
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi imploded in Saturday's game against the Twins after he allowed 13 base runners to reach (nine hits, four walks) in only two innings, resulting in four earned runs, and Minnesota would go on to win 5-1. Just over half of thelefty's 66 pitches were thrown for strikes, and he was unable to record even one strikeout in the contest. The performance comes on the heels of two good efforts over his previous coupleof starts, but so far, this season is not looking anything like 2024. Last year, the southpaw posted a 4.05, 1.20 WHIP, 12.8 percent swinging-strike rate, and a 22.0 percent K-BB%; however, this year has produced a 4.31 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 8.5 percent swinging-strike rate, and a 7.1 percent K-BB%. Those stats don't typically generate fantasy-worthy numbers, so managers may have to carefully choose which spots in which to deploy the veteran.


Jonathan Cannon earned the win in Saturday's 10-3 victory over the Athletics, allowing three earned runs in seven-and-two-thirds innings on six hits and two walks while striking out five. It was Cannon's first win of the season, now the owner of a 1-3 record, 4.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 7.0 percent K-BB%. The 24-year-old has a career ERA of 4.49, a WHIP of 1.35, and a 6.79 K/9. That, combined with pitching for the White Sox, means wins may come few and far between for the righty, and good performances like Saturday's will be hard to forecast (the A's were heavy favorites in this one), so Cannon isn't an appealing streamer or DFS option despite Saturday's effort.

Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Keith has been in a slump lately with just three hits in his last 10 games. That being said, Keith finds himself on the bench for the fourth time in the last five games. The Tigers were hopeful for big things from Keith heading into the season. He figured to operate as the primary option at first base, but Spencer Torkelson is playing much better than Keith right now. Keith has solid potential, but is probably only worth holding in deep leagues or AL-only formats right now. Torkelson will cover first base and bat fifth versus right-hander Dean Kremer on Sunday.

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith was called upon in the ninth inning of the first game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Boston Red Sox. Fellow relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (shoulder) has been banged up and struggled in the early part of the season. That being said, Smith has been given more chances in the ninth inning lately. On Saturday, Smith tossed a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit, one walk, and struck out a batter to earn his third save of the season. Smith figures to remain in the mix for saves throughout the season, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on him.

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest was called upon in the eighth inning to hold a one-run lead against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. The right-hander struck out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings to record his third save of the season. Vest has tossed an impressive 11 straight scoreless innings as he's looking like the best option in the Tigers bullpen right now. He holds a 0.75 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and 14/4 K/BB ratio across 12 innings this season. Vest is worth snagging in fantasy formats where saves matter as he appears to be the top closer option right now.
