Kyle Finnegan’s deadline-day move to Detroit has redefined the Tigers’ bullpen, turning him into a multi-inning weapon in late-innings high-leverage spots. In 13⅓ innings since the trade, he’s 0.00 ERA with a splitter-heavy, strike-throwing approach that lets Hinch deploy him for extended bursts. The deal landscape around him features a flood of reliever moves—Miller, Duran, Bednar, Helsley, Jax, Doval—setting a new late-inning baseline across the majors. Royals batters Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez loom as a contrasting late-game reference point for KC’s offenses.

The combination of Finnegan’s efficiency, endurance, and willingness to attack hitters in the toughest moments has shifted expectations for closers and bridge-to-close roles league-wide, impacting fantasy bullpen planning and daily lineup decisions as teams recalibrate leverage usage after the deadline chaos.

Nationals aim to snap a six-game slide as Jake Irvin starts at Nationals Park against Tampa Bay. Brady House sits, Paul DeJong starts, and Luis García Jr. slides to the 8th against a righty. Rays reshuffle the bottom of the order with Jake Mangum, Chandler Simpson, Bob Seymour and Hunter Feduccia while Ryan Pepiot takes the mound.

This afternoon doubles as an audition for Washington’s young core with a month left in the season, while Tampa Bay looks to maintain momentum in an afternoon clash that could ripple through late-season lineups and fantasy rosters.

MacKenzie Gore landed on the Nationals' injured list with shoulder inflammation, a setback that clouds Washington’s rotation plans and fantasy timelines.

Gore posted 4.15 ERA over 147.1 innings with 173 punchouts this year, but his second-half slide—7.54 ERA in eight starts after the break—has fantasy managers weighing durability against upside. Washington stuck with him at the Deadline, and the IL stint adds urgency to 2026 planning and trade considerations.

As Gore rests the shoulder for the minimum 15 days, fantasy rosters will need to pivot, monitoring rehab progress and potential ramp for a late-season return. The injury also tempers Gore’s long-term trade value, heightening scrutiny of his durability heading into free agency after 2027.

Washington’s power dip remains a hurdle in 2025. After finishing 2024 with 135 homers, they’re already at 126 this season, still the third-fewest in MLB behind the Pirates and Padres. New additions Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell show a path to more production, but both profile as gap-to-gap hitters rather than pure sluggers. James Wood has teased big power but hasn’t carried it yet, and the pitching staff has allowed far more homers than it’s hit, staining every win with a power deficit.

Last night’s 12-hit, 0-homer showing for Washington underscored the issue: no long balls to break a tie, even with runners in scoring position hovering around league-average. The Rays’ two homers were enough to win, highlighting how much long-ball inflation still drives outcomes. Until Washington blends Wood’s upside with real power and clamps down on HRs allowed, fantasy upside will hinge on finding pop from the Wood-Bell-Lowe trio and staying optimistic about breakout performances rather than relying on consistent power from the lineup.

Rays win 4-1 in a gritty, imperfect night: 174 Rays pitches, 12 strikeouts, and just enough offense to back a shaky start from Adrian Houser. Brandon Lowe opened the scoring with a first-inning homer, Yandy Díaz drew a walk to spark the rally, and Everson Pereira added insurance with a homer in the fifth. The bullpen held the Nationals’ bats, while Chandler Simpson dazzled with two key defensive plays. A late Chandler Simpson RBI and Pete Fairbanks’s closing work capped a win that felt earned, not pristine.

Daylen Lile’s baserunning with Daylen Lile being cut down at third showcased Washington’s aggression, but the Rays mitigated it with quality defense and timely hits. The City Connect jersey debate lingered, yet Tampa Bay’s grit carried the day as the Rays navigate a tight stretch ahead.