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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 22: Wednesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
A pair of Tuesday rainouts add two games to today's slate. The first of 17 games gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET when the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates open their doubleheader in the Bronx. Thirty minutes later, the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles kick off their twin bill at Fenway Park. Six matinees ensue, followed by nine evening games.
- Gerrit Cole and Max Fried are slated to take the hill for the Yankees. Will Warren was scheduled to pitch Tuesday, but the return of Fried from the IL pushes Warren to Friday. Fried is expected to be on a pitch count in his first start since suffering a bone bruise in May. The Pirates will counter with Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler.
- The Red Sox will give the ball to Jake Bennett in their opener, with the nightcap's starter undetermined as the club waits on the status of Ranger Suarez. The Orioles have Dean Kremer and Kyle Bradish lined up to face the Red Sox.
- The St. Louis Cardinals will reportedly call up Hunter Dobbins to start against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. The Cardinals play 20 straight games to open the second half, so calling up Dobbins gives the regular rotation some extra rest and they possibly could revert to a six-man rotation through this busy stretch.
- Bobby Witt Jr. is still experiencing lingering back pain, so he sat out Tuesday's tilt between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants. The star shortstop missed Sunday's game but did play Monday, though he left that game early. He's questionable for this afternoon's game, with the Royals going for the sweep.
- Colson Montgomery was initially in the Chicago White Sox lineup, but he was a late scratch due to residual soreness after fouling a ball off his shin on Monday night. Luisangel Acuna filled in at shortstop and is in line for more action until Montgomery returns to the lineup.
- Josh Jung exited last night's game in the third inning due to a tight left calf. He's expected to undergo testing today and is questionable for tonight's matchup between the White Sox and Texas Rangers in Arlington.
- Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Wednesday.
July 21: Tuesday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Weather continues to be an issue for tonight's 15-game slate, beginning with the first two games, both scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Storms are expected when the Cleveland Guardians host the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies entertain the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two more games are in jeopardy about 30 minutes later when the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles meet in Fenway Park and the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates tangle in the Bronx.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks called up Kohl Drake to fortify their injury-riddled starting rotation. He will take the hill in the desert against the Athletics. He was sporting an unsightly 6.92 ERA and 1.65 WHIP for Triple-A Reno, but the club is running out of options with Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson all on the IL. Corbin Burnes has also been out all season, but has begun ramping up his activity hoping for a September return. He experienced a setback in June while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
- It's uncertain whether Corbin Carroll will be in the lineup for Drake's MLB debut. The outfielder was held out of last night's game after having hyperextended his elbow over the weekend. The club does not consider the injury to be serious. Jorge Barrosa will handle right field in the interim.
- Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel left last night's contest in the second inning after hurting his knee on a play at the plate. It was a non-contact injury as a cleat on Teel's left shoe got caught in the dirt when he spun trying to apply the tag. He was helped off the field and was seen on crutches after the game. His status isn't clear, but Edgar Quero was called up to fortify the team's backstop corps.
- Colson Montgomery was also removed from last night's White Sox game, in his case after fouling a ball off his leg in the top of the seventh inning. He completed the at-bat but was replaced at shortstop by Luisangel Acuna in the bottom of the frame. Montgomery was diagnosed with a bruised shin and is considered to be day-to-day. The second-year slugger has 24 homers in 95 games, ninth most in MLB.
- Julio Rodriguez was removed from last night's game in the sixth, one inning after being hit by a throw while hustling to first base. Rodriguez reached for the back of his left leg after crossing the bag. Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson indicated that the exit was precautionary and that the club doesn't feel the issue is serious. Rodriguez was playing his third game since returning from the 7-day IL after missing two weeks while in the league's concussion protocol.
