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Notebook: Opportunity in Atlanta's rotation, a sleeper in Anaheim and a better way to play fantasy baseball

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Notebook: Opportunity in Atlanta's rotation, a sleeper in Anaheim and a better way to play fantasy baseball


Please indulge me while I turn into an old man right before your eyes and complain to you without being prompted.

I think there are better ways to play fantasy baseball that we haven’t tapped into yet. Those ideas can be pushed aside until October or November — we’ll need a few logs for the fire then anyway.

Most of my friends and family don’t play fantasy baseball, but curiosity occasionally leads them to question some of the things about the hobby. The most frequently asked question:

“Why do you have pickups on the weekend, doesn’t everyone else have things to do?”

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The best answer I can give in 2024, as I approach 20 years of writing and talking about fantasy sports for a living, is that it’s just always been done this way, and that reason is even less satisfying to say than it is to hear.

I assume that many other people who play this game have something they enjoy doing, or at least some obligations to their friends and loved ones to be present during the weekend. Heck, I’ve even heard speeches from NFBC Hall of Fame inductees, thanking their families for the time they had to spend working on free-agent bidding instead of spending those hours together.

My old boss from the RotoWire years, Peter Schoenke, was the first person I saw make this plea a decade ago. If he hasn’t been able to generate movement on this front, maybe this is just shouting into the void.

“It’s time for Sunday night pickups to go away!”

The alternative is simple. Run weekly pickups on Thursday nights, which works out great since Thursday night is not a weekend night, and like Sunday night, it’s not a particularly busy night for games. Plus, all 30 teams are scheduled to play each week on Fridays, offering a clean weekly lineup deadline day outside of the first two weeks of the season when Friday can be left open in the MLB schedule as a built-in makeup date for postponements.

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Thursday is for pickups, and the weekend is just the weekend, in all of the best ways.

Imagine thinking about how much you want to spend trying to add Colton Cowser in a 12-team league before the weekend, instead of on Sunday afternoon while you’re driving back from a birthday party, a soccer tournament, a dance recital, or a trampoline park.

I’ll end my simple plea on this note. I realize getting your league(s) to change can be very difficult. This is merely tweaking the schedule, rather than updating scoring categories, expanding or shrinking rosters, or re-writing the constitution in your dynasty league, and when you look back at the changes that have been made to your league over time, you often wonder why your league ever chose to do it the old way.

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Here’s a quick look at the topics we discussed on the show this week.

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Monday

The new week began with a recap of a bad weekend in baseball on the injury front with Spencer Strider (UCL sprain), Shane Bieber (Tommy John surgery), Luis Robert Jr. (hip flexor strain), and Trevor Story (dislocated shoulder) facing lengthy absences.

  • As the Braves try to manage the absence of Strider, Bryce Elder is on regular rest the same day as Allan Winans, who was optioned to Triple-A after getting the turn in Strider’s place. Despite getting hit a bit in spring training, Elder had a 12:0 K:BB and showed improved numbers in Eno’s Stuff+ model. The longer-term eyes remain on AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep, but Elder was an All-Star last season before a second-half fade and might be a nice “one-week early” stash with a two-start week approaching during the week of April 22.
  • Injuries have piled up quickly on the White Sox’s position players. The loss of Robert, Eloy Jiménez, and Yoán Moncada have helped drop the team’s run scored projection from BP’s PECOTA to 658 this season (29th in the league). Those absences will almost certainly have a negative impact on the run production of the remaining rosterable bats — most notably, Andrew Vaughn — at least until Bryan Ramos and Colson Montgomery enter the picture later this season.
  • As a longer-term trend of rising pitching injuries continues, should we consider reducing the number of pitchers in active lineups, adding IL spots, or making other modifications to roster rules in future seasons?

Tuesday

After focusing on the “who” from the weekend injuries, The 3-0 Show Reunion Tour focused on the variety of reasons “why” baseball is struggling to keep pitchers healthy. Spoiler: there is plenty of blame to go around.

  • Beyond pitching injuries, we discussed the Pirates’ fast start and examined why things might be a bit different this time around after a 20-9 start through the end of April resulted in a 76-86 record in 2023. Paul Skenes is working in shorter outings thus far at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he’s turned in six scoreless frames with an 11:1 K:BB in his first two starts.
  • How aggressively will the Marlins look to the future with their top two pitchers down following Tommy John surgery? Jazz Chisholm Jr. would be a very interesting fit for a lot of contending teams, but he won’t reach free agency until the end of the 2026 season. Jesús Luzardo is also three seasons away from free agency, but the league-wide need for pitching will drive plenty of interest. How many currently healthy players on the Marlins roster will be on their next playoff team?

Thursday

Jackson Holliday’s highly-anticipated debut with the Orioles took place Wednesday, leading us into our first Project Prospect of 2024, before looking at a few potential waiver wire pickups, and answering a handful of mailbag questions.

