Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore had a superb outing on Saturday against the Oakland A's, striking out 11 batters without giving up a run in five innings. Gore was credited with his second win of the season as well as the Nationals won 3-1. The lefty's dominant performance helped decrease his ERA to 2.81 after three starts. Gore's increase in strikeouts were a great sight to see for fantasy managers who have been anxious for the lefty to recapture the hype that was behind him when he was coming up with the San Diego Padres. Though his start to the season has been promising, expectations may need to be tempered during his next start on Friday when the Houston Astros play in Washington DC.

New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea suffered his first loss of the season in a horrific outing on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Manaea gave up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings, making this easily his worst start as a Met. The start raised the lefty's ERA from 0.82 to 4.30. These numbers more closely match was Manaea has traditionally been as he was likely over-achieving to start the season. Things won't get much easier for Manaea going forward as his next slated start will be in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Friday, a team that has generally fared well against the lefty.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo struck out 10 batters in 5 2/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox in his first start of the 2024 season. Lodolo hadn't made a start in nearly a year after suffering a tibia injury last May. He suffered setbacks late in 2023 as well, so this start was very much welcomed by the Reds and fantasy managers alike. The lefty threw 91 pitches and didn't give up a single run, marking an efficient performance against a subpar opponent. Lodolo's next scheduled start will be Friday at home against the Los Angeles Angels. Fantasy managers should grab Lodolo off the waiver wire if available.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant exited today's game early against the Toronto Blue Jays while experiencing back tightness. This is the second time in the past ten days that Bryant has had back tightness affect his ability to stay on the field after being held out of the lineup last Saturday with back issues. Bryant made a running catch in the second inning where he crashed into the wall, potentially causing his back injury to resurface. The recurring injury will be something fantasy managers want to keep an eye on given Bryant's recent history with missing time due to being hurt. If Bryant is to miss any time, expect Michael Toglia to gain extra playing time in the outfield.

San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano is out of the lineup on Saturday in the Padres matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kyle Higashioka will be starting in his place. Campusano has been the starting catcher in six of the Padres last seven games so this is likely just a rest day for the 25-year-old. Expect Campusano to be back out in the starting lineup on Saturday against Dodgers' left-hander James Paxton. Campusano hit lefties well last season, putting up a 1.114 OPS in 47 PA.