Outlook Gregory Soto
Soto experiences a brief bump in the road but remains a premium late-inning source of holds and strikeouts
Gregory Soto has hit a bumpy road lately, pitching to an 11.74 ERA and 2.17 WHIP over his last four appearances. Despite this brief slide, the veteran remains a vital late-inning weapon for the second-place Pirates (33-29), who are fighting to stay hot in the NL Central. With fellow reliever Chris Devenski currently sidelined on the injured list, Soto maintains a secure hold on his high-leverage setup role.
While Soto's recent ratio spike is concerning, his overall 2026 baseline remains strong with a 3.03 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP across 26.7 innings. Our models expect some regression toward his projected 3.98 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, but his high-strikeout profile (11.46 K/9) is entirely real. Fantasy managers should view this slump as a temporary speed bump, as his workload will continue to yield holds and occasional saves.
For the rest of the week, the Pirates wrap up in Houston before heading to Atlanta to face tough matchups against the Braves' rotation, including Martin Perez and Spencer Strider. Soto is projected to see active volume with multiple relief appearances remaining, giving him ample opportunities to rebound. Given his secure late-inning role and strikeout upside, he should remain in active fantasy lineups. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Dylan Lee
Dylan Lee shines in high-leverage role for first-place Braves.
Dylan Lee has been a rock in the bullpen for the first-place Braves (42-20), who sit atop the NL East. Over the last 30 days, the 31-year-old lefty has registered a stellar 1.70 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 10.6 innings. With fellow reliever Joe Jimenez sidelined on the injured list, Lee has firmly established himself as Atlanta's primary setup man on the depth chart, repeatedly delivering in late-inning situations.
Lee's current 1.38 ERA and minuscule 0.69 WHIP through 29 appearances in 2026 are elite, though they represent a significant step up from his career 3.23 ERA baseline and our rest-of-season projection of a 3.55 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. While some regression in his hit rate is likely, his superb 12.07 K/9 and nearly 9-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio suggest his status as an elite high-leverage arm is entirely legitimate.
Looking at the remaining slate, the Braves finish their series with Toronto today before welcoming Pittsburgh for three games over the weekend. With four games remaining, Lee should see at least two more high-leverage opportunities to secure holds, especially facing a Pirates lineup that has struggled to generate consistent offense. For managers in holds leagues, Lee is a priority start this week.
Updated 3 days ago
