Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is set to begin a throwing program next week, according to the Tigers' medical report. Gipson-Long underwent Tommy John surgery in April after injuring his arm during a rehab start. The 26-year-old was rehabbing from a groin strain when his arm issue arose, certainly a big setback for a pitcher who would have competed for a starting job in the Tigers' rotation in 2024. Gipson-Long was impressive in his four-game stint in 2023, posting a 2.70 ERA in four starts. With his throwing program starting up in October, he'll have plenty of time to properly rehab and be ready to impress in 2025. Those in dynasty leagues should keep an eye on the right-hander, as his 31.7% strikeout rate can provide a lot of value from a fantasy perspective.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday. As part of the move, first baseman Luken Baker was reinstated from the paternity list. Scott was very unimpressive in his 2024 season, hitting for just a 40 OPS+ in 145 AB. The 23-year-old did start to perform better once called up in August but ultimately performed below league average at the plate. Though his 2024 debut at the major league level did not go the way he wanted, he should still compete for a roster spot in 2025 given his sprint speed and outfield range may warrant playing time if the Cardinals' outfield goes through injury issues as it did in 2024. Baker has performed well in limited appearances in 2024, hitting for a .737 OPS in 46 PA. Should Baker make any starts to finish the season, he may make an interesting DFS option.

Texas Rangers pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker were both optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. As part of the move pitchers Marc Church and Daniel Robert were recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. The move was simply to preserve Leiter and Rocker's arms and give the Rangers a couple new arms to finish the season. Leiter pitched to an underwhelming 8.83 ERA with a 1.710 WHIP. Rocker recorded a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 IP, though his 1.543 WHIP suggests his ERA could have ended higher. Both Leiter and Rocker appear to be in the Rangers' plans for 2025, though dynasty managers will likely want to keep a closer eye on Rocker than Leiter. Church could be a solid option out of the Rangers' bullpen to finish the season and has impressed at Triple-A, recording a 3.22 ERA and a 9.7 K/9 in 22.1 IP. Robert previously appeared in three games for the Rangers in July, giving up only two ER in 4.2 IP.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (undisclosed) left the Brewers game against the New York Mets early after crashing into the wall attempting to catch a foul ball in the top of the second inning. He was replaced by Garrett Mitchell after going 0-for-2 at the plate. Frelick was limping heavily while leaving the field, certainly not a sight the Brewers wanted to see with the playoffs right around the corner. No information on his condition has been released by the team yet, and until then, he should be considered day-to-day, though it won't be surprising to see the Brewers rest the 24-year-old throughout the weekend. Frelick was subpar at the plate in 2024, hitting for just an 83 OPS+. Much of his value lies in his fielding skills, though, as his sprint speed and OAA both rank in the 90th percentiles in 2024. Should he miss any time in the playoffs, it will certainly be a blow to a surprisingly strong Brewers team. Mitchell should be expected to get starts if Frelick misses any time.UPDATE: Manager Pat Murphy said Frelick will have an MRI exam on his left hip on Saturday. X-rays at the stadium were inconclusive.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried was dominant on Friday night, coming just one out short of a complete-game shutout in the Braves' 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Fried gave up just three hits en route to recording his 11th win of the season. With the Braves fighting hard for a wild-card spot, Fried's performance gives them a ton of flexibility in the bullpen over the weekend. The lefty and his 3.25 ERA were a massive help to an ailing roster, providing consistency for the Braves throughout all of 2024. Fantasy managers are thrilled with his performance this season, and Fried will be a very important piece to the Braves if they make it into October.