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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April 24: Friday's news to know
By Todd Zola
All 14 of today's games are evening affairs. The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres have the day off as they prepare for their two-game series this weekend in Mexico City.
The Chicago Cubs, winners of nine in a row, will likely be without interim closer Caleb Thielbar after he left yesterday's contest with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Three pitches earlier, he had surrendered a game-tying home run on a day when the heat and wind had Wrigley Field playing small. If Thielbar has to miss time, Ben Brown is the top candidate to replace the injured Daniel Palencia, although Phil Maton (sore knee) could be back soon as he's beginning a rehab stint.
The Washington Nationals will reportedly promote Riley Cornelio from Triple-A Rochester. The 25-year-old right-hander isn't a top prospect, but he's off to a strong start in the minors, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP over four starts, spanning 18 1/3 innings. He has struck out 27 with four walks. The velocity on his four-seam fastball is up over 4 mph, and he's using it more. He's likely ticketed for the bullpen, but with Jake Irvin and Miles Mikolas struggling, Cornelio could get a shot in the rotation.
Tanner Scott collected the first save for the Los Angeles Dodgers since Edwin Diaz was placed on the 15-day IL. Scott is expected to share closing duties with fellow southpaw Alex Vesia. Both were equally rested, but it was Scott getting the call after Tyler Glasnow held the San Francisco Giants scoreless for eight stanzas.
The Boston Red Sox were without Roman Anthony for the second straight game last night as they were swept at home by the New York Yankees. Afterwards, Anthony indicated that his sore back was feeling better and that he hopes to return to the lineup tonight when the club opens a road set with the Baltimore Orioles. Anthony will likely be in the three-hole upon his return with Jarren Duran taking over in the leadoff spot.
The Red Sox had been slated to face Dean Kremer tonight, but he was scratched and placed on the 15-day IL due to a strained right quad. Brandon Young was summoned from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the open roster spot and take Kremer's spot in the rotation.
Ronny Mauricio was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse yesterday and is expected to be the primary shortstop for the New York Mets while Francisco Lindor convalesces on the 10-day IL. Lindor is expected to be out until at least mid-May.
Michael Harris II left yesterday's game due to a tight left quad. He appeared to suffer the injury heading into third base during a four-run top of the seventh inning. He was removed with the Atlanta Braves leading the Nationals 6-2, with the move deemed precautionary. Through April 6, Harris was batting .209/.227/.302, but a torrid stretch lifted him to .318/.356/.565. Eli White is the leading candidate to fill in if Harris misses action.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Friday.
April 23: Thursday's news to know
By Todd Zola
The first of today's nine games gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET, with the Washington Nationals hosting the Atlanta Braves. The visitors will send JR Ritchie to the hill for his MLB debut. He's a 23-year-old right-hander off to a solid start with Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 0.99 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over five starts spanning 27 1/3 innings. Like last night's starter Didier Fuentes, he may be sent back to the minors after this spot start, with Spencer Strider set to come off the IL by the end of next week.
The Philadelphia Phillies placed C J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day IL due to back spasms. He initially hurt it last Friday, then left Saturday's game early. The veteran backstop missed the following two games before returning on Tuesday, only to aggravate the issue. Rafael Marchan will take over as the primary receiver, with Garrett Stubbs called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to serve as the backup.
The New York Mets are also dipping into the minors for tonight's starter, with Christian Scott joining the club after posting a 1.74 ERA and an 0.58 WHIP over his last two efforts for Triple-A Syracuse. Juan Soto returned to the Mets lineup last night as the team finally ended its losing streak, but SS Francisco Lindor left early after hurting his calf while scoring a run. He's slated for an MRI today, at which point his status should be clarified.
The Boston Red Sox are set to recall Payton Tolle from Triple-A Worcester to start this evening as they attempt to avoid being swept by the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Tolle is filling in for the injured Sonny Gray and is being brought up after registering a 3.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over three outings, covering 15 frames.
The Texas Rangers placed Wyatt Langford on the 10-day IL with a Grade 1 flexor strain. Ezequiel Duran is expected to fill in, with Alejandro Osuna called up from Triple-A Round Rock to replace Langford on the 26-man roster.