Zack Wheeler’s season took a sharp turn when a blood clot near his throwing shoulder landed him on the 15-day injured list, forcing the Phillies to rethink rotation plans. Early indicators point to a cautious approach with treatment already underway, including blood thinners, as doctors determine whether surgery to decompress the area (likely the first rib) is needed. If surgery is required, Wheeler’s 2024 campaign would end, but a return in 2025 remains plausible. The Phillies will prioritize long-term health as they map a careful path forward.

Pittsburgh shuffled its order, moving Spencer Horwitz to the two-hole for the first time this season as Ronny Simon leads off, a bold shake-up in a game that pits the Pirates against Brandon Woodruff and Milwaukee in a bid to stave off a sweep after a 14-0 setback.

Simon, recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis after Oneil Cruz landed on the seven-day concussion IL, brings speed and a track record of spark though his big-league path is still unfolding. Horwitz, who’s usually atop the lineup, now occupies a different slot, while he’s shown strong leadoff value (.284/.345/.450) versus weaker cleanup numbers (.205/.276/.282). Kelly’s lineup shuffle signals a proactive chase for offense and a fresh path to production against Milwaukee.

The shift to second and Simon’s top-of-lineupRole anchor could reshape how the Pirates generate runs in this series, with Horwitz’s leadoff-warmth and Simon’s speed providing multi-positional fantasy upside if the arrangement sticks beyond this game. Monitor how this dynamic evolves as Pittsburgh tries to snap an 11-game Brewers streak and avoid slipping into a longer skid.

Cal Raleigh supplied Seattle with the clutch power, delivering MLB-leading 43rd homer in the eighth to erase a deficit and push the Mariners to a 3-2 win that stretched their streak to five. The note-for-d fantasy angle centers on Raleigh’s ongoing home-run ceiling, paired with a slate of Saturday props from SportsLine’s model: Raleigh over 0.5 HR at +285, Oneil Cruz over 0.5 SB at +370, and Michael King over 5.5 Ks at +100. The model treats these as value plays, citing a track record of strong HR and strikeout projections and a disciplined simulating approach (10,000 runs). It also flags Braves-Marlins and Phillies-Rangers as other spots to watch, with promos and sportsbooks offering sign-up bets and bonus bets. This piece is crafted for fantasy players and bettors seeking edge via prop markets and lineup context.

Stolen bases are on the rise in Major League Baseball, with key players showcasing their speed on the bases. This week, CJ Abrams led the league with seven stolen base attempts, while the Mariners led all teams with 13 steals. Notably, the Minnesota Twins have become a target for base stealers, allowing 13 in just six games. Meanwhile, the New York Mets continue their impressive streak of successful steals, boasting a success rate nearing 90%.

Among individual performances, Oneil Cruz has reclaimed his lead in the season's stolen base race and is on track for a potential 30-30 season. On the other hand, several expected contributors like Jonathan India and Tommy Edman have struggled with efficiency. The efficiency of players, especially catchers like Christian Vázquez of the Twins, is under scrutiny as teams look to exploit weaknesses.

In a decisive display of pitching and offensive prowess, the Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-0 at PNC Park on Sunday afternoon, clinching the series win. Paul Skenes shone on the mound, delivering six strong innings and stymying the D-backs' bats. Oneil Cruz contributed significantly to the offensive effort, filling the stat sheet and assisting the Pirates in maintaining momentum. With this win, Pittsburgh's record improved to 44-62, setting the stage for their upcoming three-game series against the San Francisco Giants in California.