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 22: Updates on Strider and Scherzer
Stephania Bell: Here’s a look at two pitchers who we’ve talked about in this space previously this season. Read more about “how to think like an injury expert” here.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: When is a hamstring strain not just a hamstring strain? When it shows up in a pitcher who just returned from a UCL repair after a year-long absence, that’s when. Strider, who had a solid showing in his first outing in over a year, apparently injured his right hamstring playing catch on Monday afternoon and has been placed on the 15-day IL.
As a right-handed pitcher, his right leg (drive leg) is responsible for generating power that translates through the core and into his throwing arm. Compromise of that leg could result in an increased dependency on the throwing arm for velocity, which could increase stress on Strider’s repair — clearly not an ideal situation. While there has been no word as to the severity of his hamstring injury, the immediate move to the IL indicates the cautious approach the team is taking, which is well-justified in Strider’s particular situation.
Max Scherzer, Toronto Blue Jays: When Scherzer was initially placed on the 15-day IL in late March with thumb inflammation, it seemed evident his stay was likely to be extended, especially given that the problem dated back as far as the 2023 season. A single cortisone shot did not resolve the issue and now Scherzer has received a second one, albeit in a different part of the thumb (per Jays manager John Schneider).
Scherzer did play catch on Monday and said it “felt OK for Day One,” according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. The team is hopeful he will respond well and begin a ramp-up in pitching, but his return is far from imminent. The looming question becomes what if cortisone injections do not represent the entire solution? There has to be some concern that the thumb issue is more complex and could persist, particularly if/when Scherzer gets more aggressive with his throwing.
April 22: What you need to know for Tuesday
Todd Zola: All 15 of today’s games are evening affairs, with action getting underway at 6:10 PM ET when the Cleveland Guardians host the New York Yankees.
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The Yankees expect to have DH Ben Rice back for tonight’s contest. He’s been nursing a sore elbow but hopes to be in the lineup against Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee. The left-handed Rice sports a 1.132 OPS facing righties, albeit in just 55 plate appearances.
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It’s unclear who will take the hill for Atlanta in what appears to be a bullpen game, with recently recalled Michael Petersen and recently acquired Scott Blewett both candidates to handle some of the innings.
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The San Diego Padres placed 1B Luis Arraez on the 7-day IL after he was diagnosed with a concussion following a weekend collision at first base. Gavin Sheets will likely play first base with Oscar Gonzalez handling DH while Arraez is out.
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The Detroit Tigers were without OF Kerry Carpenter last night as he’s nursing a sore hamstring. Carpenter did some light running in the outfield but was ruled out of the contest. The club hopes he can avoid an IL stint, perhaps serving as the team’s DH later this week. Carpenter is off to a .315/.338/.562 start.
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Miami Marlins C Agustin Ramirez made his MLB debut last night, going 2-for-3, including a double, run and a stolen base. He also drew a free pass. Ramirez is one of the top catching prospects in the game and should be considered in leagues requiring two backstops.
April 21: What you need to know for Monday
Todd Zola: Here is one last reminder that the schedule starts early with an 11:10 AM ET first pitch in Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. The remaining seven games are evening affairs beginning at 6:10 PM ET.
