News: Skubal cleared for Tigers; Cubs clinch playoff berth

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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Sept. 18: What you need to know for Thursday

Todd Zola: Today's abbreviated 10-game slate gets underway at 1:10 p.m. ET with the first trio of matinees for the day. Three more afternoon affairs follow, with the final four contests played under the lights.

• Tarik Skubal has been cleared to start this afternoon's matchup when the Detroit Tigers host the Cleveland Guardians. The lefty had to leave his latest start early due to tightness in his side. Subsequent imaging revealed no issue, and Skubal was able to complete his between-starts work with no problems.

• Junior Caminero left last night's game in the seventh inning due to a sore back. He's considered to be "day-to-day" and is questionable for today's AL East meeting between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays. With the early start, the Rays may take the safe route and give Caminero the day off for the fourth and final game of the series in Florida. The Blue Jays captured the first two with the Rays prevailing last night.

• Something to consider as teams clinch playoff berths is that they will often play reserves on the day after securing a postseason berth. Last night, the Chicago Cubs locked down October baseball with their win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The club celebrated, but they also had to prepare to travel to Ohio for tonight's opener of a four-game set with the Cincinnati Reds. Even though the Cubs haven't yet been eliminated from winning the NL Central crown, it would take a ton of doing. Don't be surprised if some of their regulars get the evening off.