This was mentioned in Friday's notes, then the rookie launched two over the fence that evening. Tanner Houck (48%) is back with Boston to handle closing duties. Cabrera still has the pop to hammer southpaws. THE BAT sees Ray putting up 19.2 pitching outs for this matchup on average, while projecting him to exceed his player prop total 54.6% of the time. Paolo Espino (R), 6%, Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies: Like Lauer, Espino is ending the season with a strikeout surge. 2 hitter. Sign up for free! Outfield -- Sam Hilliard (L), 5%, Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (RHP Taylor Widener): Call it a hunch, but with managers often playing their reserves on Sunday, Hilliard is a good bet to play. In addition to doing nearly all of his damage against right-handed pitching this season, he's also put up a .363 wOBA so far in September. Meanwhile, Weathers has pitched poorly lately, registering an unsightly 14.36 ERA and 2.23 WHIP over his last four starts, featuring a whopping eight long balls in those 15 2/3 innings. The Braves are still trying to hold off the Phillies in the NL East, so d'Arnaud should continue playing close to every day down the stretch. Glenn Otto has been unlucky with his strikeouts this year, putting up a 7.36 K/9 despite THE BAT estimating his true talent level to be 8.55 - a 1.18 K/9 deviation. That said, he's been muscling up since coming off the paternity list at the beginning of the month, slugging .513 from the leadoff spot so far in September. Joe Barlow (45%) has been quietly doing a solid job for Texas. If a team is planning on using an "opener" to start their game, but will rely on a "bulk pitcher" to follow him on the mound after 1-2 innings, we will list the bulk pitcher and indicate with an asterisk. Fun. Earlier in the week, the Rockies' Kyle Freeland took advantage of the league's weakest offense against southpaws with seven solid frames in loanDepot Park. Beau Brieske, Kole Calhoun (TEX, RF -- 6%) vs. Jackson Tetreault, Mitch Garver (TEX, C -- 15%) vs. Tetreault, Andrew McCutchen (MIL, LF -- 30%) vs. Berrios, Gavin Sheets (CHW, DH -- 1%) vs. Jordan Lyles, Nathaniel Lowe (TEX, 1B -- 42%) vs. Tetreault, Alex Kirilloff (MIN, 1B -- 25%) vs. Ryan Feltner, Oneil Cruz (PIT, SS -- 55%) at Shane McClanahan, Bryan Reynolds (PIT, CF -- 94%) at McClanahan, Chris Taylor (LAD, CF -- 81%) at Spencer Strider, Brendan Rodgers (COL, 2B -- 54%) at Joe Ryan, Thairo Estrada (SF, SS -- 63%) vs. Tyler Mahle, Sean Murphy (OAK, C -- 64%) at Brady Singer, Cody Bellinger (LAD, CF -- 92%) at Strider, Jeremy Pena (HOU, SS -- 59%) at Nestor Cortes. Here's a look at Sunday's top streaming options, focusing on players rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues. It's a slate with multiple intriguing pitchers to stream, as well as plenty of bats to give your lineup a boost. Outfield -- Corey Dickerson (L), 8%, Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins (RHP Griffin Jax): Dickerson hasn't provided much offense in September, but Sunday's matchup puts him in a favorable spot to do some damage. O/U: Caesars Over/Under for runs scored. However, recommending Hernandez is viable as he's been pitching well. On the other hand, Peralta continues to have success on the mound. Despite losing three of his past five starts, Hill has recorded a 3.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over those 27 innings, fanning a respectable 26 along the way. The speedy outfielder is prone to hot and cold stretches, but he's batting .333/.371/.583 in September, with multi-hit efforts in three of his past four games. Anthony Rizzo's replacement continues to thrive, pounding six two-baggers and three round-trippers in his prior eight games heading into Saturday's action. Seattle has been using a closer committee, but Paul Sewald (19%) has four saves since June 23, so he has emerged as the primary option. The Washington Nationals have 6 batters in the projected lineup that will hold the platoon advantage over Glenn Otto in this game. Here are the suggestions to help get the job done. However, Mychal Givens (22% rostership) has collected four saves since August 5 and seemingly has a grasp on ninth inning duties. Second Base -- Aledmys Diaz (R), 30%, Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners (LHP Tyler Anderson): Diaz has another week or so before Alex Bregman will reclaim his spot at the hot corner. Not only has Jax been hammered for a 6.13 ERA in the second half, but he's surrendered a .370 wOBA to left-handed batters. All players from the Twins, Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox have been replaced. O/U: Caesars Over/Under for runs scored. David Price (L), 33%, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets: Price has not lasted the requisite five frames to be eligible for the victory in his prior two outings. Good luck on the last day of this transaction period. However, Nick Wittgren and Bryan Shaw are candidates to get a save if Clase is used in the opener. It's not too late to start another free fantasy baseball league. Early on, Gutierrez was outpitching his peripherals, but in this stretch, he's ramped his whiffs up to a respectable 28 in 31 2/3 innings, with 19 coming over his last 18 1/3 stanzas. Fantasy baseball daily notes: Pitcher and hitter rankings for Sunday, Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Thursday's MLB games, Simulated game for Mets P deGrom pushed back, Sources: Soto rejects $440M; Nats to hear offers, Regular season in doubt for Rays' Kiermaier (hip), Altuve, Rodon, Arenado out of MLB All-Star Game, Nats' Doolittle set for elbow surgery; season over, Yankees righty Severino hits IL with lat strain, Rays' Franco to undergo surgery, out 5-8 weeks, Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Friday's MLB games, Fantasy Baseball Forecaster for Week 24: Sept. 20 to 26, Fantasy bullpen watch: Who to call for late season saves, Last chance to play fantasy football: draft this week start this week, Writing on fantasy baseball game theory and player analysis since 1997, Winner of the 2013 Fantasy Sports Writer's Association Best Baseball Article. Fantasy baseball rookie report: Who deserves a cup of coffee? This time, it's Peralta's turn as he's been making solid, and frequent contact lately, fanning just 12% of the time.

