Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitchers Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Joe Kelly (shoulder) will not be available to pitch in the NLCS, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Graterol has been on the injured list since the end of September with right-shoulder inflammation. Kelly suffered a shoulder injury during a simulated game and has not taken the mound since Sept. 27. However, both pitchers could be in the mix to return in the World Series. The Dodgers will also likely be without Alex Vesia (back) in this series. As a result, DFS managers should expect Blake Treinen to see a majority of the save opportunities after picking up two in the NLDS, with Daniel Hudson, Evan Phillips, and Michael Kopech also having high-leverage roles.

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez, who is scheduled to make $12 million next year if he doesn't opt out of his contract, is expected to opt out and hit the free-agent market. Right-hander Emilio Pagan is also expected to opt out and become a free agent. Martinez appeared in 42 games (16 starts) in his first season with the Reds and finished the season in the starting rotation and was the National League Pitcher of the Month for September after going 4-1 with an 0.83 ERA in five starts in September. When/if Martinez opts out, the Reds will have the option of making him a qualifying offer of one year and roughly $21 million for 2025. If the Reds offer it and Martinez rejects, the Reds will receive an extra draft pick as compensation. The 34-year-old was solid in 142 1/3 innings for the Reds, posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 116:18 K:BB in his hybrid starter/receiver role.

Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (knee) had surgery to fix the patellar tendon in his left knee and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February, according to sources. Polanco has dealt with knee pain in recent seasons and really struggled at the plate in 2024 with the M's while playing through it. The 31-year-old veteran switch-hitter was mainly bothered hitting left-handed, batting .198/.301/.345. Overall, he hit only .213/.296/.355 with 16 long balls and 45 RBI in his first year in Seattle. The surgery should help Polanco get some of his prodigious power back, as well as his lateral movement. Coming off the bad season, it's unknown where Polanco will be playing in 2025, really hurting his all-around fantasy stock. The Mariners have a $12 million club option with a $750,000 buyout and must decide whether to pick it up in early November. After posting a career-low .651 OPS, we'd expect Seattle to decline his option and make him a free agent.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts set the tone for his squad by hitting a solo home run as the second batter of the game in Wednesday's 8-0 win over the Padres, as the Dodgers would go on to hit three home runs in the contest. Betts finished 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, giving him his second straight game with a home run. The 32-year-old did not have a hit in the first two games of the series, but he did have three walks in Game 1 which has led him to a strong .389 OBP through the first four games of the series. Betts and the Dodgers will look to close out the series in Los Angeles on Friday.

New York Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana quieted the Phillies' bats for five innings in Wednesday's 4-1 victory, allowing one unearned run on just two hits and two walks while striking out six batters in the NLDS series-clinching win. The southpaw appeared in the sixth but a leadoff double to Bryce Harper ended his outing. The 35-year-old has been masterful over his last eight starts, including his two postseason starts, allowing a total of three earned runs in 47 1/3 innings (0.57 ERA), so he has been a big reason the Mets have been rolling. Quintana's next start will come in the NLCS against either the Dodgers or the Padres, both of whom he's faced this season (Padres twice, Dodgers once) and logged a quality start in each of them.

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (hamstring) is starting at shortstop and hitting sixth for the Friars for Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at Petco Park against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Walker Buehler. Donovan Solano will start on the bench, with David Peralta serving as the designated hitter and batting seventh. Bogaerts had to leave the Game 2 win on Sunday after hitting a home run due to a hamstring cramp, but after a day off on Monday, the 32-year-old is ready to go again. He's gone 3-for-8 with the homer and three RBI in the first two games of the NLDS but has just one hit in seven career at-bats with a strikeout against Buehler. Meanwhile, Peralta, who also homered in Game 2, has hit .226 (7-for-31) with two doubles, three RBI, four walks and six strikeouts against Buehler in his career.

