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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Mar. 27: Bibee out for opener
Relax, Tanner Bibee managers. Relaaaaaax!
I probably had the same initial reaction to hearing this news that you did, as I sport multiple shares of the Cleveland Guardians ace in my own fantasy leagues this season. Yes, the new $48 million man was scratched from his scheduled Thursday start — but only due to an illness (gastroenteritis, to be specific), rather than any arm or shoulder issue.
Reports are that Bibee was already feeling better on Thursday, and might slot back into the Guardians rotation as early as Saturday or Sunday. Ben Lively, who is not a recommended streaming option today, will start in Bibee’s place. Again, breathe everyone! — Tristan H. Cockcroft
Mar. 27: What you need to know for Opening Day
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Opening Day has arrived, with 14 games on the docket. Festivities begin in the Bronx at 3:05 p.m. ET with the New York Yankees hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Soon thereafter, the Toronto Blue Jays entertain the Baltimore Orioles. Nine more afternoon games commence in the 4 p.m. ET block, with the final three contests taking place in the evening. The Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays do not open the 2025 season until tomorrow.
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The marquee pitching matchups include Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers, along with Sandy Alcantara and the Miami Marlins welcoming Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates to South Beach.
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Several notable hitters will be sidelined to start the season. It has been known for a while that Ronald Acuna Jr. and Royce Lewis would both be out for an extended period of time. Over the past week, it was reported that Gunnar Henderson, Austin Hays and Daulton Varsho will also begin the year on the IL.
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On the positive side of things, Mookie Betts, Spencer Steer, Triston Casas, Vinnie Pasquantino, Corey Seager and Christian Walker are all expected to be in their teams’ Opening Day lineups. Each had been questionable coming out of camp.
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A pair of significant pitchers received some encouraging news this week. Shane McClanahan and Jared Jones start the season on the IL, but the prognosis for each isn’t nearly as dire as initially feared. McClanahan is dealing with nerve issues in his triceps and will miss at least a month. Meanwhile, Jones has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain. However, since the ligament remains stable, he’s hoping to avoid surgery — at least for now. Jones is still slated to miss the first half of the season. — Todd Zola
