Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty will get the starting nod in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday evening, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Flaherty got the nod in Game 2 of the NLDS and struggled, as he allowed five hits, a walk, and four earned runs across 5 1/3 frames of work. Since joining the Dodgers at the trade deadline, the 28-year-old held a 3.58 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 19:61 BB:K. Through 162 total innings this summer, the right-hander posted a solid 3.17 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Flaherty will face a tough Mets lineup but will likely be the pitcher to target in DFS given that he will face Kodai Senga, who made only one regular-season start in 2024 due to injuries.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned his first victory of the postseason on Friday evening as the Dodgers defeated the Padres to clinch the NLDS. The right-hander tossed five shutout frames and allowed just two hits and a walk. He struck out two. This was a nice bounce-back outing for the 26-year-old as he allowed five earned runs across three frames in Game 1. Yamamoto battled injuries throughout the season but is beginning to find his stride at the perfect time. DFS players should consider adding Yamamoto to their lineup when he makes his next start against the New York Mets in the NLCS.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a home run in their series-clinching victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday evening. Hernandez extended the Dodger lead in the seventh frame with solo shot off Yu Darvish. Hernandez tallied at least one hit in every game of the NLDS and boasted a .333/.400/.667 line. He hit two home runs and brough in seven RBI. The 31-year-old hit a career-high 31 long balls this summer and carried his power surge into October. DFS players should always consider adding Hernandez to their lineup as he should be penciled into the top-half of the Dodger lineup every game and have prime scoring opportunities.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kike Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a solo shot in their Game 5 victory over the San Diego Padres. Hernandez broke the stalemate in the second frame by hitting a solo home run off Yu Darvish. This was the eventual game-winning run. Through the playoffs, the 33-year-old has gone 3-for-9 at the plate. Hernandez appeared in three games during the NLDS. DFS players should expect Hernandez to split time in center field through the remainder of the postseason with Chris Taylor and Tommy Edman and could be worth a look as a value option when he is in the starting nine.

San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) underwent shoulder surgery on Thursday, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Kim has been sidelined since Aug. 20 with shoulder inflammation. He attempted to return in time for October but was ultimately shut down late into September after facing several setbacks. Through 121 games this summer, the 28-year-old posted a .233/.330/.370 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He held a stellar 12.3% walk rate and 16.4% strikeout rate, which gave him a significant boost in points leagues. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression over the winter, but he should be ready to return in time for spring training. Kim remains a solid low-end shortstop in rotisserie leagues given his ability to steal bases and hit for decent power.

San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) underwent his Tommy John surgery on Friday with Dr. Keith Meister. Musgrove felt tightness in his elbow in his start in Game 2 of the Wild-Card Series against the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 2 and needed TJ surgery, which will keep him out for the entire 2025 season. Elbow issues -- he also dealt with a bone spur in his right elbow -- sent the 31-year-old to the injured twice in 2024, but this elbow issue is obviously much more serious. Musgrove looked off early on in 2024 but bounced back to finish with a decent 3.88 ERA (3.96 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP and a 101:23 K:BB in 99 2/3 innings over his 19 starts. It's now back-to-back injury-plagued seasons for the veteran right-hander, and his fantasy stock will surely be depressed when he returns to the mound in 2026 after a year off. The good news is his strikeout rate was basically the same this year as it was in his All-Star season of 2022.

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that left-handed reliever Alex Vesia's back flared up on him, which is why he was pulled during the Game 5 win over the division-rival San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. Vesia will be further evaluated, but at this time it's uncertain if he'll be healthy enough to be included on the roster for the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets, which begins on Sunday in LA. The 28-year-old came in to get the final out of the seventh inning on Friday but was then pulled while warming up to pitch the eighth inning. Vesia has been a key late-inning setup main out of the Dodgers' bullpen this year, so not having him in the NLCS would be notable. In his three appearances in the NLDS against SD, Vesia tossed three shutout frames with one walk and four strikeouts.

New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea will make the start for Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Monday at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Right-hander Kodai Senga, who made all of one start during the regular season due to injuries, will make the start in Game 1 on Sunday. The 32-year-old Manaea has allowed three earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out 10 in 12 innings over his two starts against the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies this postseason. It's been a nice change from his previous three playoff appearances, when he gave up 13 earned runs in just 7 2/3 frames. Manaea's lone appearance against the Dodgers in 2024 came way back on April 19 in his fourth start of the year. He took a no-decision on that day, allowing two earned runs with three walks and three strikeouts in five innings pitched at Dodger Stadium.

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga will officially start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he's expected to go around three innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza doesn't know who the bulk reliever will be after Senga. The 31-year-old Japanese hurler made just one start during the regular season due to shoulder, calf and triceps injuries but rejoined the team's playoff roster for the NL Division Series against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. He made the start in Game 1 and allowed a solo home run while walking one and striking out three in just two innings of work. Senga might be able to go a little longer in his next outing against the Dodgers, but he won't be a recommended DFS play in the opener role against one of the best offenses in baseball. The best bet is lefty David Peterson follows Senga in the bulk role.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Braxton Garrett (elbow) was diagnosed with a left elbow impingement on Friday. Garrett had been undergoing further evaluation last week after suffering a setback during a bullpen session in mid-September. He will be continuing a throwing progression program at the Marlins' player development complex in Jupiter, FL. The lefty's last start was on June 17th and he only made seven starts in 2024. He started the season on the IL with a shoulder impingement that held him out of major league action until May and then experienced elbow discomfort prior to his scheduled start on June 23rd. The 27-year-old has shown promise when healthy, posting a 3.58 ERA in 2022 and a 3.66 ERA in 2023. But with injuries piling up, fantasy managers may start to wonder how much value he can have going forward. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progress going into spring training and take caution if he's on their roster in 2025.

Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Enrique Hernandez will get the start in center field and will bat seventh on Friday for the deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium against the division-rival San Diego Padres and right-hander Yu Darvish. Tommy Edman is making another start at shortstop in place of the injured Miguel Rojas (groin). It will be Hernandez's second straight start in the series after he played third base and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in the Game 4 victory. He also appeared in the Game 2 loss on Sunday and went 0-for-2 at the plate. Hernandez only has two hits (one triple) in 11 career at-bats against Darvish with an RBI, one walk and four strikeouts. In his extensive postseason career covering 208 plate appearances, the Puerto Rican native has hit a nice .276 (51-for-185) with 13 home runs, 29 RBI and 27 runs scored.

As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) is back at first base and is hitting third against San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish in the deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Friday. Freeman aggravated an ankle injury in Game 3 of the NLDS that has been bothering him since the last week of the regular season, and he was scratched from the lineup for the Game 4 win as a result. The 35-year-old All-Star slugger will try to give it a go in the winner-take-all showdown against the Friars despite being well below 100%. He's gone 3-for-11 with a stolen base and two strikeouts in three games played in the NLDS and has hit .250 (10-for-40) in his career off Darvish with three home runs, three doubles, four RBI, four walks and 10 strikeouts. DFS gamers will probably be looking to avoid Freeman because he's basically playing on one leg right now.

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga is likely to get the nod to start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday against either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres on the road. The Mets just need to check in with all of their pitchers to make sure that everyone is on track before making a final decision on Saturday. Senga only made one start for the Mets during the regular season due to shoulder, triceps and calf injuries, but he rejoined the playoff roster for the Division Series against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and made the start in Game 1, giving up an earned run on a solo homer while walking one and striking out three in just two innings of work. Because Senga didn't have enough time to properly stretch his arm out at the end of the year, he's likely to only go a few innings again in Game 1 of the NLCS this weekend.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start Game 5 of their NLDS series against the San Diego Padres on Friday. Yamamoto was knocked around by the Padres in Game 1 last Saturday, but will have a chance at redemption now. He will face tough opposition with Yu Darvish starting on the other side and will surely be on a short leash after surrendering five runs in three innings his last time out. That said, the 26-year-old is certainly capable of shutting down any lineup, including the formidable Padres.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand), Matt McLain (shoulder) and Edwin Arroyo (shoulder) will play in the Arizona Fall League, which began play on Monday. Both McLain and Arroyo missed all of 2024 after suffering shoulder injuries. McLain also dealt with a stress reaction in his rib cage. He is slated to play shortstop, second base and center field in the AFL, and he could also play in the outfield. If fully healthy in 2025, McLain is expected to mostly see time at second in Cincinnati. Encarnacion-Strand was limited to 29 games before suffering a season-ending hand injury in June that required surgery. He will be available to play first and third base in the AFL and could also see action in the outfield. The 24-year-old will need to prove himself in spring training in order to find consistent playing time to open the 2025 campaign.

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (ankle) had surgery to "clean up" his ankle, according to president of baseball operations Nick Krall. India will have a normal offseason and is expected to be ready for spring training. The 27-year-old ended up playing second base all year in 2024 with Matt McLain dealing with multiple injuries. Second base is still the only defensive position India has played in the majors after starting 132 games there. However, first base and the outfield could be in play for India in 2025, as well as third base, with McLain returning to play the keystone. Playing time could be an issue for India if McLain can stay healthy next season. In a career-high 151 games in 2024, India slashed .248/.357/.392 with 15 home runs, 58 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 84 runs scored as an everyday player over 637 plate appearances.

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.

The Athletic's Matt Gelb thinks it's unlikely that the Philadelphia Phillies look to move third baseman Alec Bohm this offseason, especially since he still has two years left of club control. Bohm had a career-high 117 OPS+ in 2024, but he struggled down the stretch and after suffering a hand injury. The Phillies also like Aidan Miller, a 20-year-old prospect who reached Double-A at the end of the year. If Miller continues to progress, the Phillies could be content to let Bohm walk after the 2026 campaign. Manager Rob Thomson benched Bohm in Game 2 of the National League Division Series because of disappointment about his attitude. "I mean, I definitely wasn't my best self," Bohm said. "And it doesn't feel good. But it is what it is. It's a hard game. You're not always going to be getting hits and doing all those things. There's other ways to help the team win, and it just didn't happen."

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect shortstop Miguel Rojas (groin) to be in the starting lineup for Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Friday against the division-rival San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Rojas aggravated a groin injury rounding third base in the Game 3 loss in San Diego and had to be removed from the game. If the Dodgers advance to the NL Championship Series, it's unknown if the 35-year-old veteran would even be on the roster. Since he got hurt, Tommy Edman has moved from center field to the 6, and he should be there again to start Friday's win-or-take-all contest. Rojas has never been known as much of an offensive threat and went 2-for-8 in three Division Series games against the Padres. The move to Edman at the premium position with Rojas injured is definitely a downgrade defensively for the Blue.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) is expected to return to the starting lineup for the deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Friday at Dodger Stadium against the division-rival San Diego Padres. Freeman has been battling an ankle injury since the last week of the regular season and had to be scratched from the lineup for Game 4 of the NLDS on Wednesday. The 35-year-old almost certainly won't be anywhere near 100% for the remainder of the postseason, but he's going to tough it out for a winner-take-all game on Friday. The eight-time All-Star and former NL MVP has gone 3-for-11 with three singles, a steal and two strikeouts in the three NLDS games he's played in. Freeman's return will be a big boost to LA's already potent offense and will allow Max Muncy to head back to the hot corner.