Fantasy News

• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Earns another start

  Rotowire May 5, 2024

  Wesneski will start Wednesday against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The Cubs are getting Justin Steele (hamstring) back this week and Kyle Hendricks (back) could return next week, but Wesneski earned at least one more turn in the rotation. Wesneski blanked the Brewers over 6.1 innings while striking out eight Friday, marking the first time he has logged over four innings in the majors this season. He has a 0.54 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and a 14:3 K:BB in 16.2 innings across four appearances. Ben Brown could be the odd man out unless the Cubs go with a six-man rotation this week.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Excellent against Milwaukee

  Rotowire May 3, 2024

  Wesneski didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Brewers, allowing three hits and two walks over 6.1 scoreless innings. He struck out eight. Wesneski was dominant, shutting out Milwaukee while matching his career high with eight punchouts. However, the Cubs bullpen couldn't maintain the 1-0 lead Wesneski handed off. The 26-year-old right-hander has allowed just one earned run over 10.1 innings in two starts. Overall, he's 2-0 with a stellar 0.54 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 16.2 innings in a swing role this season. While Justin Steele (hamstring), Kyle Hendricks (back) and Jordan Wicks (forearm) are all nearing returns, Wesneski has certainly made a compelling case to remain in Chicago's rotation.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Another start on tap

  Rotowire May 2, 2024

  Wesneski is slated to start Friday's series opener against the Brewers in Chicago. He'll be making his second straight turn through the rotation after Jordan Wicks (forearm) recently joined Kyle Hendricks (back) and Justin Steele (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list. In his first start of the season this past Sunday in Boston, Wesneski gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Drawing start Sunday

  Rotowire Apr 27, 2024

  Wesneski will start Sunday in Boston in place of the injured Jordan Wicks (forearm), Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. Wesneski went 2.1 innings and threw 20 pitches in a relief appearance Thursday against the Astros. He hasn't started a game since taking the hill April 12 for Triple-A Iowa, so Wesneski may be on a restricted pitch count Sunday and could struggle to hit the five innings he would need to qualify for the win. The Cubs haven't yet indicated that Wicks will need to miss any additional turns beyond Sunday, but if the lefty is forced to the injured list, Wesneski could end up becoming a fixture in the rotation.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Sent to Iowa

  Rotowire Apr 18, 2024

  The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. The 26-year-old was recalled to the majors Wednesday, but his big-league stint will come to an abrupt end with Jameson Taillon (back) returning from the injured list. Wesneski pitched four innings of relief and earned the win Wednesday and could work his way back into the majors if he continues finding success at Triple-A.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Earns first win of season

  Rotowire Apr 17, 2024

  Wesneski (1-0) tossed four scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He allowed just one hit and struck out two. Wesneski was summoned from Triple-A Iowa earlier in the day, and he quickly made an impact. The righty pitched well for Iowa, posting a 2.53 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 10.2 innings, and he has a chance to fill a long-relief role with the Cubs moving forward. Wesneski will have limited fantasy value unless he's able to enter the rotation at some point, which doesn't seem to be imminent.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Has best spring appearance

  Rotowire Mar 13, 2024

  Wesneski tossed three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Guardians. He allowed two hits and struck out three. Wesneski started his spring slate allowing seven runs over three innings in his first two appearances. However, in two outings since then, the righty has allowed just one run across six innings. Wesneski is battling for a spot in the rotation, and with Jameson Taillon (back) possibly set to miss some time early in the season, the former may be able to climb up the depth chart temporarily.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Likely competing for No. 5 role

  Rotowire Feb 4, 2024

  Wesneski is likely competing with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and newcomer Shota Imanaga should all be locked into rotation spots, which leaves the No. 5 role up for grabs. Wesneski made 34 appearances for the Cubs last year, including 11 starts, and posted a 4.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 89.1 innings. He doesn't profile as a particularly exciting fantasy option, though he would have more value if he's starting instead of serving as a long reliever.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Three innings in relief

  Rotowire Aug 4, 2023

  Wesneski allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over three innings in Friday's 8-0 loss to Atlanta. Wesneski mopped up after starter Kyle Hendricks allowed seven runs over four innings. The Cubs became buyers at the deadline, which leaves Wesneski on the outside looking in at a rotation spot, at least for the time being. He threw 50 pitches Friday, with the lone blemish being a homer allowed to Austin Riley in the seventh inning.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Recalled for start Friday

  Rotowire Jul 28, 2023

  The Cubs recalled Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa ahead of his start Friday against St. Louis, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Wesneski has been so-so in the majors this season, posting a 4.75 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 60.2 frames. If he's able to impress against the Cardinals on Friday, there's a solid chance Wesneski remains in the Cubs' rotation long term, especially if the Cubs deal one of their top five starters ahead of the deadline. Michael Rucker was optioned to Iowa to clear a space for Wesneski.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Optioned to Triple-A

  Rotowire Jul 4, 2023

  Wesneski was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. Wesneski had been pitching in relief of late and faring well, allowing two runs over 10 innings. He'll head back to Iowa, though, and it's not clear what role is planned for him there.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Allows five runs in loss

