This weekend was a reminder that, although we're dealing with a shortened season, you must remain patient with certain players. Take Zac Gallen for example. Fantasy managers everywhere were freaking out after he walked five batters in his first start and rightfully so. He bounced back in his second start, however, against the Dodgers no less. Gallen struck out nine over six innings Friday night, reminding us why we were so excited over him in the first place. The same thing could be said for Xander Bogaerts who I'll get to a little later on. I know it's tough but try and remain patient with the players you trusted heading into the season.

Also check out Scott White's breakdown of the Monday Waiver Wire. 

We discussed all of this on today's Fantasy Baseball Today podcast. Follow all our podcasts and subscribe here.

THE LATEST IN FANTASY BASEBALL

  • The Cardinals' COVID-19 test results from Sunday revealed new positives. All Cardinals games were postponed this weekend. We should know more before lineups lock Monday but you should probably remove any Cardinals just to be safe.
  • Lorenzo Cain and Yoenis Cespedes both opted out of the season this weekend. As a result, the arrow is pointing up for Ben Gamel and Dominic Smith.
  • Astros closer Roberto Osuna was placed on the IL with right elbow soreness. Though Ryan Pressly is also dealing with a cut on his thumb, he figures to be the next man up. He's rostered in only 30% of CBS leagues if you're in need of saves.
  • Dusty Baker revealed this weekend that Yordan Alvarez is still 10-14 days away from game action.
  • Adalberto Mondesi was removed from Sunday's game due to a quad contusion. Pay attention to his status before lineups lock Monday.
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Gavin Lux is "getting closer". If he was dropped in your league, now is the time to stash him.
  • Craig Mish of SportsGrid reported Sunday that the Marlins will recall Monte Harrison to make his Major League debut this week. Last season in 58 minor league games Harrison hit .270 with nine homers and 23 steals. He strikes out quite a bit but his speed could be useful in Roto leagues.
  • The Rockies placed closer Wade Davis on the IL this weekend with a right shoulder strain. Jairo Diaz picked up his first save of the season Sunday and figures to be the next man up. He's rostered in just 4% of CBS leagues if you're in need of saves.
  • The Pirates placed Mitch Keller on the IL this weekend with a left oblique strain. As much as I liked Keller coming into the season, you can drop him if you need a roster spot.
  • Both  the Padres' Eric Hosmer and White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson were placed on the IL this weekend. Make sure to get them out of your lineups.

Sunday's Biggest Winners

  1. Is there anybody more locked in than Aaron Judge right now? He's now homered six times in the past five games. Admittedly, I had my doubts entering the season because I wasn't sure how healthy Judge was. He's reminding everybody that when he's on the field, he's one of the best in the game.
  2. On the other side in that game, Xander Bogaerts looked pretty good himself, going 4-4 with two home runs. He entered Sunday's contest batting just .241. This is your daily reminder that if you have a struggling superstar, they're likely going to be just fine.
  3. Picking up four hits in a game is no easy task. White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal, called up this weekend, did just that Sunday. While they were all singles (get used to that), it was impressive nonetheless. He should be added across the board but especially if you need batting average and steals.
  4. Clayton Kershaw made his season debut Sunday against the Diamondbacks and looked great, hurling 5.2 shutout innings with six strikeouts. The most impressive part was that his fastball averaged 92 MPH. His fastball hasn't done that since 2017 when he had a 2.31 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. We could be in for a Top-5 starting pitcher season.

Sunday's Biggest Losers

  1. The talk of the town Sunday night was James Paxton, and for all the wrong reasons. Against the Red Sox, Paxton allowed five runs (three earned) while lasting just three innings. The most alarming part was his fastball velocity that averaged just 91.5 MPH. Last season he was at 95.5 MPH. I'm not dropping Paxton yet, but something isn't right here.
  2. Something isn't right with Shohei Ohtani, either. Against the Astros on Sunday, Ohtani lasted just 1.2 innings, allowed two earned runs while walking five. After the game he was sent for an MRI after experiencing discomfort in his pitching arm. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but he needs to be out of your lineups for now.
  3. Walks were a common theme in the Astros vs. Angels games Sunday as Josh James walked six in just three innings. James has nasty stuff and strikeout upside but his walks are insurmountable right now. He can be dropped in 12-team leagues. 

Sunday's Swinging Strike Leaders:

Antonio Senzatela vs. SD – 16

Aaron Civale at MIN – 15

Clayton Kershaw at ARI – 14

Tommy Milone vs. TB – 13

David Peterson at ATL – 13

Trevor Bauer at DET – 12

Chris Bassitt at SEA – 11

Kyle Wright vs. NYM – 10

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Yonny Chirinos at BAL – 9