Orioles' lineup gets a boost; Chapman set to return for Giants

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 6: What you need to know for Sunday

Todd Zola: Early game alert as today's action gets going at 11:35 a.m. ET with the Atlanta Braves hosting the Baltimore Orioles. The Sunday afternoon slate is lighter than usual with three evening affairs, including a pair of ESPN Sunday night showdowns. The first is at 6:10 p.m. ET in Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs hosting the St. Louis Cardinals followed at 9:10 p.m. ET with the San Diego Padres entertaining the Texas Rangers. The holiday weekend ends with a 10:05 interleague tussle with the San Francisco Giants visiting the Athletics.

• The Detroit Tigers may be without Gleyber Torres when they attempt to complete a three-game sweep over the Cleveland Guardians in Progressive Field. The Tigers captured a pair of one-run affairs so far this weekend and will send Tarik Skubal to the hill today. Torres was elbowed in the neck in an awkward tag play at second base and left yesterday's game, but manager A.J. Hinch indicated that the injury isn't serious. Torres' .809 OPS is his highest mark since 2019 and is a key reason why the Tigers are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in MLB.

• Max Scherzer mustered only four frames in the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 win in 11 innings over the Los Angeles Angels. Scherzer worked through thumb soreness all game, which is something he'll have to deal with for the rest of the season. He's slated to make another start before the break, but he could be held back until action resumes following the Midsummer Classic. Yesterday, the righty gutted out 72 pitches, fanning four with three walks while yielding two runs in those four frames. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to the Blue Jays yesterday after fouling a ball off his foot on Thursday and missing Friday's contest.

• The Milwaukee Brewers will be without Rhys Hoskins for today's rubber game with the Miami Marlins in South Beach, and perhaps longer. Hoskins jammed his thumb while applying a tag at first base. Imaging showed no fracture, but Hoskins may not be able to grip a bat for a couple of days. Jake Bauers will likely handle first base today. The game marks the 2025 debut of Brandon Woodruff who hasn't pitched since September 2023. The righty missed last season rehabbing from shoulder surgery, then experienced ankle and elbow issues this year, further delaying his return. Woodruff is reportedly going to be on a pitch limit.

• The already thin Orioles catching corps may be down another man with Gary Sanchez exiting yesterday's game with a sore right knee. He was slated for an MRI last night. With today's early start when the Orioles try to sweep the Braves, expect Jacob Stallings to be behind the plate.

• The New York Yankees reported that Clarke Schmidt is likely ticketed for Tommy John surgery, pending a second opinion. They also announced that Cameron Schlittler will be called up to fill Scmidt's spot in the rotation, stepping in next Tuesday or Wednesday.

July 5: What you need to know for Saturday

Todd Zola: Saturday's action gets underway at 2:10 p.m. ET with the Minnesota Twins hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. However, storms are expected in the area and there could be a delay, though the game will likely play.

• Nine more matinees follow (one on Anaheim with a 7:10 PM ET start) with the four remaining games all under the lights.

• The Baltimore Orioles lineup received a couple of boosts Friday with Jordan Westburg returning after a five-game absence and Tyler O'Neill being activated from the 10-day IL. Both contributed to the club's 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves with Westburg collecting three hits, including a home run and O'Neill going 1-for-3 with a run scored in his first MLB action since May 15.

• Zack Gelof made his 2025 debut for the Athletics last night. He was hitless in three at bats, but he scored a run and hit a sacrifice fly in the club's 11-2 defeat of the San Francisco Giants. Gelof began the season on the IL after needing hand surgery for a hamate fracture, then he suffered a rib injury during rehab. He's coming off a disappointing sophomore season but should benefit from the favorable hitting environment at home in Sutter Health Park.

• Shohei Ohtani is expected to work two innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers opener in Saturday's interleague tussle with the Houston Astros. Justin Wrobleski is slated to be the primary pitcher.

• The Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves are both deploying openers Saturday, though in both cases, it will be more of a bullpen game than a bulk pitcher entering and logging a chunk of innings. Aaron Bummer will start for the Braves with the recently called up Dylan Dodd expected to be one of the ensuing relievers. Drew Pomeranz gets the opening nod for the Cubs, with Jordan Wicks slated to follow. Runs should be plentiful in the Cubs' affair with the St. Louis Cardinals with temperatures in the low 90s and the wind blowing out in Wrigley Field.

• The Minnesota Twins also must piece together Saturday's pitching for the slate-opening meeting with the Rays. This would have been Bailey Ober's turn to pitch, but he's on the 15-day IL with inflammation in his left hip. The Twins will reportedly summon Travis Adams from Triple-A St. Paul to pitch bulk innings, though it's unclear if he'll start or serve as the primary pitcher. He's working on three days of rest, and the weather may affect the usage plan.

• Matt Chapman is expected to return when the Giants take on the Athletics in Sacramento. He's been out since June 10 and played only one rehab game, but the Giants need help for the depleted infield.