MLB DFS Core Plays: August 28

Clarke covered an unbelievable amount of ground and smashed into the wall at an all-out sprint, yet somehow managed to hang onto the baseball for the third out of the fourth inning. He remained in the game for another inning but was replaced defensively when the Athletics took the field in the sixth. It’s likely that he’ll undergo further evaluation and may need to pass through the concussion protocol before he’s cleared to return to action. Expect the A’s to have an update on his status after the game.

The game-ending sac fly to left with the bases loaded in the ninth wasn’t especially close to being a walkoff grand slam in PNC Park, but it would have been a homer in 12 stadiums, according to Statcast. Gonzales has hit sixth, fourth and now second in three games since coming off the injured list. It’s quite a show of faith for a guy with a career .687 OPS who just hit .194/.211/.250 during a nine-game rehab assignment, but it’s not like he’s displacing Willie Stargell.

Falter had a brilliant May, posting a 0.76 ERA in 35 2/3 innings, but June failed to start on a similar note. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out two in the 65-pitch outing. The Pirates offense picked him up, so he’s still without a loss since April. The club is now 7-6 in Falter’s outings, compared to 5-8 when Paul Skenes pitches. Falter will face the Marlins next time out.

Bednar fanned JT Realmuto, Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott in a 4-4 game before the Pirates walked it off. Incredibly enough, it’s the first time since May 7, 2022 that Bednar has struck out all three batters he’s faced. He’s now turned in six straight scoreless outings.

Not much to be done about this. Romano gave up 68- and 75-mph singles before Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was just looking to sacrifice, dropped down one of the greatest bunts you’ll ever see; it simply hugged the third-bast line before dying inches away from foul territory. Romano was able to strike out Oneil Cruz afterwards, but Nick Gonzales ended the game with a sac fly. Romano also took a loss on Wednesday, but we can’t see this hurting his standing in the Philadelphia pen.

Turner’s steal was his 17th in 61 games, leaving him just two shy of his total in 121 games last season. He’s batting .333 with five homers, 15 RBI and seven steals in his last 17 games.