Fantasy baseball news: No joke! Shohei Ohtani might reach 1,000 fantasy points

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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April 1: No joke! Shohei Ohtani might reach 1,000 fantasy points
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
In his regular-season debut on Tuesday, Ohtani threw six shutout innings of one-hit baseball worth 22 fantasy points. Give him 20-25 starts with that level of production and we could be ready to witness something legendary.
Yes, we all know Ohtani is always likely to be in the MVP conversation as a hitter alone … but if the Dodgers are willing to let Ohtani challenge his career high of 166 innings pitched (2022) — and I suspect they might be — his 2025 gains in terms of velocity, control and whiff rate give him a legitimate chance at a 1,000-point (550 hitting, 450 pitching) season.
We might have yet to see Ohtani’s MVP-level pitching come to life. Wow!
For more on surprising pitching performances we could see in 2026, see Tristan’s full article.
April 1: Wednesday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s full slate gets underway at 12:15 p.m. ET with the Atlanta Braves hosting the Athletics. Nick Kurtz isn’t in today’s starting lineup for the visitors, with Chris Sale on the hill for Atlanta. Last season’s AL Rookie of the Year is just 1-for-17 with 11 strikeouts and four walks to open the season.
Cleveland Guardians’ Chase DeLauter has been the early talk of the league, with four home runs over the first three games of the season. He was deprived of the chance to extend his homer streak to four games after leaving yesterday’s game in the first inning due to fouling the ball off his foot. The good news is X-rays were negative. He’s been diagnosed with a bruise and is considered to be day-to-day, beginning with tonight’s rubber game on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baltimore Orioles starter Zach Eflin left last night’s game after tossing just 3 2/3 innings due to elbow discomfort. He allowed one run but surrendered four hits and two walks, albeit with seven strikeouts. The club is fearful he’ll require an IL stint but they will know more after today’s MRI. They have tomorrow and the following Thursday off, so a fifth starter won’t be needed until Friday, April 17.
Eugenio Suarez isn’t in the Cincinnati Reds lineup for the first time this season, with Nathaniel Lowe handling DH duties against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark. Suarez is batting just .190/.227/.333 over the first five games, with nine strikeouts and just one walk in 22 plate appearances.
Jose Fernandez of the Arizona Diamondbacks was called up Monday after Pavin Smith was placed on the 10-day IL. The rookie debuted last night and clubbed a pair of homers, going 3-for-4 with four RBI in his MLB debut. A natural shortstop, Fernandez played third base last night, giving Nolan Arenado the night off. Fernandez will reportedly be in the lineup again for tonight’s home date with Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Wednesday.
March 31: Ryan Helsley starts season strong
By Eric Karabell
Helsley permitted 16 earned runs over 20 innings after being traded to the New York Mets late last season (7.20 ERA, 1.80 WHIP), so it was easy to wonder which version would show up for the Baltimore Orioles. So far, things look positive for Helsley, who saved a pair of games against the Minnesota Twins this past weekend, averaging 99.8 mph with his fastball and issuing nary a walk.
For the rest of this week’s fantasy closer stock watch, see Eric’s full article.
March 31: Tuesday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
It’s a rare Tuesday off for the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins, but everyone else is in action today. The first pitch of the night comes at 6:35 p.m. ET with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Texas Rangers. Jacob deGrom is set to start for the Rangers tonight. He was scratched last Saturday due to a stiff neck, but he’s been cleared to return to the hill.
After the Atlanta Braves called up Martin Perez from Triple-A Gwinnett, it was assumed he would step into the rotation and start tonight’s home affair with the Athletics, but Jose Suarez will get the nod with Perez serving as a long reliever.
PJ Poulin will open for the Washington Nationals in tonight’s road date with the Philadelphia Phillies. While it is not official, Zack Littell will likely make his Nationals debut in a