ESPN FantasyMay 7, 2026, 07:40 AM ETCloseFollow on XMultiple Authors
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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Today’s 10-game schedule kicks off in the Bronx at 12:35 p.m. ET with a matchup between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. Five more matinees are staggered throughout the afternoon, followed by four evening affairs.
Selected No. 233 overall on average during the preseason and rostered in only 23.3% of ESPN leagues as of Opening Day, Correa was off to a modestly productive start. His 82 fantasy points ranked 10th among shortstop-eligible players, helping boost his roster rate to 48.1% of leagues through the season’s first month. Correa is, unfortunately, an immediately droppable player. He’s a 31-year-old with an injury history who has limited long-term value in keeper and dynasty leagues.
Brice Matthews, who has been seeing regular time in the outfield, is an underrated source of pop with second base eligibility. Zach Cole is another outfielder with good pop, albeit with a lot of swing-and-miss in his game. Both have AL-only relevancy currently, and Matthews is a worthwhile stash in leagues deeper than 12-team mixed.
Correa’s injury, however, will have a ripple effect on both the Astros’ roster and lineup. First, he had been serving as their leadoff hitter, a role that — at least initially — could fall back into the hands of Jose Altuve, who has delivered his most fantasy-relevant numbers between 2026 and last season out of that lineup spot (.292/.353/.443 while making 47 of his 188 starts there). At this stage of his career, Altuve’s value is buoyed by playing time. Leading off would maximize his at-bat total. Currently 17th among second basemen in fantasy points while off to a so-so start, Altuve should still rebound to top-10 positional status this season, though his chances of doing so hinge upon whether he moves up in the order or remains slotted fifth, as he has been frequently of late.
At shortstop, where Correa had made 20 of his 32 starts, Jeremy Pena (hamstring) should ultimately recapture that role once he completes his upcoming minor league rehabilitation assignment. Pena would be the other logical choice to lead off after having made big improvements to his plate approach, leading to a career-best .363 OBP last season. If that’s indeed his role once healthy, as he should be in roughly seven to 10 days, that will maximize his own chances at making a run at top-10 fantasy shortstop value.
One final factor with the Correa injury and the Astros, who have had horrible luck on the injury front thus far: At seven games under .500, albeit still only four games back of the AL West lead, the chances that the team’s struggles continue and that they trade players at the deadline only increases. That might mean trades involving Paredes or 1B Christian Walker, both of whom have another year of team control. Such deadline deals would enhance opportunities for the team’s younger hitters, none of whom have yet reached ESPN-standard relevance though they could be contributors in deeper formats.
Tyler Glasnow left last night’s game after pitching just one inning against the Houston Astros. The Los Angeles Dodgers pieced together a bullpen game in their 12-2 win. Glasnow indicated that he felt back spasms while warming up for the second inning. He experienced something similar in 2024 and is slated for an MRI to help determine his status.
Cole Ragans left Wednesday’s start after three scoreless frames. The Kansas City Royals reported that he left due to left triceps/elbow soreness. His status is pending further evaluation, but the team is hoping he won’t have to miss any time.
Luis Garcia Jr. of the Washington Nationals missed his second straight game yesterday as he continues to nurse a sprained wrist. Curtis Mead has filled in at first base. Garcia’s status for today’s series finale with the Minnesota Twins is uncertain.
The Cincinnati Reds turned to Graham Ashcraft for their first save opportunity after placing Emilio Pagan on the 15-day IL. However, Tony Santillan wasn’t available after having thrown 17 pitches on Tuesday. Pagan is expected to be out for 4-to-8 weeks, with Santillan and Ashcraft likely to share the closer job.
The Tampa Bay Rays will open their road series in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox with Griffin Jax on the hill. They’re stretching him out to be a traditional starter but, at least for today, Jesse Scholtens will piggyback with Jax.
Ryan Weathers was scratched from Thursday’s game due to an illness. The Yankees will instead give the nod to swingman Paul Blackburn. The right-hander last took the hill Monday, throwing one inning. He’s not stretched out enough to go deep into the game, but the club hopes for more than it would get from a typical opener. Ben Rice missed his third straight game last night as he’s nursing a bruised left hand. He’s considered to be day-to-day, but with left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the hill for the Rangers, Rice might well sit out again.
Wednesday’s news that Correa requires season-ending surgery for his injured ankle probably hits hardest for fantasy managers playing any format deeper than ESPN’s standard (think 12-team mixed and larger), but it does mean opportunities for other Houston Astros, and that could elevate certain players into relevance over time.
ESPN FantasyMay 7, 2026, 07:40 AM ETCloseFollow on XMultiple Authors
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Thursday.