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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Friday’s lineup advice | 10-day hitting forecaster
July 18: What you need to know for Friday
Todd Zola: The regular season revs back up today with a classic matchup opening the card. The Boston Red Sox visit historic Wrigley Field for a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs, beginning at 2:20 p.m. ET. A temperate 71 degrees with wind blowing slightly in could help keep a pair of potent lineups in check. A handful of the nighttime affairs may be a little wet but the only game in jeopardy is the Washington Nationals hosting the San Diego Padres at 6:45 p.m. ET.
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The anticipation is that Eugenio Suarez will be able to play today after being hit in the hand during the All-Star game. The third baseman is rumored to be on the trade block, so not missing any action will help the Arizona Diamondbacks maximize their return. Suarez is second in the National League (fourth overall) with 31 homers.
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The Texas Rangers will be without Jake Burger until at least July 23 as he was placed on the 10-day IL, backdated to July 13. The corner infielder is nursing a left quad strain. The club signed Rowdy Tellez to help fill the void against right-handers.
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Sal Frelick‘s status for tonight’s game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine is unclear. He incurred a Grade 1 left hamstring strain last Sunday. Frelick is quietly enjoying his best season, batting .294/.354/.414 with 17 steals, which checks in at No. 21 among outfielders on the ESPN Player Rater.
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The Red Sox indicated that Ceddanne Rafaela will play some games at second base going forward, allowing them to go with Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu across the outfield and Masataka Yoshida at DH. Rafaela already has seen two games at the keystone, but it’s still unlikely that he’ll pick up another 18 in order to give him 2B eligibility (along with OF) next season. Eight more game there, though, and he’ll gain eligibility at second for the remainder of this season. Rafaela already qualifies at shortstop from his play there last season.