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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Todd Zola: The final series for all MLB teams begins today, with several playoff questions still needing to be answered. The wild cards are still unsettled, as are both the AL Central and AL East crowns, though the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have both clinched postseason berths. The Boston Red Sox can clinch a playoff spot today, with a win over the Detroit Tigers or a Houston Astros loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Cleveland Guardians can lock in more baseball with a win over the Texas Rangers and an Astros loss.
The Astros also need to win out if they are to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They stayed in the mix yesterday by beating the Athletics, but they did so without Jeremy Pena, who missed his fourth straight game. Imaging showed that Pena is nursing a strained left oblique and is questionable to play again this season.
The Baltimore Orioles are playing out the string, but they have a weekend series with the Yankees, which will help decide the AL East. Jackson Holliday missed the last two games due to a knee issue and is undergoing imaging today. The Orioles are hopeful to confirm there is no damage and for Holliday to return tonight, but they won’t take any chances with their young infielder.
The Pittsburgh Pirates finish the season with a road set against the Atlanta Braves. Oneil Cruz missed yesterday’s game after running into the outfield wall on Wednesday and is questionable for tonight’s matchup.
Francisco Alvarez was scratched from the New York Mets contest yesterday after experiencing cramps. He was reportedly available off the bench, which bodes well for a return to tonight’s lineup when the Mets visit the Miami Marlins. With last night’s 8-5 win over the Cubs, the Mets enter the final weekend with a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild card. The Reds hold the tiebreaker, so the Mets must continue to maintain this lead in order to play in October. The Arizona Diamondbacks are still in the mix, but need to win out to even have a chance.