  • After Thursday’s episode was recorded, the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara was posted to Twitter by Meghann Cuniff. It’s a doozy, and offers answers to many of the questions that surfaced when this story first broke during the Seoul Series in Korea.
  • Holliday debuted with the Orioles on Wednesday, leading us to wonder how his projections from The BAT X stack up to other middle infielders for the rest of 2024. With a 99 wRC+ built around a .257/.330/.378 ROS line (eight homers, 10 steals), Holliday’s numbers don’t jump off the page at first glance, but as we have discussed on the show over the years, prospect projections are often underwhelming. A quick spin with the FanGraphs Auction Calculator spits out fringe Top 40 middle infielder value for the rest of the season, but the “Would You Rather?” redraft toss-ups belong somewhere in the range of Jeremy Peña (fringe Top 20 MI) based on the possibility that Holliday exceeds expectations over the course of his rookie season.
  • We also discussed the early struggles of Ceddanne Rafaela, who agreed to an eight-year extension with the Red Sox earlier this week. The extension reduces the chances of a lengthy demotion to Triple-A even if his early struggles persist, and Rafaela’s defense at a major position of need (center field) will afford him a lot of opportunities to reduce the chase and swing-and-miss that has been a part of his profile since debuting with Boston late last season.
  • José Soriano is rostered in just 2% of NFBC Main Event leagues. He’s getting a shot in the Angels’ rotation while Chase Silseth (elbow inflammation) is on the IL. Soriano had Tommy John surgery in February of 2020 and again in June of 2021, so his workload will likely be managed carefully if he’s able to stake his claim for a permanent spot as a starter.

Friday

Join the Live Hive at 1p ET/10a PT on our YouTube channel!

  • This week, we’ll discuss making early adjustments, look back at one of the most ridiculous homers Trevor May allowed and offer up a game plan for pitching to Mookie Betts.

(Top photo of Bryce elder: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports)





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Atlanta, GA

MLB All-Star Game 2025: Braves, National League win at Truist Park after tiebreaker

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MLB All-Star Game 2025: Braves, National League win at Truist Park after tiebreaker


The MLB All-Star Game made its long-awaited return to Atlanta on Tuesday night, with tens of thousands of fans packing Truist Park and The Battery in a celebration that was equal parts baseball, nostalgia, and community.

This is the third time Atlanta has hosted the Midsummer Classic, and the first at Truist Park. The city previously welcomed the event in 1972 and 2000—both times featuring home runs by Braves legends Hank Aaron and Chipper Jones, respectively.

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What they’re saying:

The 2021 All-Star Game was originally scheduled to take place in Atlanta but was relocated by Major League Baseball over controversy surrounding changes to Georgia’s voting laws.

For many in attendance on Tuesday, the 2025 event represented more than just a game.

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“All-Star Game Atlanta 2025. Best time of my life. Just—go Braves,” said one fan beaming with excitement. “This is absolutely electric.”

“This is 10 times better than any other All-Star Game I’ve ever been to,” another fan added. “This is my bucket list. I’ll be 62 in two weeks and I’ve been wanting to do this my whole life.”

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The excitement extended beyond the ballpark. Fans in The Battery enjoyed games, music, and activities while watching the action on big screens. The festive atmosphere turned the surrounding area into a citywide celebration.

“I love baseball. I love the Braves, and it’s been amazing for the Atlanta Braves, baby,” said another fan, holding a slice of pizza while waving to cameras.

The crowd was especially sentimental about seeing former Braves Freddie Freeman and Max Fried return to Atlanta. Both now play for other teams but received warm receptions from fans who once cheered them on as hometown heroes.

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Several fans noted how the overall All-Star Week fan experience made for meaningful memories.

“It’s my first All-Star Game,” one attendee said. “It’s a surreal opportunity to be here today. One thing we can always guarantee anybody that comes here is a good time in the A.”

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The game itself saw the National League leading 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from the Mets’ Pete Alonso. The American League has won 10 of the last 11 All-Star Games, but Tuesday’s early scoring shift signaled a possible change.

Braves representing Atlanta in All-Star game

Local perspective:

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Atlanta was also represented on the field by several Braves players. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. started for the National League, while first baseman Matt Olson was selected as a reserve. Pitcher Chris Sale was named to the roster but did not play due to injury.

Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz, an eight-time All-Star and former Braves ace, expressed appreciation that players were once again wearing their team uniforms for the game.

“We’re going back to the jerseys of the team that you wear,” Smoltz said. “Thank you. It’s about time.”

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With a blend of high-level competition, fanfare, and history, Atlanta’s 2025 All-Star Game proved to be more than just a sporting event—it was a moment that united Braves Country and baseball fans from across the nation.

Who won the MLB All-Star Game?

What we know:

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Kyle Schwarber delivered a flawless performance in the first-ever MLB All-Star Game swing-off, going 3 for 3 to lift the National League to a 4-3 win over the American League after the teams played to a 6-6 tie Tuesday night at Truist Park.

