Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow was tagged with his first loss of the season in Monday's 5-3 extra-innings game against the White Sox. Barlow came on to pitch the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3 and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. He stayed on to pitch the 10th with a ghost runner on second. He got the first two outs on a groundout and a strikeout, but then gave up a two-run home run to Luis Robert and allowed a walk before being removed from the game. His final stat line was two runs allowed (one earned) on a hit and a walk with two strikeouts through 1 2/3 innings pitched. The good news is Barlow appears to be the Royals' most trusted bullpen arm and has four saves and two wins with a 1.56 ERA. The bad news is that the Royals may not have a ton of save opportunities and Barlow may pitch in close non-save opportunities. Either way, he still appears the bullpen arm to roster for fantasy managers.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow picked up his second save of the season in Sunday's Game 1 6-4 win over the Orioles. Barlow entered the game to pitch the ninth inning with a two-run lead. He got the first two outs on a flyout and a strikeout, then allowed back-to-back singles, but got the final out on a flyout. The Royals have used four relievers in save situations this season, but Barlow saw the majority of save opportunities at the end of last season and has now converted two of three save opportunities with a 1.46 ERA, 12 strikeouts, and four walks over 12 1/3 innings pitched. He still appears to be the Royals' bullpen arm to roster for fantasy managers at this time.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow recorded his first save of the season during Wednesday's win over the Minnesota Twins. Josh Staumont has looked like the favorite for saves, but pitched in the eighth inning of this contest. Barlow took the ball in the ninth and allowed a hit, but escaped the inning without any damage. Manager Mike Matheny could've been playing matchups, so fantasy managers shouldn't get used to Barlow closing down the game. Staumont is expected to get a majority of the save chances in Kansas City.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow looked good on the mound during his four appearances in Cactus League play this spring. He pitched four scoreless innings and allowed just one walk and one hit while striking out five. He converted his only save opportunity. Barlow appears to be first in line for saves in Kansas City to open the year, but as we saw last season, Royals manager Mike Matheny can be a bit unpredictable in his bullpen usage. Barlow should be the first Royals reliever drafted in fantasy drafts, but don't expect him to earn each save opportunity out of the gate. Josh Staumont could be in the mix early and Amir Garrett could find himself closing some games as well.

Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow made things interesting in the ninth inning of Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers, but he was able to get the job done in the end. Barlow entered the game as the Royals had a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning. He went on to give up two hits, two walks and one earned run before putting things away. Each of the three outs in the inning came through a strikeout. Barlow now has 16 saves on the year, six of which have come this month. He's converted each of his last eight saves opportunities dating back to late August.

Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow shut the door on the Detroit Tigers on Friday to earn his 15th save of the year. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing no walks or hits. Barlow has converted each of his five save opportunities this month. He's allowed just four hits, three walks and one earned run over eight innings in September. The 28-year-old right-hander should continue to see a good amount of save opportunities over the final stretch of the year as the team has a favorable schedule going forward. After this weekend's series against the Tigers, the Royals close the year with the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow was called upon to close out Game 2 of the team's doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians on Monday. He entered in the seventh inning while the team was ahead 4-1. He went on to give up a solo home run to Bobby Bradley, but that was the only damage that was done. Barlow recorded two strikeouts in the inning and went on to earn his 14th save of the year. The 28-year-old has now converted six consecutive save opportunities and appears to be the clear closer for the team. He should be rostered in all leagues where saves are scarce for the final weeks of the year.

Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow shut the door on the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday to earn his 13th save of the year. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing two walks and no hits. Barlow has now earned seven of the team's last eight saves, the only exception being a Greg Holland save in an extra inning game this past Friday. The 28-year-old has six blown saves on the year, but he has converted his last five opportunities. He has a solid 2.34 ERA and 1.20 WHIP and has a secure hold on the closer role for the team.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow had a bit of a rocky ninth inning in Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners, but he did enough to close things out and earn his 10th save on the year. He allowed two hits and an earned run in the ninth while recording one strikeout. The Royals went on to win the game 4-2. Barlow looks like the clear closer for the Royals right now. He's earned each of the last four saves for the team. The Royals don't have many other options to go with in the ninth inning as Greg Holland (shoulder), Jake Brentz (shoulder) and Josh Staumont are all on the injured list.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Barlow closed out the team's 6-4 win over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday to earn his ninth save of the year. He pitched a perfect ninth inning, allowing no hits, no walks and no runs. He only needed eight pitches to get through the inning. Barlow has now earned each of the Royals' last three saves. He has very little competition for saves right now with Greg Holland (shoulder), Jake Brentz (shoulder) and Josh Staumont all on the injured list. Barlow has had a solid season, pitching to a 2.45 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He's worth rostering in all leagues where saves are highly-coveted.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge went from being a late scratch to hitting a tiebreaking single in a two-run 10th inning to help the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the second straight day, 3-1 on Wednesday night. Judge was taken out of the lineup about 30 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Although no announcement was made about why, the All-Star right fielder struck out in the fifth pinch-hitting for Estevan Florial. Judge returned to the team Tuesday after going on the COVID-19 injured list July 16. New York also had a big night off the field. The Yankees reached a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been announced and was subject to approval of medical records of the players involved. Greg Allen was hit by a pitch from Pete Fairbanks (3-4) leading off the 10th, putting runners on first and second. Judge... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge went from being a late scratch to hitting a tiebreaking single in a two-run 10th inning to help the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the second straight day, 3-1 on Wednesday night. Judge was taken out of the lineup about 30 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Although no announcement was made about why, the All-Star right fielder struck out in the fifth pinch-hitting for Estevan Florial. Judge returned to the team Tuesday after going on the COVID-19 injured list July 16. New York also had a big night off the field. The Yankees reached a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been announced and was subject to approval of medical records of the players involved. Greg Allen was hit by a pitch from Pete Fairbanks (3-4) leading off the 10th, putting runners on first and second. Judge... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge went from being a late scratch to hitting a tiebreaking single in a two-run 10th inning to help the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the second straight day, 3-1 on Wednesday night. Judge was taken out of the lineup about 30 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Although no announcement was made about why, the All-Star right fielder struck out in the fifth pinch-hitting for Estevan Florial. Judge returned to the team Tuesday after going on the COVID-19 injured list July 16. New York also had a big night off the field. The Yankees reached a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been announced and was subject to approval of medical records of the players involved. Greg Allen was hit by a pitch from Pete Fairbanks (3-4) leading off the 10th, putting runners on first and second. Judge... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox rallied late for the second straight game, beating Toronto 5-4 on Monday night in the opener of an important series for the Blue Jays. Boston star Rafael Devers added a solo homer on the four-year anniversary of his first major-league shot. Bo Bichette hit a two-run homer for fourth-place Toronto, which fell to 10½ games behind in the East. Adam Ottavino (3-3) worked a scoreless inning for the win. Matt Barnes got the final three outs for his 22nd save. Toronto starter Thomas Hatch made just his second big-league start after being sidelined with a shoulder impingement since spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Trevor Richards (1-1) took the loss. ANGELS 6, ROCKIES 2 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani pitched seven strong innings and hit an early RBI single as Los Angeles beat Colorado. Ohtani (5-1) gave up one run and five... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox rallied late for the second straight game, beating Toronto 5-4 on Monday night in the opener of an important series for the Blue Jays. Boston star Rafael Devers added a solo homer on the four-year anniversary of his first major-league shot. Bo Bichette hit a two-run homer for fourth-place Toronto, which fell to 10½ games behind in the East. Adam Ottavino (3-3) worked a scoreless inning for the win. Matt Barnes got the final three outs for his 22nd save. Toronto starter Thomas Hatch made just his second big-league start after being sidelined with a shoulder impingement since spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Trevor Richards (1-1) took the loss. ANGELS 6, ROCKIES 2 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani pitched seven strong innings and hit an early RBI single as Los Angeles beat Colorado. Ohtani (5-1) gave up one run and five... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox rallied late for the second straight game, beating Toronto 5-4 on Monday night in the opener of an important series for the Blue Jays. Boston star Rafael Devers added a solo homer on the four-year anniversary of his first major-league shot. Bo Bichette hit a two-run homer for fourth-place Toronto, which fell to 10½ games behind in the East. Adam Ottavino (3-3) worked a scoreless inning for the win. Matt Barnes got the final three outs for his 22nd save. Toronto starter Thomas Hatch made just his second big-league start after being sidelined with a shoulder impingement since spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Trevor Richards (1-1) took the loss. PHILLIES 6, NATIONALS 5 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Philadelphia a victory over sinking Washington. Rhys Hoskins... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox rallied late for the second straight game, beating Toronto 5-4 on Monday night in the opener of an important series for the Blue Jays. Boston star Rafael Devers added a solo homer on the four-year anniversary of his first major-league shot. Bo Bichette hit a two-run homer for fourth-place Toronto, which fell to 10½ games behind in the East. Adam Ottavino (3-3) worked a scoreless inning for the win. Matt Barnes got the final three outs for his 22nd save. Toronto starter Thomas Hatch made just his second big-league start after being sidelined with a shoulder impingement since spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Trevor Richards (1-1) took the loss. PHILLIES 6, NATIONALS 5 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Philadelphia a victory over sinking Washington. Rhys Hoskins... [More]

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. GIANTS 4, DODGERS 2 LOS ANGELS (AP) — Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning and San Francisco... [More]

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. RED SOX 7, BLUE JAYS 4 BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe connected back-to-back as Boston won a home run derby in Toronto’s... [More]

Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. RED SOX 7, BLUE JAYS 4 BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe connected back-to-back as Boston won a home run derby in Toronto’s... [More]