11-8 on the season. The 32-year-old has bounced back strong this season after a down year in 2023, improving his ERA from 4.84 to 3.41 with today's performance. It also marked Taillon's fourth straight quality start. Fantasy managers that need help to finish the season certainly should be getting Taillon into their lineups. Though the right-hander has a 3.98 xERA to go along with his 3.41 ERA, he has been able to get reliably consistent results throughout the season. He'll finish 2024 with his final scheduled start on Wednesday when the Cubs finish a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.



Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman dealt a decisive blow to the Nationals on Friday as he hit a pinch-hit, two-run single to give the Cubs the lead and ultimately the win in their 3-1 victory over Washington. It was Tauchman's only at-bat of the game and moved him to 26 RBI on the season. The 33-year-old has had a solid season at the plate for the Cubs, hitting for a 100 OPS+. Unfortunately his role has been relegated to a pinch-hitter role throughout September, seeing his starts on the season minimize as the Cubs' roster got healthy. There may be a chance, however, that with the season winding down and the Cubs out of contention that he could get some starts while Chicago's mainstays rest. If that's the case, it would make Tauchman a very intriguing DFS play. He is likely too risky to add to any fantasy rosters currently, but should he start any games to finish the season DFS managers should look his way.


Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) played catch on Friday, marking the first throwing activities he's participated in since leaving his start early on Sept. 10 with shoulder inflammation. There still is not a timetable for Lopez's return, creating a bit of uncertainty for Atlanta's rotation as they fight for the final National League wild-card spot. The Braves are certainly missing Lopez's production on the mound. His 2.03 ERA was a very welcome surprise after spending the last couple seasons as a reliever for the White Sox, Angels and Guardians. Should Lopez return this season, it should be expected that it would be during a playoff run should Atlanta snag a wild-card spot. Fantasy managers looking for help to finish the season should turn their heads to Grant Holmes, who holds a 3.84 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 2024. Holmes has been thrust into the rotation for spot starts in August and September and would be a solid last-second option for fantasy managers.


Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Paul Sewald (neck) played catch on Friday for the first time since being placed on the 15-day IL on Sunday with neck discomfort. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo also noted that Sewald will throw off a mound in the coming days. That news is a positive update for the 34-year-old, signaling that the discomfort is subsiding. Sewald has been a solid member of the Diamondbacks' bullpen in August and September after struggling in July (10.80 ERA). Though Arizona is clinging to the final wild card spot, Sewald likely is done for the regular season and wouldn't be able to return until the postseason. Fantasy managers hoping for help in the last week of the season should set their sights elsewhere. A fine replacement would be Justin Martinez, who's posted a 1.59 ERA in his last five appearances for Arizona.
