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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June 6: What you need to know for Friday
Todd Zola: Action gets underway early today with the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Miami Marlins at 1:10 p.m. ET. The remaining 14 games are all evening affairs.
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Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is slated to come off the 10-day IL in advance of tonight’s opener of a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez last pitched on May 14, then missed time due to shoulder inflammation. He was off to a rough start with a 7.05 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP in nine starts spanning 44 2/3 innings. Rodriguez is filling the rotation spot vacated by Corbin Burnes, who is seeking a second opinion on his sore right elbow.
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St. Louis Cardinals SP Matthew Liberatore managed only four frames in last night’s nightcap with the Kansas City Royals. The lefty came out for the fifth but signaled towards the dugout and left the game with the trainer. Liberatore was diagnosed with arm fatigue, though no timeline for his next start was reported.
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Shea Langeliers left last night’s contest during an at bat as he reportedly hurt his left flank while swinging. He’s scheduled for an MRI today. Langeliers was serving as the DH for the Athletics last night with recent callup Willie MacIver behind the plate. MacIver could be in line for more starts going forward if Langeliers is forced to miss time. MacIver posted a .393/.472/.557 line for Triple-A Las Vegas prior to his late May promotion. The production is impressive, but realize he’s 28-years-old and was playing in one of the best hitting environments in the minor leagues.
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The New York Mets were without Francisco Lindor last night after he was diagnosed with a broken right pinky toe. The shortstop was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday’s contest but stayed in for the rest of the game. Lindor’s availability will be on a day-to-day basis and revolve around his pain tolerance.
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Luis Robert Jr missed his third straight game last night. The first two were planned maintenance days to help him “snap out of his funk” but last night was due to a ball deflecting off the cage and hitting him in the head during batting practice. Roberts is expected to return tonight when the Chicago White Sox host the Royals. However, Roberts’ main asset is stolen bases, and the Royals are far and away the best team at defending the running game. Teams have tried only 18 steals facing the Royals, with only nine successful stolen bases.
June 5: What you need to know for Thursday
Todd Zola: Wednesday’s rainout in St. Louis makes it a baker’s dozen games for today, beginning at 12:15 p.m. ET with the Atlanta Braves hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. While a couple of the 13 games may see a sprinkle or two, they are all supposed to play without a hitch.
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Minnesota Twins SP Pablo Lopez is estimated to miss 8-12 weeks with a Grade 2 teres major strain (upper arm). He was off to a solid start, recording a 2.82 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 11 starts spanning 60 2/3 innings. David Festa will replace Lopez in the rotation, as he’s being called up to start Thursday’s matinee with the Twins going for the sweep of their series with the Athletics in Sacramento.
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The Twins offense might be short-handed after Carlos Correa missed last night’s contest with a tight back. He was replaced by Brooks Lee. Correa is considered day-to-day.
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San Diego Padres SS Xander Bogaerts left last night’s game with a sore left shoulder. His status is unclear for the finale of a four-game road set with the San Francisco Giants. The Padres enter Thursday’s matinee having won two of the first three games of the NL West showdown. If Bogaerts is out, Jose Iglesias is the likely substitute.
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Kyle Tucker is questionable for Thursday’s rubber game of the Chicago Cubs’ road series with the Washington Nationals. Tucker missed the first two games after jamming his finger on Sunday. Seiya Suzuki took over in right field with Justin Turner serving as the DH in the first two games of the series. Tucker is No. 6 overall on the ESPN Player Rater.
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Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto was forced from Wednesday night’s game after taking a foul tip to the groin area. His status for Thursday afternoon’s rubber game of the three-game interleague series in Rogers Centre with the Toronto Blue Jays is unclear. Rafael Marchan would fill in behind the plate If Realmuto needs more time to recover.
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