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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Thursday’s lineup advice | 10-day hitting forecaster
July 24: What you need to know for Thursday
Todd Zola: You knew after a rare full Monday slate that Thursday’s schedule would be light. There is but one afternoon affair and four contests under the lights. The first of the five games gets underway at 1:10 p.m. ET with the Cleveland Guardians going for the four-game sweep at home against the Baltimore Orioles.
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The Orioles hope to have Tyler O’Neill back in their lineup when they try to salvage the final game against the Guardians. O’Neill has missed the last two games due to lower body soreness. It’s been a disappointing season for the veteran outfielder as he’s played in only 33 games, producing a weak .177/.264/.583 line.
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Jordan Walker is riding a modest five-game hitting streak, over which he’s batting .400/.429/.600 with a palatable 23.8% strikeout rate. Over 53% of his contact has been over 95 mph in this span. With Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman both sidelined, Walker has been in the St. Louis Cardinals lineup every day since the break. If he continues to hit the ball more frequently and with greater authority, he could be a regular for the rest of the second half.
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With Zack Gelof having been optioned to the minors before the break and Max Muncy placed on the IL with a hand injury, Luis Urias is earmarked for regular playing time at second base for the Athletics. In other club news, while Denzel Clarke is on the IL, Lawrence Butler will slide over to center field with Miguel Andujar and Colby Thomas handling right. Gio Urshela will also see more playing at the hot corner with Andujar in the outfield.
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The Houston Astros will reportedly summon Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land to start today’s opener of a four-game series at home against the Athletics. Lance McCullers Jr. was initially slated to take the hill, but he was placed on the 15-day IL as a result of a blister. Alexander recorded a seemingly pristine 1.69 ERA in 42 2/3 innings with the Space Cowboys, but the 32-year-old righty fanned only 36 while walking a generous 21 batters.
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Jorge Soler had to leave last night’s contest in the third inning after a flare-up of back tightness. The Los Angeles Angels were giving Soler frequent rest since his activation from the IL on July 1 and he has responded, with a productive .268/.367/.610 over his last 14 games. Soler’s status for tonight’s home tilt with the Seattle Mariners is unclear.
July 23: What you need to know for Wednesday
Todd Zola: Day baseball is back with the Washington Nationals and Cincinnati Reds getting things started on Wednesday in Nationals Park at 12:05 p.m. ET. Nine more matinees follow, leaving only five games for the evening docket.
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One down, 19 to go. Rafael Devers has begun the transition to first base and would earn eligibility at the position for next season if he can play 20 games there. Of course, the San Francisco Giants slugger qualifies at third base this season, but prior to last night he had yet to play anywhere but DH in 2025. It will definitely help his fantasy appeal if he doesn’t enter 2026 as UT-only.
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The Detroit Tigers are calling up Troy Melton to make his MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Steel City. The 24-year-old righty has split the season between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. In five starts with the Mudhens, Melton posted a 2.72 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP, with 56 strikeouts and just nine walks over 36 1/3 innings.
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Max Fried will make his first start since the break. He missed the All-Star game due to a blister but was able to complete a bullpen session over the weekend, so he’s been given the green light to return to action when the New York Yankees visit the Toronto Blue Jays in a key AL East matchup.
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Zach Eflin is earmarked to make his first major league start since June 28 tonight when the Baltimore Orioles visit the Cleveland Guardians. The veteran righty was sidelined with a soreness in his lower back. He made two rehab starts — the last coming on July 18 when he tossed just 68 pitches, so he’s not likely to go more than five frames tonight.
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The Los Angeles Angels will send a parade of relievers to the Citi Field hill in their afternoon affair with the New York Mets. Brock Burke will start but is likely to throw only one inning. The Angels don’t have anyone equipped to serve as the primary pitcher, with Carson Fulmer the best option to throw multiple frames. However, he tossed an inning last Saturday and Sunday, so he’ll be limited.
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The Athletics placed their Max Muncy on the 10-day IL with a bruised hand. He was hit by a pitch on Monday, but despite negative X-rays, the rookie will be sidelined for at least 10 days. Muncy began the season in the majors but was demoted after batting just .176/.211/.279 over 21 games. Since being recalled in early June, Muncy has posted a still weak but improved .235/.282/.439 line, albeit with eight homers.
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Initially, the Atlanta Braves planned on activating Austin Riley from the 10-day IL in advance of last night’s contest, but they decided not to rush things and will now wait until the weekend. Nacho Alvarez Jr. remains the substitute at the hot corner.