Everything that happens in and around MLB has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy baseball perspective. From lineup changes to minor league call-ups to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy baseball.
Our fantasy baseball buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around MLB.
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June 24: Wednesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
We have bonus baseball today with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs making up Monday's rainout as part of a split doubleheader at Citi Field. The opener starts at 1:10 p.m. ET, one hour after the first game of the day, which features the Texas Rangers visiting the Miami Marlins.
Edward Cabrera left last night's game between the Cubs and Mets after five innings after he strained his hamstring while covering first base to end the frame. The righty is set to be placed on the IL today, with the extent of the injury to be determined by an MRI. Matthew Boyd is expected to be activated from the IL to start on Thursday, but with today's twin bill, the Cubs will need someone to take Cabrera's spot on Sunday.
Juan Soto left the matchup after four innings when his back locked up. His status for today's pair of games is unclear, with MJ Melendez and Eric Wagaman in line to play for the Mets if Soto remains sidelined.
The Philadelphia Phillies were without Kyle Schwarber for last night's 14-9 road win over the Washington Nationals. The MLB leader in home runs was scratched due to a tight lower back. Edmundo Sosa filled in at DH. Schwarber's status is uncertain for tonight's Game 3 of the four-game set between NL East combatants.
Zack Gelof of the Athletics left last night's game in the bottom of the second inning after Matt Chapman's cleat landed on Gelof's hand when Chapman was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double. After the game, manager Mark Kotsay indicated that Gelof avoided a fracture but suffered lacerations and a contusion. Jeff McNeil replaced him last night, though Max Muncy will also work into the mix if Gelof is forced to miss more time.
Kyle Tucker missed last night's game after exiting Monday's contest early due to lower-back spasms. Following Tuesday's contest, Los Angeles Dodgers manager reported that Tucker will also miss tonight's finale of their interleague set with the Minnesota Twins. Alex Call will likely be in right field tonight when the Dodgers go for the sweep at Target Field.
Nick Lodolo was hit in the wrist by a line drive in the fourth inning of last night's matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. He completed the inning but didn't come out for the fifth. X-rays were negative and the club is hopeful the lefty will be able to make his next start.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Wednesday.
June 23: Tuesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Today's 15-game schedule gets underway early at 4:07 p.m. ET in the Rogers Centre with the Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Houston Astros. The unusual start time is due to a World Cup game at nearby Toronto Stadium. The schedule picks up at 6:40 p.m. ET with a trio of contests. Weather could be a factor for the third straight day, with the matchup at Target Field between the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers in jeopardy due to rain.
Weather permitting, Kendry Rojas will start tonight for the Twins. Joe Ryan was the original starter, but he was scratched yesterday because of an illness. Rojas was activated from the 15-day IL on Sunday, so he's expected to be more than an opener but will be limited to two or three innings. It's unclear when Ryan will make his next start.
If the game is played, the Dodgers may be without catcher Dalton Rushing, who is serving as the primary catcher with Will Smith out for at least another week. Rushing was hit in the mask by a foul ball last night and subsequently removed. He'll be tested for concussion symptoms, with Chuckie Robinson set to fill in if Rushing is unable to play.
Earlier in the same game, Kyle Tucker was forced to leave with lower back spasms. The Dodgers are already short-handed in the outfield with Teoscar Hernandez on the 10-day IL. Alex Call will step in if Tucker misses any action.
Last night's game between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs was washed out and will be made up tomorrow in a split doubleheader at Citi Field. Kodai Senga will start today for the Mets as he was slated to pitch last night. Shota Imanaga was set to take the hill for the Cubs, but he'll now handle one of the contests in tomorrow's twin bill. Edward Cabrera gets the nod for tonight's tilt.
The Cincinnati Reds' lineup is expected to get a big boost for tonight's home date against the Milwaukee Brewers with Elly De La Cruz set to come off the 10-day IL. The star shortstop has been sidelined all month with a right hamstring strain. He appeared in three rehab games for Triple-A Louisville, batting 2-for-8 with a home run.
Jeremy Pena left last night's interleague affair with the Blue Jays in the sixth inning with a right hamstring cramp. After the game, the Astros shortstop indicated he hurt it during a swing and even though he felt better after walking around, the club opted to take the safe route. He doesn't feel it is serious and is not related to the injury suffered earlier in the season. He's considered day-to-day.
