Carlos Villanueva

Villanueva came on in relief of Carlos Gonzales in the third inning and went on to throw 3 1/3 scoreless innings. He racked up six strikeouts while only allowing one hit. It was Villanueva's first appearance since August 21.

Fantasy Impact

Villanueva holds a 2.19 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 30 appearances this season, all in relief. Villanueva could be a candidate for spot start down the stretch for the Cardinals if any starters need to miss time due to injury or to be rested.

Villanueva preserved a six-run Cardinals lead for three innings to get his second save of the season on Friday night against the Brewers.

Fantasy Impact

Villanueva holds a 1.51 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings on the season in middle relief. He is not a likely candidate for saves, even if Trevor Rosenthal were to get injured.

Carlos Villanueva pitched the tenth and eleventh innings Sunday afternoon, holding the Reds scoreless and ultimately getting the win behind Matt Carpenter's two-run home run.

Fantasy Impact

It was Villanueva's first game with his new club after spending the previous two seasons with the Cubs. He walked three and struck out three en route to the win. Villanueva will have to improve upon his 4.64 ERA from 2014 to become fantasy relevant.