Tweet your questions each and every Monday to @Fantasy411, and you could find your answer in our weekly mailbag. Here are some of topics that are puzzling fantasy owners right now.
Battery plays major role in eighth straight series win
All-Star catcher Salvador Perez had to leave with a sore right knee. Then, Erik Kratz replaced him and socked two solo home runs. In the end, there was good news all around. Perez’s injury wasn’t considered serious and Kratz’s home runs provided the margin of victory in Kansas City’s suddenly tight 6-4 victory over the Twins on Monday night at Target Field.
Reds activate Phillips before opener vs. Cards
Seeking to stay in the playoff race, the Reds got one of their missing key bats back from the disabled list on Monday when second baseman Brandon Phillips was activated before a three-game series vs. the Cardinals.
Three straight walk-offs a first for Nationals
The Nationals made club history on Tuesday night with their third walk-off win in a row in an 11-inning victory over the D-backs.
Perez exits with sore right knee, plans to play tonight
Royals catcher Salvador Perez was removed from Monday night’s 6-4 victory against the Twins because of what the team described as “discomfort in his right knee.” But as he toweled off and prepared to board the Royals’ charter flight to Colorado for an Interleague series beginning Tuesday night, he declared that he would play against the Rockies.
Cards keep Reds reeling with walk-off win
Jhonny Peralta’s third hit Monday night was a walk-off single in the 10th inning that not only gave the Cardinals a 6-5 win over the Reds, it took struggling closer Trevor Rosenthal off the hook after he blew his fifth save of the season.
Angels alone in first place after topping Red Sox
The Angels beat the Red Sox, 4-2, at Fenway Park on Monday night, winning for the fifth time in their last six games and moving a half-game ahead of the division-rival A’s for the best record in the Majors. It marked the first time since May 15, 2011, that the Angels have had sole possession of first place in the American League West.
Led by Markakis’ bat and glove, O’s top Sale
Led by a three-hit night and tremendous leaping catch from Nick Markakis, who blasted a two-run homer as part of a five-run eighth inning, the Orioles blew past the White Sox and their ace, Chris Sale, with an 8-2 series-opening victory.
Chapman day to day with sore shoulder
One night after his worst performance of the season, the Reds did not have the services of closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday night vs. the Cardinals because of a sore left shoulder.
Is ambidextrous Perez baseball’s future?
Ryan Perez, who is about to begin his junior year at tiny Judson University in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, turned a last-minute invitation to pitch in the Cape Cod League into a turn as MVP of the All-Star Game. He struck out the side in his one inning of relief. He threw left-handed for the first strikeout, right-handed for the second one and then left again for the third. Imagine that playing out on a big league diamond some time.
Heyward’s move back to leadoff paying off
Given a choice, Jason Heyward would seemingly prefer resting in the middle of the lineup. But since moving back to the leadoff spot last week, Heyward has once again provided clear indication that he is the one Braves player best suited to fill this role.
Markakis’ jaw-dropping grab saves O’s
It takes a lot to get Buck Showalter overly excited, but Nick Markakis’ leaping grab over the fence on Monday did the trick. “Are you kidding me?” Showalter said.
Nats’ streak to seven after another walk-off win
The game between the Nationals and D-backs went back and forth Monday night, and Adam LaRoche’s solo homer ended it, giving the Nats a 5-4, walk-off win in 11 innings at Nationals Park. The win was the third straight walk-off victory for Washington.
Braves ride loud opening act past Pirates
Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons led off the game with back-to-back home runs as the Braves erupted with a six-run first inning in Monday night’s 7-3 win over the Pirates at PNC Park.
Bradley sent to Pawtucket; Betts comes back
The Red Sox, after waiting patiently for Jackie Bradley Jr. to start hitting, optioned the rookie center fielder back to Triple-A Pawtucket. Mookie Betts, ranked Boston’s No. 1 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, was recalled from Pawtucket.
La Russa ready to assert influence with D-backs
Next month, when the D-backs begin reporting for instructional league, you can expect chief baseball officer Tony La Russa to begin to assert his influence on how the organization plays the game.
Williams’ solid outing lifts Phillies past Mariners
Jerome Williams threw seven innings of one-run ball and Andres Blanco hit a three-run homer to power Philadelphia to a 4-1 victory and halt the streaking Mariners on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.