New York Mets left-hander Jose Quintana will get the ball for Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday at Citi Field against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Not only was Quintana on point to end the regular season, but he backed it up by tossing six scoreless innings in Game 3 of the Wild-Card series on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers last week. The 35-year-old Colombian southpaw doesn't have explosive stuff but knows how to keep hitters off balance and generate weak contact. Quintana also has postseason experience, appearing in six playoff contests, dating back to 2017 with the Chicago Cubs. In his 24 2/3 innings pitched in the postseason, he has a 2.92 ERA with 20 strikeouts and seven walks in six outings (five starts). He had a solid 2.81 ERA with nine strikeouts and only two walks in 16 innings over his three starts against the Phils this year.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Alex Cobb will start Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday against the division-rival Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, according to manager Stephen Vogt. Cobb began the 2024 season on the injured list with the San Francisco Giants and ended up making only three regular-season starts for Cleveland after they acquired him in a trade from the Giants. The 37-year-old veteran allowed just seven runs (five earned) on 14 hits while walking three and striking out 10 over 16 1/3 innings in his three starts for Cleveland and will now make his first postseason start on Wednesday since 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Cobb finished the 2024 campaign on the injured list with recurring blister issues on his right hand. Given the fact that he only made three starts this year, Cobb figures to be on a short leash and won't be a recommended DFS play.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos came up huge in Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday, hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to send the Phillies to a 7-6 win. Castellanos also homered in the sixth to tie the game at three and ended the day finished the day 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. It was a fantastic performance for the 32-year-old, who is looking to turn around his postseason fortune after slashing .199/.252/.382 in 136 postseason at-bats before this game. It was certainly a terrific start, and Castellanos will look to keep his momentum in Game 3 on Tuesday.

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (hamstring) left Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning due to hamstring cramping. Bogaerts felt the discomfort earlier in the game, but was able to play through it and actually homered in the eighth before leaving. It is most likely a precautionary measure, as the Padres were up 7-1 when Bogaerts was removed. He said he thinks he will be fine, so expect to see him back in the lineup for Game 3 barring a setback.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado went 1-for-5 with a two-run shot in their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS. Machado put the Padres up early as he hit a two-run homer in the opening frame off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which scored Fernando Tatis Jr. Machado tallied two RBI in the Wild Card series against the Atlanta Braves and is continuing to serve as a focal point of the offense in the NLDS. DFS players should always consider putting Machado in their lineup, given his upside for power and scoring opportunities batting in the heart of a potent lineup. Machado held a solid .275 AVG this season with 29 long balls and 11 stolen bases. He will face Dodger right-hander Jack Flaherty on Sunday evening in Game 2 and will likely bat in the cleanup spot as he has done through most of the summer.

New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker is not in the starting nine as the Mets look to go up two games in the NLDS on Sunday afternoon. Winker got the nod in the opening game but went 0-for-1 with two walks. Instead, J.D. Martinez will start at DH and bat in the six-hole. Winker is likely sitting because the Phillies are sending out left-hand Cristopher Sanchez, as Winker typically sits against southpaws during the final months of the season. DFS players should expect Winker to return to the starting nine for Game 3 when the Phillies send out Aaron Nola. Martinez is worth a look in DFS this afternoon, as he tallied two hits and three RBI during the Wild Card Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Grove was named to the NLDS roster, while right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly (shoulder) was left off as he suffered a shoulder injury during a simulated game earlier this week. Grove has typically been deployed out of the bullpen this summer and has logged just two starts. Across 51 frames, Grove held a 5.12 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, with a 16:54 BB:K ratio. Grove could be deployed in long relief or even in a spot start during the series. Joe Kelly operated exclusively out of the bullpen this season and posted a 4.78 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Kelly was typically given set-up duties during the 2024 campaign but battled a shoulder injury late into the season. As a result, DFS players should expect Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Alex Vesia to be called upon in high-leverage situations during their tilt against the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Martin Perez is on the NLDS roster after being left off the Wild Card roster last week. Perez is rejoining the roster because Joe Musgrove (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. As a result, the Padres will enter the NLDS with four potential starters, including Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, Michael King, and Perez. Since joining San Diego at the trade deadline, the southpaw has held a modest 3.46 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, with a 17:44 BB:K ratio across 52 frames. However, he struggled with Pittsburgh in the first half, holding a hefty 5.20 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. Perez could start Game 4, but it is best to leave him off your DFS lineup as he sits with an underwhelming 18.1% K rate and a poor 41.5% hard-hit rate.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman was left off the ALDS roster, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Instead, the Yankees opted to add pinch-runner Duke Ellis to their roster in favor of the starting pitcher. As a result, the Yankees will enter their series against the Kansas City Royals, with their rotation consisting of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. The 33-year-old should have a good chance of returning to the mound if the Yankees reach the ALCS. The right-hander enjoyed a modest debut season in the Bronx as he held a 4.31 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP across 154 2/3 innings. DFS players should consider adding Gerrit Cole to their lineup this afternoon as he will take the mound in Game 1 for the Yankees as he is coming off an impressive six 2/3 shoutout performance in his final start of the regular season.

