Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said "there's a chance" that catcher Will Smith (concussion) could be activated from the injured list to serve as the designated hitter on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals if he comes out of his simulated-game at-bats on Friday afternoon in good shape. Smith hasn't played since April 12 after suffering a head injury, but his concussion symptoms are gone and he sounds ready to return to action for fantasy managers as one of the most valuable catchers at a weak position. The 28-year-old backstop is currently hitting .333 (13-for-39) with three doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI and nine runs scored in his first 11 games. It's more likely that Smith returns on Saturday, but either way, it's looking like fantasy managers will get him back this weekend.

Texas Rangers reliever Will Smith worked a scoreless ninth inning in a 5-2 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Smith got the nod in the ninth over Jose Leclerc and protected the Rangers' three-run lead to secure his second save of the season. He did give up a meaningless single Aledmys Diaz but was otherwise perfect, picking up a strikeout and inducing a pair of flyouts. The veteran southpaw owns a solid 2.16 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 10:3 K/BB ratio to go along with four holds and two saves over 8 1/3 innings on the year. He'll continue to work high-leverage situations for Texas and take the occasional save opportunity from Jose Leclerc.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Will Smith earned his first save of the season Sunday, closing out a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn't allow a baserunner or strike out a batter over his inning of work. It is an interesting development, as presumed closer Jose Leclerc was fully rested and available in this one. It appears the Phillies wanted Smith to face lefty Bryson Stott, who was coming up second in the inning. Based on this usage, it is likely that Leclerc and Smith will both see save opportunities depending on the situation, and both are viable low-end fantasy options for those in need of saves.

The Texas Rangers signed free-agent left-hander Will Smith to an undisclosed one-year major-league contract on Saturday. Smith will join the team's spring training workouts on Saturday. The 33-year-old reliever pitched for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2022, posting a 3.97 ERA (4.26 FIP), 1.41 WHIP, five saves and 65 strikeouts in 59 relief innings over 65 appearances out of the bullpen. He became a free agent when Houston declined his $13 million option for 2023. With current closer Jose Leclerc (neck) dealing with a neck injury that could land him on the injured list to begin the regular season, Smith could step in right away as Texas' closer. Smith was an All-Star with the San Francisco Giants in 2019 when he saved 34 games, and he saved a career-high 37 games in 2021 with the Braves.

Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Trey Mancini and relief pitcher Will Smith have become free agents after the team declined to pick up their options for the 2023 season. Mancini had a $10 million mutual option for next year, while Smith's 2023 option was worth $13 million. Mancini wasn't playing every day in Houston after they acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, and he hit just .176 with eight home runs and 22 RBI in 51 games to close out the regular season. But the 30-year-old can still provide some pop as an outfielder, DH or first baseman with another team in 2023. Smith was acquired from the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 1 and had a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 24 K's in 22 relief innings for Houston to close out the year. The 33-year-old should latch on elsewhere, but he's unlikely to find a gig as a closer.

The Houston Astros added left-handed reliever Will Smith to their roster for the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a corresponding move, the team dropped right-hander Seth Martinez from the roster. With the Phillies having a lot of left-handed hitters, it makes more sense for Houston to add another left-hander to their bullpen this week. Another positive is that the 33-year-old southpaw has a 1.47 ERA in 18 1/3 career playoff innings and also won the World Series with the Atlanta Braves last year. He hasn't pitched yet in this year's postseason, and he had a 3.97 ERA (4.27 FIP), a 1.41 WHIP, 65 strikeouts and five saves in 59 relief innings for the Braves and Astros in 65 appearances in 2022.

The Houston Astros acquired relief pitcher William Smith from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi Monday amidst a number of moves, per Fox 26's Mark Berman. Smith was serving the role of late-inning pitcher behind Kenley Jansen and will now fall into that same role behind Ryan Pressly. The veteran has had a lackluster season to this point, compiling a 4.38 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with five of eight save opportunities converted. That being said, Smith has been a reliable late-innings pitcher throughout his career and should bolster the Astros' bullpen. In terms of fantasy, Smith's value will remain relatively low, as he will not see consistent save opportunities unless injuries occur.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher William Smith was given the ball in the ninth inning during Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. He issued two walks and struck out one batter in what ended up being his third save of the season. The Braves are without Kenley Jansen (heart) and it's uncertain when he'll be back on the field. In the meantime, Smith could be asked to take over the closer role. Fantasy managers who are in need of saves should look at Smith. He's not an elite option, but he's reliable enough to trust in most formats.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker stated on Tuesday that relievers A.J. Minter and William Smith will handle closing duties while the team's primary closer, Kenley Jansen (heart), is out. Jansen was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to an irregular heartbeat, so he will miss at least the next two weeks. The Braves are fourth in the majors in saves this year with 24, so it's safe to expect the team to have several save chances while Jansen is sidelined. Minter has been more effective than Smith overall this year, pitching to a 1.69 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP -- Smith has a 3.41 ERA and 1.31 WHIP -- but Smith has received five save opportunities while Minter has only earned two. Also, keep in mind that Smith saved 37 games for the team last year. If you need to gamble on just one of the relievers, Smith seems like the favorite for ninth-inning work. However, based on Snitker's report Tuesday, it sounds as if Minter will get his chances as well.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher William Smith was called upon to close out the team's 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday. He was up to the task, as he pitched a perfect ninth inning, recording a pair of strikeouts along the way. The team's primary closer Kenley Jansen had pitched in three of the team's previous four games. Although the team was off on Thursday, manager Brian Snitker likely wanted to give Jansen the day off on Friday. Smith is now 2-for-4 in save opportunities on the year. He's the next man up for saves in the Braves bullpen if Jansen struggles or misses time. Smith was a fantasy gem in 2021, recording a career-high 37 saves.

