Everything that happens in and around MLB has some additional context when viewed from a 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.
Key links: | |
|
By Todd Zola
Friday usually features a full slate, but during this opening week, when weather could have been be an issue, the league’s schedule-makers left the day open — just in case yesterday’s Opening Day needed to be postponed. As such, there are only eight games, with the first scheduled for 4:35 p.m. ET when the look to even their series against the . The remaining seven games are under the lights.
was scratched due to elbow soreness before last night’s NL West affair between the and . served as the team’s DH. Smith is scheduled for an MRI today.
With and both starting the season on the IL, the signed for outfield depth and to serve as a right-handed complement to their largely left-handed outfield/DH pool. Slater will likely be in the lineup this evening when lefty gets the ‘ Opening Day nod in South Beach.
In addition to the Rockies and Marlins, Friday marks “Opening Day” for the and in Atlanta, as well as the and in Toronto.
It appears that manager Stephen Vogt will rely on matchups and choose between , and for an outfield spot. Kayfus and Schneemann are lefties while Martinez is a switch-hitter, so he’ll likely face left-handers. Last night, Schneemann collected the start, but was replaced by Martinez when the brought in a left-handed reliever.
With beginning the season on the ‘ active roster, it was assumed that he was set to play in yesterday’s opener against the . However, it turns out that he wasn’t quite ready for game action. Still, the club clearly felt it won’t be long and did not feel the need to place him on the IL. Pena spent yesterday getting live at-bats at their affiliate, Triple-A Sugar Land and is listed as day-to-day. If he’s unable to play tonight, will again handle shortstop, with manning the hot corner.
Be sure to check out the latest as well as the for Friday.
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
The will start the 2026 season shorthanded. Chourio, who was hit by a pitch in a March 4 World Baseball Classic game, has been diagnosed with a small hairline fracture and will miss the first 2-4 weeks of the season. The Brewers unexpectedly placed him on the 10-day IL on Thursday, meaning they’ll be without their leadoff man, a 20/20 player in both 2024 and 2025.
Chourio’s fantasy managers should remain patient through his absence, with the hopes that he’ll be back in action sometime around April 16, but his IL placement opens up opportunities for other Brewers players. , the team’s usual right fielder, figures to lead off in the short term, boosting his counting-number potential (runs scored especially). , who might otherwise have been ticketed for DH duty, should now see some starts in the outfield, giving him a chance to capture eligibility there quickly (he’ll need 10 games there to qualify).
and should also see an uptick in playing time while Chourio is sidelined, helping their fantasy appeal in 15-plus-team mixed and NL-only leagues. Mitchell’s plate discipline and speed make him an ideal pickup in points leagues of at least that depth.
Replacing Chourio’s production in standard rotisserie leagues won’t be easy, as not many players possess his power/speed ability. Fortunately, at this stage of the season, there are a multitude of upside-oriented outfielders to consider as short-term pickups, some of which might develop into players you’ll want to keep around. Consider adding and , if you’re attempting to mirror Chourio’s statistical output. If power is more of what you need, and are worth your while. If it’s speed that you need, and warrant pickups.
By Todd Zola
There are 11 games on the docket, beginning at 1:15 p.m. ET when and the take on and the at Citi Field. With the and opening the season Wednesday night, there are still six teams that won’t play their first game until Friday.
The only game that might be affected by weather is in the Windy City where the are set to host the at 2:20 p.m. ET. Rain is expected, although it will likely hold off until the later innings. The wind is forecast to be blowing in, with occasional gusts.
will be at shortstop when the entertain the . will open the season on the 10-day IL due to lingering right shoulder inflammation. He received a cortisone injection last week but isn’t ready for action. There were some murmurs that rookie might fill in, but the Mariners opted to go with Rivas and sent the youngster back to the minors for some more seasoning.
Emerson might have to wait for his first MLB action, but three other top prospects will debut. will be in right field for the Mets. His first at-bat will likely be against Skenes. Welcome to The Show, kid! , one of the top prospects in baseball will start at shortstop for the on the road against the . will be the starting second baseman and likely leadoff hitter for the in the opener against the .
‘s Opening Day was put in jeopardy after he fractured his fingertip during fielding practice for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but he has been cleared and will be in the lineup when the welcome the to Daikin Park for their opener.