The Cleveland Guardians chose to include veteran right-hander Alex Cobb (finger) on the roster for the American League Division Series against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, with right-hander Ben Lively being the odd man out. Injuries were the story for Cobb in 2024, as he opened the year on the injured list with the San Francisco Giants and then finished the season with the Guardians on the IL due to a blister issue on his right finger. The 36-year-old is apparently doing better now, but he'll most likely be used in a long-relief role out of the bullpen in the postseason. He only made three starts for Cleveland this year, posting a 2.76 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, 10 K's and three walks in 16 1/3 innings. In two career postseason games back in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays, Cobb gave up only two earned runs with 10 K's and three walks over 11 2/3 innings in his two starts.

Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale (back) threw a side session on Friday and felt great. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos told Sale earlier this week that he would have been on the roster for the National League Division Series had the Braves advanced past the San Diego Padres in the Wild-Card Series. Sale had to be scratched from Game 2 of Monday's divisional doubleheader against the New York Mets and then was unavailable to pitch in either of the two games of the Wild-Card Series in San Diego on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a disappointing end of the season for the 35-year-old veteran, who is the front-runner to win the National League Cy Young this year after going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings over his 29 starts in his first year with the Braves. The eight-time All-Star obviously still has lots of upside, but he's also a big injury risk at his age.

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish is listed as the probable starter for the Friars for Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. SD will go with ace Dylan Cease in Game 1 of the series on Saturday. Darvish will be opposed by fellow Japanese starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Padres will be hoping Darvish can step up with Joe Musgrove (elbow) potentially done for the remainder of the postseason. The 38-year-old Japanese hurler missed time due to injury and was away from the team for a while in 2024 due to personal issues, so he only started 16 games during the regular season, going 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings. In his three starts versus the Dodgers this year, Darvish allowed four runs (three earned) while striking out 12 and walking six in 15 2/3 innings. He had a 3.55 ERA, 25 K's and seven walks in five starts to close out the year after.

Houston Astros veteran right-hander Justin Verlander said he plans to continue his career and pitch in 2025. Verlander, who dealt with injuries in 2024 and pitched in only 17 games, wasn't even included on the team's playoff roster for the Wild-Card Series versus the Detroit Tigers, which the Astros lost in two games to get eliminated. In his 17 starts during the regular season, the three-time Cy Young winner had a bloated 5.48 ERA (4.78 FIP) and a 1.38 WHIP with 74 strikeouts and 27 walks in 90 1/3 innings pitched. His strikeout rate dropped to 18.7%, the first time it has been under 20% since 2014. The future Hall of Famer began the year on the injured list due to a right-shoulder injury and was later sidelined due to a neck injury. Verlander could bounce back with better health in 2025, but he'll also turn 42 before the season, and Father Time isn't on his side. Obviously, Verlander is no longer the fantasy ace he was for so many years.

New York Mets veteran left-hander Jose Quintana will start Game 3 of the Wild-Card series versus the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Thursday. In a win-or-go-home game, just about everyone will be available to pitch for the Mets. Quintana certainly lacks high velocity and strikeout stuff, but the 35-year-old southpaw was decent for the Mets in 2024 in his 13th MLB season, going 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA (4.56 FIP), a 1.25 WHIP and a 135:63 K:BB in 170 1/3 innings over 31 starts. He faced the Brewers twice this year, ironically in his very first start of the year on March 29 and his last start on Sept. 18. He lost both contests but didn't pitch all that poorly, allowing four earned runs on 11 hits (one homer) while striking out 13 and walking four. Quintana gave up two earned runs in 4 1/3 innings with nine K's his last time out against Milwaukee last Saturday. If things go south early, Quintana will have a short leash in a must-win game to advance to the NLDS this weekend.