Fantasy baseball: Scherzer scratched and other news for ThursdayMax Scherzer was scratched from his start and placed on the IL. How many more innings does the veteran have left? Chris Young/The Canadian Press via APESPN FantasyJun 18, 2026, 07:02 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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June 18: Thursday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s scheduled nine-game slate gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET in what is likely to be a rainy Fenway Park when the Boston Red Sox try to avoid a sweep courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays. Morning thunderstorms are expected with rain likely throughout the afternoon and evening. Mother Nature may also fail to cooperate when the Atlanta Braves host the San Francisco Giants at 7:15 p.m. ET. Heavy rains are anticipated throughout the evening, putting the game in jeopardy.
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Max Scherzer was scratched from last night’s start, with the Blue Jays deploying seven relievers in their 3-0 shutout over the Red Sox. Scherzer was placed on the 15-day IL due to back spasms. He first experienced the back issues on Monday, but treatment did not help. The club is hoping for a minimum IL stint, with Chad Dallas recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take the roster spot and possibly Scherzer’s next turn in the rotation.
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The Cleveland Guardians will be without Chase DeLauter for today’s matinee with the Milwaukee Brewers after placing him on the 10-day IL thanks to a small rib fracture. He also missed the first two games of the road interleague set, both won by the Brewers. Kahlil Watson was called up from Triple-A Columbus to replace DeLauter on the roster.
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Milwaukee’s Brandon Sproat left last night’s 9-4 win over the Guardians after 3 2/3 innings due to hamstring cramps. The club is optimistic that Sproat won’t miss any starts.
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Julio Rodriguez is questionable for today’s rubber game between the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles. He experienced hamstring spasms after jumping to make a catch in the seventh inning last night. The club doesn’t feel the injury is serious, but may play it safe with today’s early matinee in the Pacific Northwest.
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Trea Turner was back in the Philadelphia Phillies lineup yesterday after being held out Tuesday. He had been hit by a pitch on the wrist on Monday. X-rays were negative, but he was dealing with some bruising. Andrew Painter started last night’s game but was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after surrendering six runs to the Miami Marlins in just two frames. It’s unclear how the club will handle Painter’s spot in the rotation.
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Michael Harris II sat out last night’s game for the Braves. He had left Tuesday’s contest due to lower-back tightness. Mauricio Dubon started in center field for the Braves’ 7-5 loss to the Giants. Harris’ status for today is unclear. With the wet conditions, if the teams play, he’ll likely remain sidelined.
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Be sure to check out the recent fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Thursday.
June 17: Wednesday’s news to know
Cal Raleigh drove in a pair of runs in his return to the Seattle Mariners lineup. Kevin Ng/Getty ImagesBy Todd ZolaThere are 14 games on today’s docket, commencing at 12:40 p.m. ET with the Cincinnati Reds hosting the New York Mets. In Arlington, the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins have the day off thanks to a World Cup match at nearby AT&T Stadium taking place this afternoon.
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The resumption of last night’s suspended game between the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants will begin at 2:00 p.m. ET today with the Giants leading 3-2 and the Braves due up in the bottom of the second inning. In ESPN leagues, only players who were active last night will have stats from this game count this afternoon. Please note, Robbie Ray was initially set to start the regularly scheduled game tonight, but the Giants plan on having the lefty enter the resumed game in the bottom of the second inning. If Ray was not active for you last night, he will not accrue points.
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Michael Harris II‘s availability for the regularly scheduled night game is uncertain. He was removed from last night’s contest due to lower back tightness. Eli White replaced him and will likely remain in center field for the completion of the suspended game and possibly the evening tilt, too.
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The Seattle Mariners were happy that both J.P. Crawford and Cal Raleigh came off the IL prior to last night’s game, but the enthusiasm was tempered by Randy Arozarena being placed on the 10-day IL due to left hamstring inflammation. Connor Joe is expected to be summoned from Triple-A Tacoma to replace Arozarena. Crawford started at third base so that rookie Colt Emerson could stay at shortstop, which is his natural position. Crawford agreed to the move while he was sidelined, which makes sense as all of his defensive metrics at shortstop are declining.
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The Mariners also played last night’s 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles without 1B Josh Naylor, who is nursing a bruised shin and sore wrist. Naylor fouled a ball off his leg on Sunday with X-rays coming back negative. Monday’s off day wasn’t enough for either ailment to heal enough to let Naylor play. He’s considered to be day-to-day with Miles Mastrobuoni set to fill in if needed.
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Maikel Garcia left last night’s game for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning. He reportedly hurt his hand while at the plate in the fourth. His availability for this afternoon’s series finale between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals is unclear. The Royals will try to avoid a road sweep.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Tommy Edman ahead of last night’s 1-0 home win over the Tampa Bay Rays, but he didn’t play. However, Edman is set to be in tonight’s lineup, with Shohei Ohtani on the mound but getting the night off from hitting.
