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. 1: Saturday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Today's 15-game schedule starts a little later than on most Saturdays, with the first game not getting underway until 3:07 p.m. ET when the Toronto Blue Jays host the St. Louis Cardinals. Three more matinees ensue about an hour later, and 11 evening games are on the docket.
Kevin Gausman is slated to take the hill for the Blue Jays, but he is reportedly on the trading block. Last night, the Detroit Tigers scratched Casey Mize and the New York Mets scratched Freddy Peralta, as they're also rumored to be on the move by Monday's trade deadline.
While it isn't 100% definite that the Blue Jays will give the ball to Gausman, the Cardinals will definitely send rookie Quinn Mathews to the mound to make his major league debut. The 25-year-old left-hander rekindled his prospect shine with a 3.13 ERA and 1.14 WHIP for Triple-A Memphis, fanning 111 in 92 innings over 10 starts. He averaged fewer than five innings per start due to a bloated 14.0% walk rate.
The Seattle Mariners placed SS J.P. Crawford on the 10-day IL with left wrist inflammation. Rookie Colt Emerson will slide over from third and fill in at shortstop, with Weston Wilson and Leo Rivas handling the hot corner, at least for a few days, with Brendan Donovan set to be activated from the 10-day IL on Tuesday.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could be without 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn, who needed assistance getting off the field Friday night in the ninth inning after hurting his left quad trying to beat out a ground ball. He's set for imaging, at which point his status for tonight's road affair with the Cincinnati Reds should be clarified.
Corey Seager returned to the Texas Rangers' lineup last night, going 2-for-3 with a double, but the club was still crushed 11-2 by the Houston Astros. Seager should return to being the everyday shortstop, though the Rangers are still without 3B Josh Jung.
Washington Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. left last night's game in the seventh inning with a sore right knee. He is day-to-day, with Andres Chaparro standing by to fill in at first if needed. Garcia has already set a career high with 23 home runs and is on trade watch in advance of Monday's deadline.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras left last night's contest in the third inning after he was hit in the back of the helmet by a pitch. He stayed in the game to run the bases but was replaced on defense in the bottom of the frame. He'll likely have to clear concussion protocol before returning to action.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Saturday.
July 31: Friday's news to know
By Todd Zola
The weekend's action gets started at 2:20 p.m. ET in Wrigley Field with the New York Yankees visiting the Chicago Cubs. That is, the storied franchises will meet, weather permitting. Some are forecasting steady rain in the area throughout the afternoon, while others expect it to hold off until early evening. Of the 14 evening affairs, only the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals may have to deal with wet conditions when they get together at Coors Field.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is considered to be day-to-day and is questionable for the matinee. He left last night's game in the 11th inning after drawing an intentional walk. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that Chisholm was experiencing leg cramps and is hopeful that he can play in today's interleague opener.
Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup tonight when they host the Boston Red Sox. Ohtani sat out last night due to lingering knee soreness, but is set to serve as the team's DH and lead off. The Red Sox are slated to start three southpaws this weekend. While Ohtani is still productive facing left-handers, he is more effective with the platoon edge.
Nick Kurtz returned to the Athletics lineup last night, batting in his usual leadoff spot. The slugger was hit in the forearm on Wednesday but was back in action after an MRI showed no damage.
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Shane McClanahan exited last night's start against the Texas Rangers in the fourth inning due to a tight back. The club had relievers warming up heading into the frame and, after he hit the first batter and walked the second, the trainer came out and escorted McClanahan off the field. He ended the contest with a strikeout and two walks over three innings, allowing one run. His status for next week's start at Coors Field against the Rockies is unclear.