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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August 19: What you need to know for Tuesday
Todd Zola: After last night's Game 2 rainout, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers will try again today to play a doubleheader, fittingly in Wrigley Field where Cubs legend Ernie Banks reportedly coined the phrase, "Let's Play Two." Game 1 is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET with the nightcap being part of the 15-game evening slate.
Mother Nature should cooperate, not only in the Windy City but all around the country. It may get a little wet in a few spots, but early forecasts don't place any games in jeopardy.
After the conclusion of Game 1 yesterday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that Kyle Tucker would sit out the second game and remain on the bench for a few days to get a "mental reset." It's unclear if that means he'll miss both games today, but if he does, the recently called-up rookie Owen Caissie is the likely beneficiary. After spending most of the first half in the top 10, a prolonged slump has Tucker down to No. 26 on the ESPN Player Rater. Since the break, Tucker has hit just .182/.333/.239. His strikeout and walk rates remain excellent, but Tucker's ground ball rate is way up while his hard-hit rate has plummeted.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited last night's game due to left hamstring tightness. He was scheduled for imaging to assess the extent of the injury. His status for tonight's road date for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Pittsburgh Pirates is unclear.
Colson Montgomery left last night's contest with left side soreness. He felt something after fouling a ball off, so the Chicago White Sox removed him for precautionary measures. Since slugging six homers in nine games to end July, the rookie is batting just .167/.250/.426 over his last 15 games.
Jordan Westburg had to leave last night's matchup against the Boston Red Sox due to right ankle soreness. Various injuries have limited Westburg to only 73 games this season. It's unclear whether his current issue will cost him any more playing time. The Baltimore Orioles recently called up prospects Dylan Beavers and Sam Basallo, though Luis Vazquez and Coby Mayo are the most likely to fill in at the hot corner. Beavers is playing the outfield (with Tyler O'Neill out) while Basallo is serving as the team's DH.
Jackson Merrill did not play last night after previously aggravating an ankle injury on Sunday. Merrill is considered to be day-to-day, with a chance that he returns for today's second game of the series between the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.
Aug. 18: What you need to know for Monday
Todd Zola: Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a separate-admission doubleheader. A dozen more games comprise the evening schedule, including the nightcap of the twin bill. The two games kick off a five-game series between the NL Central rivals, with the Brewers entering the festivities holding an eight-game lead over the second-place Cubs.
The Boston Red Sox failed to add a first baseman at the trade deadline, but they're fortifying the position by signing Nathaniel Lowe, who was recently released by the Washington Nationals. Lowe posted a disappointing .216/.292/.373 line in 119 games for the Nationals. His OPS was considerably lower than what he had recorded with the Texas Rangers before being dealt to the Nationals last offseason. Even though he has been a full-time player, Lowe is earmarked for the busier side of a platoon. With the Red Sox facing southpaw Trevor Rogers and the Baltimore Orioles this evening, the new acquisition will likely begin the game on the bench.
In other Red Sox news, Wilyer Abreu left yesterday's contest as a result of right calf tightness. He hopes to be ready for the four-game road set with the New York Yankees beginning on Thursday. The Red Sox have will Wednesday off before heading to the Bronx.
Jackson Merrill left yesterday's game because of lingering ankle soreness. He initially hurt it in Friday's opener of the weekend series between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Merrill had a productive 2-for-4 effort in the first game, then went hitless in his next six at bats. For the season, he has been a disappointment with an OPS nearly 100 points lower than that of his rookie season. Merrill is questionable tonight when the Padres try to rebound from getting swept by the Dodgers. They host the San Francisco Giants.
The Rangers will be without Jake Burger for at least a couple of games as he's scheduled for imaging on his bothersome left wrist. Burger left yesterday's road contest with the Toronto Blue Jays early, and instead of accompanying the club to Missouri for a series with the Kansas City Royals, he flew back to Arlington for an examination. Burger has been productive with a .429/.478/.619 in nine games since returning from the IL after a quad issue.
Brendan Donovan will miss his fourth straight game tonight when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Miami Marlins. Donovan has a sore toe, which resulted in both foot and groin issues. The hope is that he'll be able to return tomorrow. After posting a .797 OPS heading into the break, Donovan has struggled with a .543 mark over the past 24 games.