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 15: What you need to know for Sunday
Todd Zola: Early game alert! The Detroit Tigers host the Cincinnati Reds at 12:05 p.m. ET. The rest of the schedule picks up at 1:35 p.m., culminating with the 7:00 p.m. ESPN affair featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers entertaining the San Francisco Giants.
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Jackson Merrill left last night’s game in the seventh inning after being tagged on the helmet while attempting to steal. After the game, San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt indicated that Merrill was “woozy”, but he was not yet officially in concussion protocol. His availability for today’s road date with the Arizona Diamondbacks is unclear.
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Byron Buxton was hit on the elbow by a pitch. He was replaced in center field by Harrison Bader, but after the game it was reported that Buxton suffered a bruise and it was nothing serious. His status for today when the Minnesota Twins wrap up a road set with the Houston Astros is uncertain. The club also reported that 3B Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring.
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Tyler Mahle was scratched from today’s start and is likely headed to the 15-day IL with shoulder soreness. The Texas Rangers will call up Kumar Rocker to make the start at home against the Chicago White Sox. Rocker recently returned from a six-week stint on the IL due to a sore shoulder. He struggled in his first start back and was optioned to Triple-A El Paso, where he made one start, fanning four batters in four innings. His velocity is normal; he just needs to show he can throw strikes at the major league level.
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The St. Louis Cardinals expect to have Brendan Donovan back in today’s lineup when they try to split their road set with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers prevailed Thursday and Friday with the Cardinals capturing last night’s contest.
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The Rangers will be without OF Evan Carter until Tuesday at the earliest. He’s nursing a sore wrist, resulting from hitting the ground hard after making a diving catch.
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Chris Sale‘s next start will probably be Tuesday when the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. The lefty was initially ticketed to take the hill today at home against the Colorado Rockies, but manager Brian Snitker wants his ace to pitch against the more formidable Mets. Grant Holmes gets the nod today and will face one of the weakest lineups in the league.
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On Thursday, Ryan Pressly collected his first save since April 13, spurring speculation that he regained the Chicago Cubs closer role, especially since Daniel Palencia logged an eighth inning hold. Last night, Pressly worked the seventh inning, preserving a one-run lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Drew Pomeranz followed suit in the eighth inning, then Palencia sealed the deal in the ninth. Manager Craig Counsell appears to be playing matchups.
June 14: What you need to know for Saturday
Todd Zola: Saturday’s first pitch is at 1:05 p.m. ET in Nationals Park where the Miami Marlins visit the Washington Nationals. Afternoon contests comprise most of the slate with only a couple of evening affairs.
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Minnesota Twins SS Royce Lewis strained his left hamstring last night while hustling to first base after lining a single to left field. His status is pending testing. Lewis hit just his second home run of the season in the sixth inning. His 2-for-4 evening gives him a .393/.485/.571 line over his last 11 games. For the season, Lewis is at .202/.282/.303.
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Kansas City Royals 2B Jonathan India injured his shoulder diving for a ball Friday night. He was 0-for-3, snapping a modest four-game hitting streak before leaving in the seventh inning. He is day-to-day, pending further evaluation.
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Texas Rangers OF Evan Carter exited last night’s contest with a wrist injury suffered after making a diving catch. However, after the game manager Bruce Bochy indicated that the injury does not appear serious, though he planned on giving Carter Saturday off, with the hope of being able to return Sunday. Carter was 0-for-2, snapping a four-game streak of collecting multiple hits.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks announced that RP Justin Martinez requires Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. He first had Tommy John surgery in 2021. The club hopes that the 23-year-old righty will return at some point next season. The Diamondbacks also reported that RP A.J. Puk has been shut down from long toss and is scheduled to be examined this weekend. Puk has been recovering from left elbow inflammation. Shelby Miller should handle the bulk of the save chances.
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Aaron Civale requested a trade following his demotion to the bullpen and the Milwaukee Brewers obliged, shipping him to the Chicago White Sox for 1B Andrew Vaughn. Civale is slated to start tomorrow while Vaughn will likely report to Triple-A Nashville since he’s blocked by Rhys Hoskins at first base and Christian Yelich at designated hitter.
