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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July 12: Sunday morning's news to know
By Todd Zola
The final day before the break has all 30 teams in action, with 15 afternoon affairs. Action gets underway at 12:15 p.m. ET with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jacob Misiorowski was initially scheduled to square off with Paul Skenes in today's opening contest, but the Brewers ace felt fatigued heading into the weekend, so the club will use this opportunity to give the righty extended rest. He'll attend the All-Star festivities but not participate, and likely take the hill when the Brewers host the Miami Marlins next weekend. Robert Gasser will oppose Skenes and could remain in the rotation after the break, with Kyle Harrison being placed on the 15-day IL with left forearm tightness.
Jacob deGrom was also slated to make one more start before the break, but the Texas Rangers scratched him after he was diagnosed with a mild left glute strain. MacKenzie Gore will make the start on three days of rest in the rubber game of the Rangers' weekend set with the Houston Astros.
Zac Gallen has also been scratched from today's start after reporting an inflamed right elbow. He's set for more tests today and could be headed for the 15-day IL. Mitch Bratt is set to replace Gallen when the Arizona Diamondbacks go for a three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.
The Atlanta Braves placed Mike Yastrzemski on the 10-day IL with left elbow inflammation. The 35-year-old outfielder has been serving on the strong side of a left field platoon. In his absence, Eli White and Brewer Hicklen should see increased playing time.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Sunday.
July 11: Saturday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Last night's rainout between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers in the Steel City will be made up today as part of a split doubleheader. Festivities begin at 12:05 p.m. ET. The forecast for the twin bill is encouraging, but weather could be an issue when the St. Louis Cardinals host the Athletics, the Washington Nationals entertain the New York Yankees, and the Chicago Cubs visit the Cincinnati Reds.
Even though both scheduled starting pitchers for last night's Brewers-Pirates game had warmed up prior to the game being postponed, both have been announced to take the hill today, so Brandon Sproat will start for Milwaukee and be opposed by Pittsburgh's Braxton Ashcraft.
Shohei Ohtani was scratched from pitching in last night's contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, but he served as the designated hitter and led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Ohtani will skip the All-Star Game to tend to his lingering knee soreness.
Nick Kurtz was placed on the 10-day IL with a right thumb capsule strain. He left Wednesday's game, though it was thought to be due to the illness running through the Athletics' clubhouse. However, Friday it was revealed that Kurtz injured his hand while catching a throw. An IL stint will cost Kurtz his All-Star appearance and open playing time for Joey Meneses.
Jeremy Pena returned to the Houston Astros' lineup last night after missing just over the minimum 10 days on the injured list because of a strained left calf. Nick Allen will return to a reserve role, and Braden Shewmake was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Pena.
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler missed his second consecutive game last night after his thumb was hit by a foul ball Wednesday. Jake Rogers has filled in behind the plate, with Eduardo Valencia called up to serve as the backup. Dingler is considered day-to-day, but the fact that the Tigers called up a third catcher suggests Dingler could be sidelined through the weekend.
The Chicago White Sox offense received a boost Friday with Munetaka Murakami coming off the 10-day IL and returning to first base. He went 1-for-5 with a double in the club's 14-1 win over the Athletics. Murakami was also named as the American League's fourth participant in Monday's Home Run Derby.
July 10: Friday's news to know
By Todd Zola
The final weekend prior to the All-Star break gets going with a full 15-game evening slate, beginning at 6:40 p.m. ET with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. This is one of several contests that may have to deal with rain. Others are the New York Mets hosting the Boston Red Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals entertaining the Atlanta Braves, and the Chicago Cubs visiting the Cincinnati Reds.
The White Sox expect to have Munetaka Murakami back in their lineup tonight. The slugger has been sidelined since May 30 due to a Grade 2 hamstring sprain. Over the first 57 games of his MLB career, Murakami clubbed 20 homers, though he also fanned at a 32.5% clip.
Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled pitching start Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of irritation in his left knee. Ohtani will still serve as the Dodgers' DH for their weekend series, but he won't participate in the All-Star Game.
Zack Gelof left last night's game in the third inning after sliding into the wall in foul territory down the left field line. His right knee crashed into the solid metal post where the short fence protecting the fans meets the wall. His status for tonight (when the Athletics visit the Chicago White Sox) is unclear. Gelof ranks 91st on the ESPN Player Rater, and he's eligible at 2B, 3B and OF.
The Miami Marlins will be without Owen Caissie for at least two weeks and perhaps for as much as a month after placing him on the 10-day IL due to a mild right calf strain. He suffered the injury on Wednesday. Heriberto Hernandez, Rece Hinds, and Esteury Ruiz will all vie for more playing time while Caissie is sidelined.
The Texas Rangers welcomed back two starters to their lineup last night with Josh Jung returning after missing three games thanks to a sore knee and Wyatt Langford coming off the 10-day IL after being out for almost two weeks due to a sore hamstring. The pair have been the club's two most productive players among those with at least 175 plate appearances. Josh Smith was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to clear a spot for Langford.
The Mets placed Mark Vientos on the 10-day IL with a broken right hand, suffered when he was hit by a pitch on Thursday. It's been an uneven first half for Vientos, at times serving as the everyday first baseman, but recently relegated to the short side of a platoon. Eric Wagaman is in line to fill in against left-handers, with Jorge Polanco a possibility after the break. Polanco is currently serving as the Mets' DH, but Luis Robert Jr. is expected to return when games resume next week, freeing up Polanco to play defense.
The Red Sox will be without Willson Contreras for the three-game set with the Mets and then the first game of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays after the break. His pending seven-game suspension was reduced by two games. Romy Gonzalez and Brett Harris are expected to fill in at first base. Contreras was set to miss yesterday's matinee due to a sore foot, so he simply began serving the suspension.
The Kansas City Royals are hopeful that Vinnie Pasquantino returns from the 10-day IL tonight and plays against the Baltimore Orioles as the clubs open a weekend series in Camden Yards. Pasquantino has been out for almost a month following right hamate bone surgery.