The game, tied after nine innings, was decided under a 2022 rule change introducing a home run swing-off — baseball’s answer to soccer’s penalty shootout — to avoid depleting pitching staffs. Each league selected three batters to take three swings off coaches.

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Schwarber, who had gone 0 for 2 with a walk during regulation play, blasted all three of his swings out of the park, including a dramatic final shot into the Chop House seats in right field while going down to one knee. The performance earned him All-Star Game MVP honors.

Ronald Acuna #13 and Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves embrace during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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The AL had seized the lead early in the swing-off, with Brent Rooker homering on his final two swings and Kyle Stowers — filling in for Eugenio Suárez — adding another. Randy Arozarena followed with a blast that pushed the AL lead to 3-1.

But the tide turned after Schwarber’s perfect round. Jonathan Aranda came up empty for the AL, hitting the right-field wall on his second attempt but failing to clear it on any swing. That made the final NL batter, two-time Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso, unnecessary.

The victory marks just the second win for the NL in the last 12 All-Star Games. Despite the loss, the American League still leads the all-time series 48-45, with two ties.

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The Source: FOX 5’s Alex Liacko reported from Truist Park. Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves provided details for this article. The Associated Press and FOX Sports contributed to this report.

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Atlanta, GA

Several injured after incident at MARTA station after Beyonce’s final Atlanta concert

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Several injured after incident at MARTA station after Beyonce’s final Atlanta concert


Multiple ambulances were called to the scene after the incident at the Vine City MARTA Station. (FOX 5)

Several people have been injured in an incident at a MARTA station after Beyoncé’s final “Cowboy Carter” concert in Atlanta.

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Witnesses say crowds could be seen running as they left Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

MORE: Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen from car at Atlanta’s Krog Street Market

What we know:

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The incident happened at the Vine City MARTA Station at around 1:30 a.m.

FOX 5 cameras spotted medics taking people out of the station on stretchers and wheelchairs. 

What we don’t know:

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Details about the incident remain limited, and officials have not said what caused the injuries.

FOX 5 has reached out to MARTA and the Atlanta Police Department to learn more.

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 This story is breaking. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video, email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

The Source: Information for this article came from FOX 5 crews at the scene.

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Atlanta, GA

Nonprofit offers metro Atlanta students free summer learning

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Nonprofit offers metro Atlanta students free summer learning


The students at Horizons Atlanta programs across the metro are using the summer to get ahead not just in their studies, but in their careers.

The nonprofit is focused on closing opportunity gaps in education and in the workforce for students.

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What we know:

Students at Horizons Atlanta never packed away their pencils and pens for the summer. The nonprofit serves 1,300 students at 11 sites across the metro.

“Typically, our scholars come to us eight to 12 weeks behind their peers in their grade level, and by the time they leave us they are often ahead of those 12 weeks,” executive director Ann Marie Bedtke said.

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In between literacy and math, these students are also learning drama, STEM, chess, music, and so much more. One of the top priorities is showing students what they can achieve outside the classroom.

Horizons Atlanta is a nonprofit that offers six weeks of programming during the summer to help underserved students academically. (FOX 5)

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“Our curriculum is centered around workforce development, and so our students are able to get exposed to the many programs that we provide at the Atlanta Technical College that can spark an interest and transform their lives in addition to their families’ lives,” Sharron McIntyre said. She’s the site director of the program at Atlanta Technical College.

What they’re saying:

McIntyre has seen that spark ignite firsthand in Horizons Atlanta scholar Nya Gipp. The rising junior started here the summer before Kindergarten.

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“I have learned communication skills, giving back to my community, how to do multiple careers, from engineering to culinary to what I found my passion in: aviation,” Gipp said.

Gipp’s dream of being a pilot started after a trip to the airfield through Horizons Atlanta. She started working toward her goal right away and entered a college academy through her high school to learn how to fly drones. And this past May, she flew a plane at the Academy of Aviation.

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“So it’s just a lot of studying and a lot of hard work that went into what you need to, but all of it is very very rewarding, but it’s a very knowledgeable experience to have, and a very big experience to have when you’re young and trying to become not just a pilot, but also a drone pilot,” she said.

This summer Gipp is back at Horizons Atlanta at Atlanta Technical College, working as a Volunteen and sharing what she’s learned with the students.

“It’s just been a very good experience to give back to people that I have not only grown with but that I love,” the high school junior said.

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Nya Gipp is now sharing what she learned with other Horizons Atlanta students. (FOX 5)

It’s a full circle moment for Nya, and for the teachers here who have watched her reach new heights.

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“It brings tears to my eyes that this program started it for her, but the fact that she’s able to come back and transform lives,” McIntyre said.

What you can do:

Gipp even has her own business teaching other young people how to fly drones. You can find more here: https://fearlessaltitude.com. 

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If you’re interested in learning more about Horizons Atlanta and what they do for students year-round, you can find more here: https://www.horizonsatlanta.org.

The Source: Lindsay Tuman reported this story for Good Day Atlanta.

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