Fantasy baseball news: Meet the newest source for steals in ChicagoOne game, two steals. Can Dustin Harris be a solid source for stolen bases going forward? Patrick Gorski/Icon SportswireESPN FantasyApr 9, 2026, 07:43 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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10-day pitching forecaster | 10-day hitting forecaster
April 9: Thursday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s six-game slate kicks off at 12:10 p.m. ET with the Miami Marlins hosting the Cincinnati Reds. There are two more matinees, followed by three evening games.
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The Reds placed backup catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day IL due to a thoracic outlet spine strain. It was backdated to Sunday, so he is eligible to be activated next Wednesday. P.J. Higgins was called up from Triple-A Louisville to serve as Tyler Stephenson’s understudy. Christian Encarnacion-Strand was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the team’s 40-man roster.
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Joel Kuhnel logged a save for the Athletics last night. It was just his second appearance of the season. Prior to Tuesday’s call-up, he last pitched in the majors in 2024. While it’s not clear that Kuhnel will be the club’s closer going forward, it does seem like the job is currently up for grabs.
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Mark Vientos began the season in the lineup against only left-handed pitching, but he’s now started eight consecutive contests, albeit in part due to Juan Soto’s absence. However, after a modest five-game hitting streak, he has since gone hitless over the last two New York Mets games.
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The Chicago White Sox called up Dustin Harris on Monday. The outfielder swiped 68 bases combined over the past two seasons for Triple-A Round Rock and had a steal for Triple-A Charlotte just prior to his promotion. Harris got the start last night and celebrated with two stolen bases. He could be in line for more playing time with Austin Hays and Everson Pereira both on the IL.
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Cole Ragans left Wednesday’s start after recording just two outs. He was hit in the thumb on his pitching hand by a batted ball and had to leave the game after trying to stay in. The southpaw fanned the first two hitters but subsequently ended up giving up three earned runs. Even so, the Kansas City Royals don’t expect Ragans to miss any starts.
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Be sure to check out the just in fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Thursday.
April 8: Juan Soto injury analysis
Stephania Bell breaks down Soto’s expected 2-3 week return from a calf strain.
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Can Juan Soto return within 2-3 weeks?
Stephania Bell breaks down Juan Soto’s expected 2-3 week return from a calf strain.
April 8: Wednesday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
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It’s getaway day, with 11 of today’s 15 games being afternoon affairs. Action gets underway at 12:35 p.m. ET in the Steel City with the rubber game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. The evening slate begins at 6:40 p.m. ET, with all four games starting by 7:40 p.m. ET.
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The Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants each have a win in their set at Oracle Park. The Phillies may have to go for a series win without starting catcher J.T. Realmuto, as the veteran left last night’s contest after the first inning due to taking a foul tip off his foot. It’s being labeled as a bruise, but Rafael Marchan may be behind the plate today.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks placed Carlos Santana on the 10-day IL yesterday due to an adductor issue. With Pavin Smith also on the shelf, the club called up Luken Baker to add some depth at first base. Baker joins Jose Fernandez and Tim Tawa as candidates to cover the spot. Smith is eligible to be activated today, but he hasn’t yet stated to a rehab assignment.
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Last night, Jakob Junis collected his second save in the last two games as he nailed down the Texas Rangers’ 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners. While Junis may be leading a closer committee, he is likely to be unavailable today when the Rangers go for the sweep. Tyler Alexander also has two saves, but one was in extra innings and the other was when Robert Garcia and Chris Martin were both unavailable, so it’s unclear who will get the call if needed today.
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Chad Patrick was initially scheduled to start today for the Milwaukee Brewers, but instead of having him pitch on just three days of rest, he’s been pushed back to Friday, with Shane Drohan coming up from Triple-A Nashville to face the Boston Red Sox. Drohan was acquired from the Red Sox in the Caleb Durbin deal. He made one start for the Sounds, tossing 3 1/3 innings with six strikeouts and four walks.
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Updating a few injuries, the Chicago Cubs stated that Cade Horton requires season-ending UCL surgery. Whether it’s Tommy John surgery or the internal brace procedure won’t be determined until he’s under the knife. The Toronto Blue Jays expect to be without starting catcher Alejandro Kirk for six weeks following surgery to repair his fractured left thumb. Additionally, the Houston Astros indicated that Hunter Brown has a Grade 2 shoulder strain and won’t throw for a few weeks.
