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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August 12: Wednesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
After two days of exclusively night games, day baseball returns today with six matinees, beginning at 1:40 p.m. ET and the Minnesota Twins entertaining the Baltimore Orioles. Nine evening affairs wrap up Wednesday's slate.
The Milwaukee Brewers were already playing shorthanded in the infield with Cooper Pratt on the 10-day IL and Joey Ortiz missing three straight games due to a stiff upper back. Now, they may also be without Brice Turang. The star middle infielder sprained his thumb last night and, even though he finished the game, his status for today is unclear. Catcher William Contreras was hit on the arm by a backswing, but he stayed in the game. His availability for tonight's road game is unclear as the San Diego Padres go for the sweep.
The Washington Nationals have an open rotation spot after releasing Zack Littell. They are filling it by promoting Jackson Kent from Triple-A Rochester to start tonight's home matchup with the Chicago Cubs. The 23-year-old left-hander began the season with Double-A Harrisburg before advancing up a level. He logged 63 2/3 Triple-A innings, posting a 4.28 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP with 67 strikeouts.
Jose Altuve was lifted from last night's game after being hit in the foot by a pitch in the top of the first inning. He played defense in the bottom of the frame but was unable to take the field in the bottom of the second. Nick Allen replaced him at the keystone. Altuve's initial diagnosis was a contusion and he's listed as "day-to-day" ahead of the Houston Astros' afternoon road affair with the San Francisco Giants.
Riley Greene was hit in the leg by a pitch in the second inning. He stayed in to run the bases (and scored) but remained on the bench in the third inning with Ben Malgeri taking over in left field. Greene is day-to-day, pending further evaluation.
The Colorado Rockies called up top prospect Zac Veen from Triple-A Albuquerque yesterday. The 24-year-old outfielder spent 12 games with the club last season and impressed this past spring, but he was optioned to the farm for more seasoning. He earned the call thanks to a .327/.402/.635 line, albeit in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Jake McCarthy and Cole Carrigg are locks in left and center field, so Veen will likely share right field with Jordan Beck and Troy Johnston. Edouard Julien was designated for assignment to clear the roster spot.
The Miami Marlins will be without Kyle Stowers for at least 10 days after he was placed on the IL as a result of a strained left hamstring. The left-handed bat has been playing mostly first base, with a recent hot streak elevating him to the leadoff spot. Over his last 19 games, Stowers has hit .292/.378/.556. Agustin Ramirez, Griffin Conine, and Graham Pauley will likely share first base while Stowers is sidelined.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Wednesday.
August 11: Tuesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
As usual, Tuesday's slate consists of 15 games under the lights, with a pair of contests getting started at 6:40 p.m. ET. This is the time of the season where the heat and humidity often result in pop-up showers without much warning. The likeliest places tonight where a delay could occur are in Detroit, Atlanta and the Bronx. However, none of those games are in jeopardy of being postponed.
Blake Snell is slated to make only his second start of the season tonight when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals. Snell has been out since May 9 after undergoing a NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies. He completed four rehab outings, throwing 73 pitches in the final one, so he should not be under any pitch limit.
The Boston Red Sox are expected to activate Adley Rutschman prior to tonight's road affair with the Toronto Blue Jays. He worked out with the club yesterday, which included catching for Patrick Sandoval, tonight's starter. It's unclear if the club will carry three catchers or have to choose between Connor Wong and Jake Rogers as the backup. Rutschman could also serve as the DH for a few games, delaying that decision.
The New York Mets placed closer Devin Williams on the 10-day IL due to a shoulder strain. The club has not announced a timetable for his return, nor an official interim closer. Last night, Kodai Senga collected the save with a scoreless ninth inning, sealing the 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves. Daniel Duarte is also likely to be in the mix.
The Arizona Diamondbacks took Geraldo Perdomo out of last night's game in the fifth inning due to a sore left knee. The move was deemed precautionary, though he will likely miss tonight's home matchup with the Colorado Rockies, with Ildemaro Vargas playing shortstop. In other team news, former closer Paul Sewald was designated for assignment. He had logged 24 saves before hitting the skids.
Nick Lodolo is set to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds rotation tonight for their road date with the Chicago White Sox. Lodolo has been out since July 11 as a result of a recurring blister issue. While he was sidelined, Lodolo worked on a new grip for his curveball, hopefully to prevent the blister from reforming.