For some additional context, look at everything that happens in and around MLB fantasy baseball Perspective. From lineup changes to minor league call-ups to injuries and more, the news cycle will constantly impact player values in fantasy baseball.
Our Fantasy Baseball Buzz File with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers aims to provide fantasy managers with the information they need during news breaks around MLB.
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March 27: Friday morning news to know
by Todd Zola
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Fridays typically have a full slate, but during this opening week, when weather could have been an issue, the league’s schedule makers left the day open – just in case opening day needed to be postponed to tomorrow. By the way, there are only eight games, with the first game scheduled for 4:35 pm ET san francisco giants Also focus on equating their series against New York Yankees. The remaining seven games are under lights.
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pavin smith Scratched due to elbow soreness ahead of last night’s NL West affair Arizona Diamondbacks And los angeles dodgers. Tim Tawa Served as the team’s DH. Smith is scheduled to have an MRI today.
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with kyle stowers And Estuary Ruiz Both are starting the season on IL miami marlins Put signature on austin slater 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 at lefty kyle freeland gets colorado rockies‘Approval of opening day in South Beach.
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In addition to the Rockies and Marlins, Friday marks “Inauguration Day” kansas city royals And atlanta braves in Atlanta, as well Exercise And toronto blue jays in Toronto.
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it appears that cleveland patron Manager Stephan Vogt will rely on the matchup and choose between CJ Kayfus, Daniel Schneemann And angel martinez For an outfield spot. Kaifas and Schneemann are lefties while Martínez is a switch-hitter, so he will likely face left-handed hitters. Last night, Schneemann got the start, but when Martínez replaced him seattle mariners A left-handed reliever was brought in.
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with jeremy pena Start of season at Houston Astros‘ Active roster, it was assumed he was ready to play in tomorrow’s opener Los Angeles Angels. However, it turned out that he was not extremely Ready for game action. Nevertheless, the club apparently felt it would not take much longer and did not feel the need to place him on the IL. Pena received a live at-bat yesterday at their affiliate, Triple-A Sugar Land, and is listed as day-to-day. If he is unable to play tonight, carlos correa Will handle shortstop again, with Isaac Paredes Managing a hot corner.
26 March: jackson chourio To start season on IL
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
milwaukee brewers The 2026 season will start shorthanded. Chourio, who was hit by a pitch in a World Baseball Classic game on March 4, was 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 will be without their leadoff man, a 20/20 player, in both 2024 and 2025.
Fantasy managers should remain patient with Chourio during his absence, with the hope that he will return to action sometime around April 16, but his IL placement opens up opportunities for other Brewers players. sal freelickThe team’s usual right fielder, leading statistics in the short term, boosts his count-numbers ability (especially runs scored). Christian YelichWho might otherwise have been ticketed for DH duty should now see some starts in the outfield, giving him a chance to quickly gain eligibility there (he’ll need 10 games there to qualify).
Garrett Mitchell And jake bauers Chourio should also see an increase in playing time while sidelined, which should help his fantasy appeal in 15-plus-team mixed and NL-only leagues. Mitchell’s plate discipline and speed make him an ideal pickup, at least in point leagues of that depth.
It won’t be easy to replace Chourio’s production in a standard rotisserie league, as not many players have his power/speed ability. Fortunately, at this stage of the season, there are plenty of upside-oriented outfielders to consider as short-term pickups, some of whom may develop into players you’ll want to keep. consider adding Lawrence Butler And Brenton DoyleIf you are trying to reflect the statistical output of Chourio. If the power is more than you need, jack caglianone And addison barger Worth your time. If this is the speed you need, jose caballero And chandler simpson Warrant Pickup.
March 26: Thursday morning roster news
by Todd Zola
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There are 11 games on the docket, starting at 1:15 p.m. ET Paul Skenes and this pittsburgh pirates Take freddy peralta and this New York Mets At Citi Field. with New York Yankees And san francisco giants Heading into the season on Wednesday night, there are still six teams that won’t play their first game until Friday.
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The only game that can be affected by the weather is in the Windy City where chicago cubs ready to host Washington Nationals 2:20 pm ET. There is a possibility of rain, although it is likely to hold off until the later innings. Strong wind is expected at times.
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Leo Rivas when at shortstop seattle mariners enjoy the cleveland patron. JP Crawford Will begin the season on the 10-day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. He received a cortisone injection last week but is not ready for action. There were some murmurs that were newbie colt emerson Could have filled in, but the Mariners opted to go with Rivas and sent the youngster back to the minors to give him some more seasoning.
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Emerson may have to wait for his first MLB action, but three other top prospects will debut. carson benz Will be in right field for the Mets. His first innings will likely be against Skanes. Welcome to the show, kid! kevin mcgonigalOne of the top prospects in baseball will start at shortstop detroit tigers are on the road against San Diego Padres. JJ Weatherholt Will be the starting second baseman and potential leadoff hitter for St. Louis Cardinals in the opener against tampa bay rays.
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jeremy penaHis Opening Day appearance was in jeopardy after he fractured his fingers during fielding practice for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but he has been cleared and will be in the lineup when Houston Astros welcome Los Angeles Angels For their opener at Daikin Park.
