Fantasy baseball: Ohtani to DH only at start of second half and other news for FridayWith the All-Star Game now in the rearview mirror, Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers get set for the second half. David Dennis/Icon SportswireESPN FantasyJul 17, 2026, 06:51 AM ETClose
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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July 17: Friday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
The first full slate after the break features a day-night twin bill between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, with the opener set for 1:35 p.m. ET at Fenway Park. Willson Contreras will serve the final game of his suspension during the matinee and then will be available for the nightcap.
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The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets aren’t in action today. They began their second half last night with the Mets prevailing 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park. They’ll resume their series Saturday.
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Shohei Ohtani received treatment on his balky left knee over the break. He had fluid drained and then followed that up with an injection. He won’t take the hill until later next week, but he will serve as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ DH in the weekend set against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
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Aaron Judge was going to be reevaluated over the break, but there were no reports regarding a potential MRI. To be fair, the Yankees were not expecting the rib issue to be cleared up, but they were hoping to see improvement, which could help them determine the next course of action.
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Geraldo Perdomo required a cortisone shot in his left hand during the break and is questionable for tonight when the Arizona Diamondbacks entertain the St. Louis Cardinals. He has experienced similar issues previously, with manager Torey Lovullo expressing confidence that it’s not serious.
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The Washington Nationals placed C Drew Millas on the 10-day IL with a broken finger. The club indicated that Harry Ford will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to serve as Keibert Ruiz’s understudy. Ford has spent the season on the farm, posting a .174/.287/.209 line over his first 23 games, but he has since recorded a more encouraging .262/.428/.434 line.
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Be sure to check out the newest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Friday.
July 16: Thursday’s news to know
Although it was quite a scary moment for Junior Caminero of the Rays, it appears the All-Star has avoided serious injury. STEVEN M FALK/EPA/ShutterstockBy Todd ZolaRegular-season baseball returns tonight with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the New York Mets at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The other 28 clubs will be back in action on Friday, with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays slated to play a doubleheader that day.
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Speaking of the Rays, Junior Caminero indicated that he anticipates playing in both games, despite being hit in the hand by a pitch in the Midsummer Classic. X-rays came back negative and the All-Star third baseman is confident he won’t miss any time.
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The Red Sox made the first of what is expected to be a few swaps as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches. It isn’t especially fantasy relevant, as they merely boosted their depth by adding IF/OF Jahmai Jones from the Detroit Tigers.
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A more interesting trade was made between the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros, with the Brewers adding Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon to bolster their rotation. McCullers is close to returning from a shoulder impingement and could join their rotation next week. The club is short on starters with Brandon Woodruff possibly out for the season thanks to another shoulder injury and Kyle Harrison on the 15-day IL as a result of forearm tightness. McCullers has dealt with more than his fair share of injuries, but the Brewers have a knack for fixing reclamation projects. They sent 2B/OF Jadyn Fielder to the Astros. He’s a third-generation player — son of Prince and grandson of Cecil.
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The Athletics promoted 1B/3B Tommy White from Triple-A Las Vegas to fortify an infield missing both 1B Nick Kurtz and 3B Zack Gelof. White generated a .303/.345/.489 line for Triple-A Las Vegas, one of the best hitting environments in the minors. However, the 23-year-old also hit well with Double-A Midland last season. Kurtz and Gelof both hope to return early next week, so White’s stay may not be long.
