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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Thursday’s lineup advice | 10-day hitting forecaster
September 11: What you need to know for Thursday
Todd Zola: Today’s nine-game docket gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards with the Baltimore Orioles going for the sweep over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Orioles have collected a pair of one-run wins in extra innings over the last two days. Two more matinees follow that contest, with the remaining six games all being evening affairs.
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Miguel Vargas returned from the 10-day IL last night after missing almost two weeks as a result of a sprained left hand. He went 1-for-4 and scored a run in the Chicago White Sox’ win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Vargas will now aim to put the finishing touches on his best season to date. He’s batting only .234/.314/.403, but those represent career bests across the board. In addition, cutting his strikeout rate to a solid 16.9% bodes well for more improvement to come.
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The Washington Nationals will activate MacKenzie Gore from the 15-day IL and give him the ball for this evening’s road date with the Miami Marlins. The righty had been sidelined with shoulder inflammation. He is now able to return after the minimum stay and without any rehab outings. At one point, Gore was leading the senior circuit in strikeouts and was in the NL Cy Young conversation, but his 7.54 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP since the break silenced those discussions.
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Gore will be opposed by Ryan Weathers, who is also making his first start after an IL stint. The lefty missed almost three months due to a lat issue. Weathers was a favorite draft target in the spring after showing increased velocity in the Grapefruit League, but his 2025 debut was delayed until mid-May because of a left forearm strain. He started five games before returning to the IL, posting an encouraging 3.28 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP with 23 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings.
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Anthony Volpe is losing his grip as the New York Yankees’ regular shortstop. Jose Caballero started last night and, after the game, manager Aaron Boone indicated that he’ll decide on that day’s shortstop before each game. Volpe’s struggles are two-fold. Not only is his 81 wRC+ a career low, but his defense has significantly slipped.
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Jose Soriano was originally ticketed to start last night, but the Los Angeles Angels opted to give him an extra day of rest, so now he’ll get the ball today when the club opens a four-game road set with the Seattle Mariners. In other club news, Jo Adell returned to the lineup last night after missing two games due to vertigo. The 26-year-old outfielder is enjoying a breakout season, highlighted by 35 home runs, the eighth-highest total in MLB.
