Charlie Morton pursues a curtain‑call in Atlanta, capping an 18th MLB season built on a curveball of adaptability. Rooted in a sinker‑to‑four‑seamer evolution, Morton blended grounders with strikeouts to stay relevant into his mid‑30s, finishing a storied career that spanned Pirates, Phillies, Astros, and Rays before returning to the Braves for a final chapter at Truist Park.

His career arc—two‑step journey from Atlanta to Pittsburgh, back to Philly, Houston, Tampa Bay, then back to Atlanta—reads like a roadmap for longevity. Fantasy managers should weigh age, workload, and matchup leverage in this last Braves start, balancing the veteran’s savoir‑faire with the natural decline that accompanies a lifelong durable pitcher.

Noelvi Marte delivered a late-inning rescue as Cincinnati edged closer to a National League wild-card spot, snagging a would-be-in-deadline homer off Bryan Reynolds and then adding a crucial final-out catch to seal a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh.

Marte, not a regular outfielder by trade, played 51 games in right field this season, and his athleticism on the wall and down the line highlighted his growing versatility as the Reds chase a tense weekend with the Mets and Cubs in the mix.

With the win, Cincinnati remains in the wild-card hunt thanks to the tiebreaker. The weekend slate will decide whether the Reds stay in front or fall back in a drama-filled finish.

The Reds aim to salvage the series in Cincinnati as Nick Lodolo faces Braxton Ashcraft in a key afternoon tilt. Cincinnati’s lineup features Elly De La Cruz, Gavin Lux, Will Benson and Miguel Andujar, while Pittsburgh counters with Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales, Noelvi Marte and Bryan Reynolds. A win could tilt NL playoff odds depending on Mets and Diamondbacks outcomes later in the day.

Fantasy angle: Lodolo’s matchup is a prime streaming spot if he’s sharp with location and command, and Reds bats will be watched closely to see if they finally break out. Pirates’ power threats and veteran anchors could push this one into a high-leverage, keeper-league-friendly affair.