David Phelps leaves game with elbow pain

David Phelps was forced to leave Sunday's first game of a double header when he felt pain in his right elbow after retiring the only batter he faced in Seattle's 8-7 win over the Royals.

Fantasy implications: Phelps, who was acquired in a July 20 trade with Miami for three prospects, will fly back to Seattle for an MRI on the elbow. He exited the game after throwing seven pitches to Drew Butera, getting him to fly out to center field on a 97 mph fastball.  The Mariners reliever claims his arm has not felt right in his last few outings, and has had difficulty getting loose. He did add that he did not feel anything pop. Manager Scott Servais said Phelps could be headed for a stint on the disabled list, depending on the doctors' evaluation.  Phelps has made seven appearances since coming over to Seattle, posting a 2.57 ERA in seven innings.

Edwin Diaz records another save

Edwin Diaz notched his 23rd save of the season Sunday in the Mariners' win against Kansas City in the first game of a twin bill. He pitched a scoreless ninth frame allowing no runs and no hits, while striking out one and walking one.  

The young fireballer continues his excellent second half of the season. He has recorded 10 saves in his last 12 appearances, and has just two blown saves since May 2. The Mariners' indubitable closer should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Nelson Cruz hits two home runs Sunday

Nelson Cruz smacked a pair of round-trippers Sunday afternoon in Seattle's 8-7 win over Kansas City in the first game of a double-header. He finished the game going 3-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored.

Fantasy Implications: The Seattle slugger took Royals' pitcher  Danny Duffy deep to left-center field for a three-run blast in the third inning, followed by a solo shot off of Scott Alexander to center field in the seventh. The Seattle slugger now has 24 homers through 105 games, and 10 since July 5.  He is slashing .280/.386/.518 with 84 RBIs and 54 runs scored.  He should be automatically inserted into all seasonal fantasy lineups.

Marco Gonzales makes Mariner debut

Marco Gonzales, who was acquired this week in a trade with St. Louis, gave up five runs (all earned) and seven hits in 4.0 innings of work in Seattle's win over Kansas City on Sunday.  He struck out five and walked one.

Fantasy Implications: The 25-year-old southpaw was called up from Triple-A Tacoma when Felix Hernandez was placed on the 10-day disabled list yesterday. After setting down the Royals in order in the first and second innings, Gonzalez pitched in-and-out of trouble the rest of the afternoon.  He was finally removed in the fifth after he allowed the first three Royals to reach base on base-hits, including an RBI double to Lorenzo Cain. The Colorado native, who missed the 2016 season because of Tommy John surgery, has been steady if not remarkable in the minors this year, with a 3.02 ERA, 7.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9.  He could be in line for a few more starts if things go well.

Nick Pivetta gets rocked on Saturday night

Nick Pivetta (4-7) had a difficult time missing bats Saturday night in the Phillies 8-5 loss to the Rockies. He allowed eight runs (six earned) on eight hits, one walk, one hit-by-pitch and one strike out in only 2.2 innings of work.

Fantasy Implications:  The 24-year-old right-hander allowed the first four batters to reach base, resulting in a five-run first inning. After a scoreless second, Pivetta gave up a sacrifice fly to Carlos Gonzalez, and was mercifully relieved after coughing up a two-run dinger to Pat Valaika. Though the rookie has a fine 9.0 K/9, his bulging 5.89 ERA is due to his propensity to give up the long ball (1.89 HR/9) and his struggles with control (3.8 BB/9).  Pivetta's next projected start is Friday against the Mets in Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where he has been much more effective (3.89 ERA; 0.97 WHIP) than away (6.70 ERA; 1.70 WHIP).