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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Aug. 19: Wednesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
It's a getaway day with five afternoon affairs on today's schedule, beginning at 12:35 p.m. ET and the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Detroit Tigers. The slate concludes with 10 evening contests.
Paul Skenes is set to start for the Pirates. He was initially scheduled to pitch last weekend, but the club opted to give him a few extra days of rest. The righty is in a rare rut, posting a 6.52 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP over his last four outings. He's fanned an impressive 28 over 19 1/3 innings, but he's also issued 11 walks and yielded three homers over that span.
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed closer Edwin Diaz on the 15-day IL as a result of neck inflammation. He's flying back to Los Angeles for further evaluation. Tanner Scott is expected to take over ninth-inning duties. Last night, he recorded a four-out save in the club's 7-6 road win over the Colorado Rockies.
After already having lost Brent Rooker for the season, the Athletics will now be without Tyler Soderstrom for the rest of the year. He was placed on the 10-day IL for a hip impingement on Sunday, but yesterday it was revealed he needs season-ending surgery.
Kevin Gausman logged only 4 1/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs last night. He was forced out of the game due to a cramp in his non-throwing hand. The Cubs don't believe the injury is serious.
Jo Adell left last night's Cleveland Guardians victory over the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning because of a sore left knee. Adell fouled a ball off his leg in the first inning but was able to complete most of the game. He's set for testing today, after which his status will be clarified.
The Boston Red Sox will be without Masataka Yoshida for an extended period of time, possibly even the rest of the regular season. He's been diagnosed with a left hamstring sprain. Reinforcements could be on the way with Trevor Story expected to be activated by the weekend, and Roman Anthony possibly returning early next week.
The Rockies finally placed Hunter Goodman on the 10-day IL due to shoulder inflammation. He last took the field on August 12. Braxton Fulford was summoned from Triple-A Albuquerque to share catching duties with Brett Sullivan.
The Atlanta Braves are recalling AJ Smith-Shawver to start this afternoon's matchup with the Minnesota Twins. Smith-Shawver is expected to remain in the majors after today, with the club moving to a six-man rotation. He started one game for the Braves in late July, then was sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett. He made two August starts on the farm, fanning 13 batters over 11 frames.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Wednesday.
Aug. 18: Tuesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Tonight's packed 15-game slate gets underway at 6:35 p.m. ET with the New York Yankees visiting the Baltimore Orioles. The weather is encouraging everywhere but the Windy City, which might well up being be "The Rainy City" when the Chicago White Sox head north to take on the Chicago Cubs.
The Yankees placed Max Fried on the 10-day IL due to a bone bruise on his left elbow. It's the second time this season he has been sidelined by the issue. The first time cost him two months, but no timetable has been set for this occurrence. He was scheduled to take the hill Wednesday night, but with Carlos Rodon set to come off the IL tonight, Will Warren will likely start tomorrow. Rodon will essentially replace Fried in the Yankees' rotation. Rodon has been out since June 28 with his own left elbow inflammation. He'll likely be on a pitch count tonight.
Ketel Marte missed last night's game while dealing with an undisclosed personal issue. The Arizona Diamondbacks were vague in their explanation and waited until the last minute to announce Monday night's lineup, adding a layer of cloudiness to the situation. Marte was placed on the restricted list.
Not only was Marte not in the lineup, but Nolan Arenado also missed last night's road game with the Boston Red Sox after an MRI revealed a minor issue in his left intercostal. He was reportedly available off the bench, suggesting the injury isn't serious. The Diamondbacks did welcome back Jordan Lawlar after he had missed two months as a result of a hamstring issue. Lawlar played center field in his return.
The Kansas City Royals lineup received a major boost last night with both Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia getting reinstated from the injured list. Pasquantino missed three weeks after experiencing residual soreness from hamate surgery conducted earlier in the season. Garcia had been out with a muscle strain in his left hand.
Hunter Goodman was in the initial Colorado Rockies lineup, but he was ultimately scratched and missed his fourth straight game with left shoulder inflammation. He remains day-to-day in advance of tonight's home game with the Los Angeles Dodgers.