If it were any other day, Berrios would be recommended, but if protecting ratios is needed to a win, then he sits. Still, it's tough to ignore the young right-hander in a matchup against the Marlins, who have been a bottom-five offense since the All-Star break, posting an 86 wRC+ and an inflated 26.1% K rate. Catcher -- Austin Nola (R), 20%, San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals (LHP J.A. The 23-year-old is making the most of it, batting .444/.535/.639 with a homer and nine RBIs in 11 games. W%: Starting pitcher's win probability. 3 hitter, and he's an intriguing bat that should provide some value over the season's final week. Shortstop -- Jose Iglesias (R), 6%, Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles (LHP Alexander Wells): Bobby Dalbec and Enrique Hernandez have shared the Daily Notes spotlight when the Red Sox face a lefty. While most playing in head-to-head leagues are looking to make up ground on Sunday, sometimes it's necessary to play defense, especially with ERA and WHIP. There are three such decisions on Sunday's ledger, with Jose Berrios the most challenging as he faces the Brewers in American Family Field. Even so, the Mets have been one of the least productive lineups with a lefty on the bump over the second half, so the veteran southpaw is in play. Over his prior five efforts, Espino has fanned 31 in 25 2/3 frames. Davis (R), 19%, New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers (LHP David Price): Overall, Davis' injury-riddled season has been a disappointment, but he is looking to salvage his campaign with a strong finish. Meanwhile, Senzatela, the lowest-ranked pitcher of the day, is much less effective against lefty swingers. It will be tough as Matz has been stingy with the long ball lately, but historically the southpaw has been generous in that department. OPP: Opposing team. If you were to wager $1.00 100 times on a bet with an Expected Value of $25, you would win some and you would lose some, but in the end you would expect to come away with $25 in profit on your $100 investment. Create or join a league and play ESPN Fantasy Hockey! Outfield -- Brandon Marsh (L), 5%, Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics (RHP Frankie Montas): Marsh was promoted just after the All-Star break, struggling to a .155/.259/.211 line over his first 24 games. It's good to see September has been kinder to the freshman as Gilbert's 2.35 ERA and 1.11 WHIP this month indicates. "LH" and "RH" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. The Cardinals hit southpaws well, but they also fan at an elevate clip with a lefty on the hill. Luzardo has a bright future, but this has been a lost season for the 23-year-old. Catcher -- Alejandro Kirk (R), 11%, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers (RHP Drew Hutchison): The bottom like is you want as many Blue Jays batters as you can muster against Hutchison and Kirk is one of the few readily available. Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. Sign up for free! Shortstop -- Ronald Torreyes (R), 2%, Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres (LHP Ryan Weathers): With Alec Bohm continuing to struggle, Torreyes continues to see most of the time at the hot corner. Cal Quantrill (R), 60%, Cleveland vs. Los Angeles Angels: Quantrill is the first of the two hurlers to tip the 50% barrier but is worth mentioning for those in shallow leagues, especially in formats where the lineup locks as each game starts since he's available in the last game of the day for those needing a bit more to win. A couple of solid efforts in the Arizona Complex League do not erase Dallas Keuchel's struggles over the last couple of seasons, but they're enough to earn a start for the Diamondbacks against the Tigers. Lastly, Jack Flaherty has tossed only three innings in each of his first two starts, with spotty control in both, so he's a sit, even facing the Cubs. Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Sunday's MLB games, Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Thursday's MLB games, Simulated game for Mets P deGrom pushed back, Sources: Soto rejects $440M; Nats to hear offers, Regular season in doubt for Rays' Kiermaier (hip), Altuve, Rodon, Arenado out of MLB All-Star Game, Nats' Doolittle set for elbow surgery; season over, Yankees righty Severino hits IL with lat strain, Rays' Franco to undergo surgery, out 5-8 weeks, Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Friday's MLB games, Fantasy Baseball Forecaster for Week 12: June 27-July 3. He owns a 2.41 ERA over his past eight starts, which includes seven shutout frames against a tough Rays lineup his last time out. Corner Infield -- Yandy Diaz (R), 12%, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins (LHP Jesus Luzardo): Consider Kaprielian only if you're desperate to make up ground in a head-to-head league. First Base -- Bobby Dalbec (R), 34%, Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (LHP Jordan Montgomery): Dating back to Aug. 8, Dalbec is batting .333 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 36 games. Corner Infield -- Frank Schwindel (L), 24%, Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals (RHP Carlos Hernandez): Trust me, I wanted to find someone else as Schwindel has received a lot of attention lately, but there is no messing around on the last day of the scoring period. Prior to the injury, the right-hander posted a 2.90 ERA over his six previous starts. Leagues drafted this week will start scoring fresh the following Monday. This renders Brault riskier for those in tight ratio battles, but in play for fantasy managers needed some strikeouts or wins, not to mention those in points leagues formats. Easy.