  Rotowire Jun 11, 2023

  Wesneski (2-3) allowed five runs on four hits across three innings to take the loss Sunday against the Giants. He walked one and struck out four. The four strikeouts were the lone bright spot for Wesneski, as the young righty was hit hard, including two home runs. He now has a 5.33 ERA this season and has allowed 13 long balls across 50.2 innings. With Justin Steele (forearm) likely to return June 17, Wesneski is probably done in the rotation for now. He could shift to a long-relief role or possibly return to Triple-A.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Possible waiver wire pickups

  Rotowire Jun 5, 2023

  Thanks to Justin Steele's forearm strain, Hayden Wesneski has a second chance to make good on the potential he showed in spring training. He's actually been trending in the right direction for a while now. Over his past seven appearances, six of them starts, he has a 3.65 ERA -- and that includes the seven-run disaster that got him sent back to the minors in mid-May, where he allowed just one earned run on two hits in nine innings. His one appearance since returning came in relief, but he lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit with two walks and four strikeouts. Success for Wesneski is hardly guaranteed, but at least in deeper leagues, he's earned a second look from you, just like from the Cubs.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Likely to join rotation

  Rotowire Jun 3, 2023

  Cubs manager David Ross said Saturday that Wesneski will likely replace Justin Steele (forearm) in the rotation while Steele is on the 15-day injured list, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Ross believes Steele will miss only two turns through the rotation. Wesneski opened the season as a starter for the Cubs, but the right-hander struggled to a 5.03 ERA before being demoted to Triple-A Iowa in mid-May. Wesneski has shown the ability to miss bats, but he'll be a risky fantasy streamer while he's a member of the rotation, and he doesn't look as though he'll be in line for a long-term appointment.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Heads to Triple-A

  Rotowire May 15, 2023

  The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. Wesneski was a popular fantasy sleeper this spring, and while he had some good starts with the Cubs, he struggled with consistency in ultimately posting a 5.03 ERA and 28:9 K:BB over 39.1 innings covering eight starts. Kyle Hendricks (shoulder), could potentially take Wesneski's rotation spot later this week, although the Cubs' upcoming schedule gives them the option to go to a four-man rotation for a bit.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Hammered by Twins

  Rotowire May 14, 2023

  Wesneski (2-2) took the loss Saturday, surrendering seven runs on seven hits -- including four home runs -- and a walk over five innings as the Cubs were routed 11-1 by the Twins. He struck out five. Alex Kirilloff's solo shot in the first inning set the tone for the Cubs' disastrous afternoon, as Wesneski served up multiple long balls for the first time since his opening start of the season. The right-hander has now been tagged for 10 homers in 39.1 innings, fueling a 5.03 ERA that doesn't match his otherwise decent 1.32 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB. He didn't have significant trouble keeping the ball in the park in the minors, so it's possible his luck will shift for the better as the campaign progresses, but his lack of dominance gives Wesneski little margin for error. His next outing will likely come on the road next weekend in Philadelphia.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Posts another quality start

  Rotowire May 8, 2023

  Wesneski allowed one run on five hits and no walks over six innings Sunday against the Marlins. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision. Wesneski found himself with runners on the corners and one out in the opening frame before escaping with a 6-4-3 double play. He then went on to retire nine straight batters until Yuli Gurriel kicked off the fifth with a solo home run to left. Wesneski did allow a pair of singles in the inning as well but got out of it allowing just the one run. Sunday was his third consecutive outing allowing just a single run and his second start in a row going at least six innings. The 25-year-old now owns a 3.93 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB over 34.1 innings. He's projected to take the ball next in a road game against the Twins later in the week.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Takes no-decision Tuesday

  Rotowire May 2, 2023

  Wesneski allowed just one run on five hits across six innings but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals. He struck out two and did not walk a batter. Wesneski was sharp in his second quality start of the year, but the Cubs mustered only one run of support, denying him a shot at his third win. After allowing eight earned runs across six innings in his first two starts, the 25-year-old has allowed just six earned runs over 22.1 innings in his last four outings. Wesneski will look to keep it up in his next start, which is tentatively set for Sunday against the Marlins.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Sleeper pitchers for Week 6 (May 1-7)

  Rotowire Apr 30, 2023

  Hayden Wesneski's last turn against the Padres Thursday was respectable enough to earn him some consideration with two favorable matchups (Nationals, Marlins) this week. But there isn't much reason for optimism in the underlying data, so it's a definite risk.

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• Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Can't get through fifth Saturday

  Rotowire Apr 22, 2023

  Wesneski (1-1) took the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 4.1 innings during a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out one. Wesneski allowed a leadoff single to Mookie Betts, a double to Freddie Freeman and walked Max Muncy to load the bases in the first, but he limited the damage by inducing a double play from J.D. Martinez. However, that wasn't the end of the trouble for the young right-hander, who served up a solo home run to James Outman in the second and an RBI single to Outman in the fourth. Wesneski came out for the fifth but was pulled after Mookie Betts reached on a fielding error by Patrick Wisdom with one out. Outside of a stellar start in Oakland, Wesneski has really struggled to begin the campaign after showing flashes last year. He'll look to find some rhythm in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the Cubs' upcoming three-game set with the Padres.

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