Texas rode a patient attack to an 8-3 win at Citi Field, exploiting rookie Jonah Tong in his Mets debut as Jacob deGrom returned to the ballpark that launched his career. New York’s seven-game skid dampened playoff odds as deGrom combined nostalgia with efficiency, while Francisco Alvarez homered and Alonso and Soto added sac flies in a rare Mets offensive moment. A looming Saturday doubleheader of Sproat versus Corbin adds another layer for fantasy managers tracking streaming and bounce-back potential.

For fantasy players, note deGrom’s continued return-to-form trajectory with Texas (12-7, 2.82 ERA) and Tong’s rough first inning that stifled his day, underscoring the volatility of rookie starts against a veteran, elite pitcher. The Rangers’ patience at the plate early on Tong’s 0-for-2 in the zone set the tone for a game that tilted on a single big frame, while the Mets try to scramble out of the skid and salvage the weekend against a reshuffled Texas bullpen.

Mets edged Cincinnati 5-4 in the opener as Brandon Nimmo sparked the attack, fouling a pitch off Tyler Stephenson during a third-inning at-bat. The win kept New York in the hunt, while Cincinnati watched its playoff hopes take another hit with 21 games remaining. The night underscored how small moments can swing momentum in a tight race to October.

The Reds’ fading playoff odds loom large after the loss, and the Mets’ offense showed enough bite to keep pressure on their rivals. Fantasy players should note Nimmo’s continued involvement and the Reds’ fragile state as the season winds down, with health and lineup stability likely to influence value down the stretch.

Week 24 in fantasy baseball centers on hot hitters and smart waiver plays. Nimmo rides a long hit streak and high-four-bag power; Gilbert mashes in SF with a late-season surge that boosts his value in many leagues. Matos has ignited the Giants since returning, flashing power and a strong contact rate. Swanson and Wells supply middle-infield and catcher depth, while Peraza brings speed, making the week ripe for strategic adds.

Monasterio’s streak looks fragile if Joey Ortiz returns, but his multi-position eligibility keeps him relevant in deeper formats. Target these names on the wire or in DFS: Nimmo, Gilbert, Matos, Swanson, Wells, Peraza, and Monasterio, with Matos and Nimmo likely the safest bets for Week 24.