3 weeks agoKansas City Royals left-handed pitcher
Sam Long (hand) threw a bullpen session on Thursday. Long was hit by a line drive on Monday but avoided any serious injuries. While his hand was still sore, the southpaw was able to throw his first session, which was a positive sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team may opt to move him through a slower progression. If he faces any delays in his recovery, he could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a solid 3.16 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 42 2/3 innings of relief. He tallied 44 strikeouts with one save. When healthy, he will compete for a middle relief role in the bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 years agoOakland Athletics left-hander
Sam Long will serve as the opener on Friday against the Boston Red Sox, with right-hander
Luis Medina working as the bulk reliever. It will be Long's first start of the season and only the 12th of his career in three MLB seasons. He's been decent for Oakland in 25 appearances out of the bullpen in 2023, posting a 3.66 ERA (4.20 FIP), two saves, a 1.22 WHIP, 11 walks and 23 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. The 27-year-old southpaw has been especially tough on left-handers, but he won't be a streaming option in fantasy as the opener. Medina shouldn't be looked at as a fantasy option either, as the 24-year-old Dominican has a poor 6.37 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 11 appearances (eight starts) for the A's in 2023.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
2 years agoOakland Athletics relief pitcher
Sam Long picked up his second save of the year Sunday, closing out the Milwaukee Brewers in an 8-6 victory. Long came in after
Trevor May loaded the bases and walked in a run with two outs in the ninth. He proceeded to give up a two-run single, but got a ground out to end it and earn the save. The 27-year-old has performed well this season, pitching to a 2.96 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 17 strikeouts in 24 ⅓ IP. The problem is, no one in Oakland has more than two saves, and they have eight total. It may be best to just avoid their bullpen altogether.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 years agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Sam Long will draw the start for Friday's game against the San Diego Padres. The left-hander will get the starting assignment for what looks to be a bullpen game for the Giants. Long is posting a stellar 1.78 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 19/8 K/BB ratio across 30 1/3 innings this season. Despite his solid numbers, he'll be a risky streaming option for Friday. The Padres have a strong lineup and it's uncertain how deep Long will pitch into the game. Fantasy managers can stream Long at their own risk.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Maria Guardado
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