
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Ryne Stanek allowed one run on one hit and no walks across a scoreless inning in Friday's 4-2 win against the Chicago Cubs. He did not record a strikeout in Friday's victory. Stanek entered the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. He got Dansby Swanson to fly out for the first out of the inning. The 32-year-old surrendered a solo shot to Cubs first baseman Michael Busch. Stanek was able to retire the next two hitters he faced to collect his second save of the season. Seattle's primary closer, Andres Munoz, was used in a high-leverage situation and retired the top of the Cubs order in the eighth inning. Munoz earned his second hold of the season. Stanek owns a 3.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 7:3 K: BB across 5 1/3 innings in 2024. The veteran could see more save chances if the Mariners continue to use Munoz in high-leverage situations and is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues that account for saves.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) will likely sit out Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Devers has missed the last two games due to left shoulder soreness. The 27-year-old is considered day-to-day, with his next chance of returning to the lineup being the series finale against Los Angeles on Sunday. Devers is expected to avoid the injured list. He is slashing .184/.326/.395 with two home runs, three RBI, and five runs across 10 games in 2024. Bobby Dalbec batted fifth and started at third base for Devers in Friday's 7-0 loss to the Angeles. The 28-year-old is likely to handle third base for Boston and see an uptick in at-bats while Devers is sidelined. Dalbec has yet to log a hit in seven games this season and can be left on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (shoulder) underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair a fractured glenoid in his left shoulder. When diving for a ball on the infield, the 31-year-old suffered a left-shoulder subluxation on April 5 versus the Los Angeles Angels. Story is expected to miss the rest of the season, but it gives him a chance to be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign. Since signing a six-year, $140 million contract with the Red Sox in 2022, Story has been limited to 145 games over the past three seasons. David Hamilton will see an uptick in at-bats with Story sidelined. Hamilton is a speculative add-in deep-leagues after slashing .214/.267/.429 with a home run and a stolen base over five games in 2024.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (knee, elbow) had a setback rehabbing and will undergo season-ending right flexor tendon surgery. After recently throwing off a mound, the banged-up Bard's season suddenly ends before it even begins while also recovering from a cleanup procedure on his left knee. The 38-year-old veteran right-hander is a free agent following the 2024 campaign, and it's unlikely that he'll draw very much interest after walking more batters (49) than he struck out (47) a season ago. Bard spent seven years away from the major leagues before latching on with Colorado in 2020. Justin Lawrence and Tyler Kinley are the names to watch for fantasy purposes for saves-needy managers, but Lawrence has yielded seven runs across five appearances, and Kinley has given up eight runs over six innings thus far.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (elbow) threw a bullpen session in Arizona on Friday. Ray has been pleased with his progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he's still not likely to be a factor for the Giants until the second half of the 2024 season. After being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (forearm) this past offseason, the 32-year-old former American League Cy Young Award winner has enough strikeout upside alongside a pitcher-friendly ballpark to deserve being stashed for fantasy managers who can afford the roster spot. Former reliever Jordan Hicks has allowed just two earned runs and three walks over 18 innings as a starter in San Fran's rotation to this point, and he's worth rostering in all mixed leagues right now.
