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 13: Carter Jensen deserves roster consideration
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
A top preseason pick for AL Rookie of the Year, the young catcher has started seven of the Kansas City Royals last nine contests and homered three times, continuing to reflect the massive offensive potential he possesses. Jensen’s whiff rate (39.5%) is of concern, especially considering he had a 28.3% strikeout rate while with Triple-A Omaha last season, but if he can keep that in check, he’ll have one of the more complete offensive games of any current backstop.
*For more of Tristan’s waiver-wire suggestions, check out his full article.
April 13: Monday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s 10-game slate kicks off at 4:10 p.m. ET with the Houston Astros attempting to avoid a four-game sweep at T-Mobile Park courtesy of the Seattle Mariners. The remaining nine games are all evening affairs.
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The injuries keep mounting for the Baltimore Orioles, although they received good news regarding Adley Rutschman‘s ankle injury. His MRI indicated that he may not need more than the minimum stay on the IL. On the other hand, Ryan Mountcastle is set to miss some action after being diagnosed with a broken toe. In addition, Tyler O’Neill is out due to a concussion after apparently fainting and banging his head as a result of dehydration caused by an illness. He was placed on the 7-day concussion list yesterday.
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The Astros were without SS Jeremy Pena yesterday as he was rested after experiencing right posterior knee tightness on Saturday. Nick Allen handled shortstop yesterday, but if Pena misses more time, Carlos Correa could slide over from third base with Isaac Paredes manning the hot corner. Sunday was a planned day off for Correa. The club welcomed 1B Christian Walker back to their starting lineup after he didn’t go on Saturday due to a leg issue.
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Nick Pivetta tossed three perfect frames with four strikeouts yesterday but was unable to come out for the fourth inning due to an elbow issue. The San Diego Padres will send Pivetta for evaluation early this week.
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The Texas Rangers were without Wyatt Langford again yesterday as he’s still dealing with a tight right quad. The injury occurred on Friday night and he missed both weekend contests. Ezequiel Duran replaced Langford in left field. His availability for tonight’s road date with the Athletics is unclear.
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J.T. Realmuto was held out of yesterday’s rubber game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The club really missed him, since replacement Rafael Marchan went 0-for-4. Realmuto was scheduled to play, but he fouled a ball off his foot on Saturday and was held out as a precaution. He’s expected to return this evening with the Chicago Cubs in town.
April 12: Sunday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Sunday’s action gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET with a pair of contests, followed by 12 more matinees staggered throughout the afternoon. The final game of the fantasy week features the Atlanta Braves hosting the Cleveland Guardians at 7:20 p.m. ET.
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Jeremy Pena was lifted from Saturday night’s contest with a sore right knee. He reached on a single in the fourth inning, then advanced to third base on a flyout and single but left for a pinch runner. His is uncertain for Sunday as the Houston Astros try to avoid being swept by the Seattle Mariners.
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Brendan Donovan is expected to return to the Mariners’ starting lineup this afternoon. He missed Friday’s contest with an illness and was on the bench to begin Saturday night’s matchup. However, he completed infield drills before the game and appeared late as a pinch hitter.
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The Baltimore Orioles are already without Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday, and now they’ll be without starting catcher Adley Rutschman for at least 10 days after he was placed on the IL with left ankle inflammation. He’s scheduled for imaging Sunday. Samuel Basallo will take over behind the plate, with Maverick Handley summoned from Triple-A Norfolk to be the backup. Basallo has been seeing a lot of time at DH. Ryan Mountcastle would have been a candidate to help fill in, but he’s scheduled for an MRI on his foot after losing his footing halfway to second base and awkwardly reaching for the bag.
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It was a rough day to take the hill for the Milwaukee Brewers, as both starter Kyle Harrison and reliever Brandon Sproat had knee examinations after Saturday’s game. Harrison’s injury occurred as he was covering first base; it’s unclear how Sproat was hurt. More should be known on both Sunday.
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Luis Arraez left Saturday’s game in the fifth inning after being kicked in the hand during the prior frame while making a throw. He has been diagnosed with a right wrist contusion and is questionable for Sunday when the San Diego Padres try to complete a four-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies.
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The Toronto Blue Jays will likely be without George Springer for at least 10 days after he was diagnosed with a fractured left big toe. He fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning but stayed in until the sixth.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks placed starting catcher Gabriel Moreno on the 10-day IL with a sore back. Manager Torey Lovullo indicated that he didn’t expect Moreno to be out for an extended absence. The club has been carrying three catchers, with primary backup James McCann now expected to receive the bulk of the action. Adrian Del Castillo will serve as the No. 2 backstop. He has appeared at DH three times over the past week.