Atlanta Braves reliever William Smith got the call in the ninth inning to close out the team's win over the Reds on Saturday night. With Kenley Jansen unavailable after throwing 30 pitches on Friday, it was Smith who got the ball with the club up 2-0 and the top of the order due up in the ninth. The lefty was able to retire the first two batters he faced, but went on to walk Tommy Pham, who advanced to second on a balk before Joey Votto singled him home to cut the lead in half. Smith then got Aristides Aquino to pop out to end the contest as he finished his frame throwing 21 pitches, 11 of which were strikes. Manager Brian Snitker has dubbed Jansen the closer, but Smith should still pick up a handful of saves this year with occurrences like this one popping up throughout the year. He should be rostered in deeper formats, but unless an injury occurs to Jansen, he's not a must-hold in 12-teamers.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith notched his 29th save of the season against the San Francisco Giants on Friday. It wasn't perfect as Smith gave up a solo home run to Wilmer Flores. Although, he was able to get through the inning and help the Braves secure the 6-5 victory. Smith has allowed five home runs in August, but continues to find a way to shut the door on teams. Fantasy managers can continue trusting him because he gets the job done most of the time. Although, it's not always perfect and he'll often times make everyone bite their nails.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith continued his solid stretch on the mound during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. He tossed a scoreless inning of work with one hit allowed and two strikeouts in the 3-0 victory. On that note, Smith recorded his 28th save of the season. The left-hander is posting a 3.81 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 52 innings with 65 strikeouts. There have certainly been challenges along the way, but Smith remains a reliable fantasy asset.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith had little difficultly versus the Miami Marlins lineup on Tuesday. He struck out two batters and needed just 11 pitches to secure the win. That marks Smith's 26th save of the season, which ties him for fourth in the MLB. There have certainly been some rough patches with Smith this season. Although, for the most part he has been reliable when he's on the mound. Fantasy managers should continue trusting him going forward.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith didn't make it easy, but was able to shut down the Washington Nationals on Sunday. The lefty veteran walked two batters and struck out two before getting Carter Kieboom to ground out to end the game. Smith earned his 25th save of the season, but it hasn't been easy for him lately. This season, Smith is posting a 3.70 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 48 2/3 innings with 59 strikeouts. Fantasy managers know what to expect from Smith at this point. He's going to pile up a decent amount of saves, but he'll blow a handful of games as well.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves’ flurry of trade-deadline moves on Friday highlighted how fortunate they are to be in the NL East, where any team close to .500 is still relevant. Though the Braves entered the day one game under .500, they were only four games behind the first-place New York Mets. Emboldened by the standings, general manager Alex Anthopoulos acquired outfielders Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler and Eddie Rosario and reliever Richard Rodriguez in an attempt to position Atlanta for a run at its fourth consecutive division title. The moves were notable for a team that has not been above .500 all season. “There’s no doubt we’ve had our challenges,” Anthopoulos said. “The one thing that’s fortunate for us is we’re playing in the NL East in 2021. We’re all in it.” The Mets, second-place Phillies and Braves are still in the race. The Nationals and Marlins bowed out, moving veterans for prospects at the trade deadline. “From our standpoint, when talent leaves the NL East, we’re certainly... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño outpitched Gerrit Cole, Brett Phillips hit a grand slam during a 10-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a three-game sweep by routing the New York Yankees 14-0 on Thursday. Patiño (2-2) allowed three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander, acquired in the trade that sent Blake Snell to San Diego last December, struck out eight and walked two. Cole (10-6) gave up a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on six hits over 5 1/3 innings and saw his ERA jump from 2.74 to 3.11. He had 10 strikeouts and two walks. Austin Meadows homered twice and drove in five runs for the Rays. Louis Head and Ryan Sherriff completed a four-hitter. All nine batters in the Rays’ lineup reached base in the sixth. It was the biggest scoring inning by Tampa Bay since a 10-run fifth at Miami on June 5, 2008. NATIONALS 3, PHILLIES 1, GAME 1 PHILLIES 11, NATIONALS 8, 8 INNINGS, GAME 2 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in... [More]