Singer is the better pitcher, and the Royals boast a better bullpen to protect a potential lead, rendering him the better streaming option. Scott Barlow has been the main ninth-inning man for the Royals lately, collecting two saves over the past week. Stripling against the Rays, Smeltzer versus the Orioles and Fedde facing the Marlins all encompass the starter facing one of the weaker lineups against hurlers of their handedness. Two games have been postponed as a major storm works its way to the Northeast. Good luck to those looking to seal the deal, as well as everyone scratching their way to a comeback victory. 28 venue in the game for batting average, via THE BAT projection system. Bullpen: The Cardinals are the hottest team in baseball right now, and their bullpen has been a factory for holds over the past couple of weeks. The Oakland Athletics have scored the second-fewest runs in the league, while the Kansas City Royals check in with the fourth fewest. Fantasy baseball forecaster for Week 20: Aug. 23-29, How the weather should factor in your fantasy baseball lineup decisions, Writing on fantasy baseball game theory and player analysis since 1997, Winner of the 2013 Fantasy Sports Writer's Association Best Baseball Article. Since joining the Braves rotation after the break, Toussaint has fanned an impressive 35 with just 11 free passes in 33 2/3 stanzas, though seven homers allowed is worrisome. It's worth checking on Lauer's availability since he's facing a team fanning at a 28% clip versus southpaws over the past month.

He is docked two points for each hit, four points for each earned run allowed, two points for each unearned run allowed and one point for each walk.Note: In 2019 and 2020, the average game score was 50. Wily Peralta (R), 14%, Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals: On one hand, there's not much exciting to be found in Peralta's profile. The veteran returned to his original organization in early September while Boston was shorthanded. The weatherman calls for the second-best pitching weather on the slate, as it relates to temperature and humidity. Note: Expected Value is a measure of how good a bet is, factoring the probability that it will win versus the odds the book is providing. "LH" and "RH" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. On Sunday, the clubs square off with Royals starter Brady Singer (11% rostered) having the edge on the Athletics' James Kaprielian (2%). Note: In 2019 and 2020, the average game score was 50. Since the break, Quantrill has boasted a sparkling 1.76 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a playable 37 punch outs in 41 frames. Pick NFL winners straight up or against the spread and compete to win more than $14,400 in prizes! Closer Chart: Latest bullpen intel At 33 years old, he's not likely to be a key to their next contender, but his second-half showing could earn him a reserve spot next season. Carlos Hernandez (R), 11%, Kansas City Royals at Chicago Cubs: Saying everyone is in play facing the Cubs is extreme. Bullpen: Given, the primary focus should be on nailing down a win on Sunday, but if you're comfortably able to look ahead there is a doubleheader on Monday. Sanchez has pounded a dozen homers in what amounts to a third of a season, five coming over the last week. It's out of line with his career mark, and due for a correction, but a .328/.375/.582 slash with the platoon edge warrants attention. Note: Expected Value is a measure of how good a bet is, factoring the probability that it will win versus the odds the book is providing. There isn't much by way of fantasy implications, though Royals starter Brady Singer (13% rostered in ESPN leagues) is in play for those trying to make up ground on the last day of the head-to-head week. While Great American Ball Park is not kind to pitchers, the Reds have been the worst team in the National League against left-handed pitching this season, so the matchup overall is quite favorable. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. Plus, more Coors Field exposure is never a bad thing. Pitchers are ranked in order of their Forecaster/Daily Notes projected fantasy points, using ESPN's standard scoring system (5 points per win, minus-5 per loss, 3 per inning, 1 per K, minus-1 apiece per hit or walk allowed, minus-2 per earned run allowed). T-Mobile Park ranks as the No.

