That Just Happened

The Cubs rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning for four runs to take down the Reds 8-7. Javier Báez stuffed the stat sheet in this one as he finished 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, a run, and a stolen base. He now has 17 home runs and 16 stolen bases to go along with his .294 average and 63 RBI.

Billy Hamilton did classic Billy Hamilton type things on the base paths today as he stole three bases. He now has 19 steals on the year and after collecting three hits in today’s game he has his average up to .230. While the average still needs improvement, Hamilton is providing fantasy owners with what they drafted him for, stolen bases. Hamilton’s teammate Matt Harvey had another strong showing on the bump today as he pitched 5.2 innings and gave up just two earned runs.

Steven Matz turned in another strong effort today as he tossed 6.1 innings of one-run ball. He gave up five hits and struck out five. He has given up three or fewer earned runs in eight of his last nine starts and has lowered his ERA from 4.42 to 3.31 in that span. The lefty continues to stay healthy and is showing the talent that had everyone excited before all the injuries.

Blake Snell cannot be stopped. He hurled 7.1 shutout innings against the Mets and struck out nine. He lowered his ERA to 2.09 and picked up his twelfth win. It was his third straight start of at least seven innings and one or fewer runs against.

Brett Gardner smacked his sixth home run of the season and also tripled in what appears to be (currently leading 8-4 in the ninth inning) a Yankees victory over the Blue Jays. He also walked, drove in three, and scored twice. Gardner has had some rough patches this season, but playing in this incredible Yankee lineup will continue to allow him to pay dividends to his fantasy owners.

Jake Arrieta hurled seven innings of two-run baseball and struck out eight. He picked up his sixth win of the year and his ERA now sits at 3.47. Arrieta hasn’t been nearly as dominant this season as he has been over the past four years, but he has battled and given the Phillies solid performances on a regular basis. Despite today’s outing, his strikeouts are still way down and his BAA is its highest mark since 2012.

Kyle Tucker made his MLB debut today and while it did not start particularly well, all around it was a solid debut. After starting the game 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, he singled and scored a run before drawing a walk in his fifth and final plate appearance of the day. His teammate Alex Bregman had another stellar day, he finished 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and three runs scored.

Carlos Martínez picked up his eighth win of the year after firing seven innings and giving up just one run. He only struck out three, but it was still a strong showing in most formats. It was his third straight quality start and he will look to keep the ball rolling in his next scheduled start against the Reds.

Freddie Freeman continued his MVP-caliber season today with a 3-for-4 showing. He tripled, doubled, walked, scored twice, and drove in a run. The RBI gives him 58 on the year and his batting average is up to an elite .310 mark.

 

Injury News

Ronald Acuna is expected to be back in the Braves lineup tomorrow after tweaking his groin on Friday night.

Kris Bryant ’s return from the DL continues to be delayed and he is now expected to be back on Monday.

Trevor Story was out of today’s lineup and is dealing with a foot injury. He is expected to be out until Tuesday.

Jason Heyward was removed from the game today after fouling a ball off his foot. He will get X-rays to determine the extent of the injury.

Francisco Cervelli has been on the DL since June 21, but is expected to return to the Pirates lineup as early as tomorrow.

Lorenzo Cain is expected to be activated off the DL and return to the Brewers tomorrow.

 

Burning Questions

Ross Stripling was tagged for a season high (matching) four earned runs in his last start; will he bounce back tonight against the Angels?

Max Scherzer takes on the lowly Marlin offense; will he dazzle us with another outstanding performance?

Robbie Ray was rocked for six earned runs in his last start; will he reverse course tonight against a weak Padres offense?

 

Stay tuned.