ESPN Fantasy
Jun 16, 2025, 07:34 AM ET
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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June 16: What you need to know for Monday
Todd Zola: All seven of Monday's games are evening affairs, with the first pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET when the Miami Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Boston Red Sox open a series in the Pacific Northwest against the Seattle Mariners but they're going to need someone to occupy the two-hole after dealing Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Devers' fantasy production will suffer a bit since he's moving from one of the best hitting venues to one of the toughest. His former club can now keep all their young outfielders in the lineup with Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu (once he comes off the IL) rotating through DH. Read more on the fantasy impact of this trade here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are so desperate for pitching that they're using a position player to open Monday's contest. Of course, said player is Shohei Ohtani. Most pitchers go to the minors for their rehab assignments, but clearly that isn't a practical option for the best DH in the game. Ohtani will "open" in lieu of rehab, throwing more pitches from one outing to the next. The plan adds to the appeal of the day's primary pitcher, which in this case is Ben Casparius, since he doesn't have to complete five frames in order to qualify for a win.
Speaking of the DH position, the New York Yankees expect Giancarlo Stanton to make his 2025 debut soon, perhaps as early as tonight. The slugger has been out due to tendinitis in both elbows. It's unclear how often Stanton will play since Ben Rice is holding his own as the team's DH versus right-handers. That said, Rice is slumping this month, posting a .125/.186/.200 line in June. However, manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rice could garner some action behind the plate. The Yankees open the week at home against the Los Angeles Angels, with three righties slated to pitch the first three games before LHP Tyler Anderson gets the nod on Thursday.
The San Diego Padres visit the Dodgers for a three-game set. They'll be without OF Jackson Merrill after he was diagnosed with a concussion and placed on the 7-day IL.
The Baltimore Orioles were without both Ryan O'Hearn and Colton Cowser yesterday, but hope to have both back tonight for the opener of a four-game road series with the Tampa Bay Rays. Cowser missed the last three games after crashing into the outfield wall on Thursday. O'Hearn sat out Sunday's 11-2 home win over the Angels due to a sore left ankle.
The Washington Nationals will reportedly promote top prospect Brady House from Triple-A Rochester in advance of tonight's home date with the Colorado Rockies. House is expected to take over at third base after posting a .304/.353/.519 line in 65 games with the Red Wings.
June 15: What you need to know for Sunday
Todd Zola: Early game alert! The Detroit Tigers host the Cincinnati Reds at 12:05 p.m. ET. The rest of the schedule picks up at 1:35 p.m., culminating with the 7:00 p.m. ESPN affair featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers entertaining the San Francisco Giants.
Jackson Merrill left last night's game in the seventh inning after being tagged on the helmet while attempting to steal. After the game, San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt indicated that Merrill was "woozy", but he was not yet officially in concussion protocol. His availability for today's road date with the Arizona Diamondbacks is unclear.
Byron Buxton was hit on the elbow by a pitch. He was replaced in center field by Harrison Bader, but after the game it was reported that Buxton suffered a bruise and it was nothing serious. His status for today when the Minnesota Twins wrap up a road set with the Houston Astros is uncertain. The club also reported that 3B Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring.
Tyler Mahle was scratched from today's start and is likely headed to the 15-day IL with shoulder soreness. The Texas Rangers will call up Kumar Rocker to make the start at home against the Chicago White Sox. Rocker recently returned from a six-week stint on the IL due to a sore shoulder. He struggled in his first start back and was optioned to Triple-A El Paso, where he made one start, fanning four batters in four innings. His velocity is normal; he just needs to show he can throw strikes at the major league level.
The St. Louis Cardinals expect to have Brendan Donovan back in today's lineup when they try to split their road set with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers prevailed Thursday and Friday with the Cardinals capturing last night's contest.
The Rangers will be without OF Evan Carter until Tuesday at the earliest. He's nursing a sore wrist, resulting from hitting the ground hard after making a diving catch.
Chris Sale's next start will probably be Tuesday when the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. The lefty was initially ticketed to take the hill today at home against the Colorado Rockies, but manager Brian Snitker wants his ace to pitch against the more formidable Mets. Grant Holmes gets the nod today and will face one of the weakest lineups in the league.
On Thursday, Ryan Pressly collected his first save since April 13, spurring speculation that he regained the Chicago Cubs closer role, especially since Daniel Palencia logged an eighth inning hold. Last night, Pressly worked the seventh inning, preserving a one-run lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Drew Pomeranz followed suit in the eighth inning, then Palencia sealed the deal in the ninth. Manager Craig Counsell appears to be playing matchups.