Player news wire with fantasy spin. For many fantasy managers, the season is on the line, so let's finish strong. With 12 walks in 17 innings this season, Knehr is not a trustworthy option as a streamer. Here is Sunday's trip around the diamond, with all but one of the stops available in over half of all ESPN leagues. Third Base -- Jeimer Candelario (S), 40%, Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals (LHP Kris Bubic): Candelario has been an underappreciated fantasy asset for some time now. Christopher Morel (25%), Patrick Wisdom (43%), Nico Hoerner (18%) and Rafael Ortega (2%) are the chief targets. Lauer isn't especially dominant, but he's racked 23 punch outs over his previous 24 frames, fueling a 1.50 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in that span. Jake Odorizzi (R), 22%, Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics: Odorizzi is scheduled to come off the injured list on Sunday after missing nearly two weeks with a mid-foot sprain. "LH" and "RH" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. First Base -- Patrick Wisdom (R), 34%, Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (LHP Eric Lauer): Wisdom has been one of the most frequent visitors to this space over the second half. Senzatela): If you're looking for some Coors Field exposure (aren't we all? Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. The Atlanta backstop offers nice power from the catcher position, and Musgrove is in a bit of a funk, as illustrated by his 5.09 September ERA. Calculating Bill James game scores: A pitcher starts with 50 points, gets a point for each out, two points for each innings completed after the fourth inning, and one point for a strikeout. Create or join a league and play ESPN Fantasy Hockey! The Globe Life Field roof projects to be closed today, making conditions in this contest -8 colder than the average outdoor game on the slate - favorable for pitching. He owns a 7.01 ERA over 23 games (16 starts), and right-handed batters have tagged him for a .401 wOBA. The Padres are going to deploy an opener/primary pitcher combo with Craig Stammen getting the ball first. Third Base -- J.D. Third Base -- Evan Longoria (R), 31%, San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves (LHP Max Fried): As he's done with his entire roster, Giants' manager has gotten the most out of Longoria, as the veteran is crushing southpaw pitching this season, posting a .345/.479/.707 line with the platoon advantage. Not only is the streaming pool deeper than normal but the top end is devoid of frontline aces, so your opponent doesn't have an ace in the hole. So while the Phillies are a below average offense facing lefthanders the past month, this is more about Hill and playing in one of the best pitching venues in the league. Shortstop -- Gavin Lux (L), 45%, Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (RHP Humberto Mejia): With Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor both sidelined with injuries, Lux is finally getting everyday playing time. That said, Kirk is more than a token recommendation. Wells facing the Twins on the road isn't ideal, but he's coming off a June with a 2.42 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, albeit with only 15 strikeouts in 26 innings. Calling for a batter to go deep is usually a fool's errand, but let's do it anyway. He doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify among the league leaders, but his 117 wRC+ is 11th among backstops with at least 90 trips to the dish. Spencer Torkelson (49% rostered), Jonathan Schoop (43%), Jeimer Candelario (42%), Robbie Grossman (36%), Riley Greene (31%), Miguel Cabrera (7%) and Eric Haase (2%) are all in play against the veteran lefty. Calculating Bill James game scores: A pitcher starts with 50 points, gets a point for each out, two points for each innings completed after the fourth inning, and one point for a strikeout. Thanks to his recent home run tour, he's also been a top-five fantasy first baseman over the past month, according to the ESPN Player Rater. On Sunday, the Boston slugger gets the platoon advantage at Fenway Park, where he owns a .909 OPS and .296 ISO this season. However, posting a .435/.500/.652 line has earned Iglesias regular playing at the keystone. They're both still in play, but let's highlight Iglesias. For the latest team-by-team closer situations, please consult our Closer Chart. A "*" means that the pitcher lacks requisite career major league data to produce an accurate hitter rating; these are the author's ratings. Robbie Ray has used his slider 8% more often this year (38.6%) than he did last season (30.6%). The 30-year-old has raked against lefties this season, putting up a .297/.376/.459 triple slash against them. Eric Lauer (L), rostered in 55% of ESPN leagues, Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs: May as well end the suspense and highlight the only option rostered on over 50% of ESPN leagues.