The latest fantasy baseball news this week is more vital than ever. Why? Because of these words: play ball! Doesn’t that sound glorious? It certainly does to me. With Opening Day fast approaching on Thursday, fantasy managers need all of the latest news on baseball. Never fear! That’s what we at Belly Up Sports are here for! With those lineup cards ready, let’s get to it!

Latest Fantasy Baseball News One: Blue Jays denied permission to play in Toronto

What possible effect could the news that the Blue Jays were denied permission by the Canadian government to play at home have on fantasy baseball? It’s simple: wherever the team plays (and that isn’t known at this time), it will impact both the Toronto pitchers and hitters. It is impossible to predict with any accuracy what the stats will be of anyone on the Blue Jays.

Does an owner draft the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, or Hyun-Jin Ryu? With only 60 games this season, uncertainty has no place on a fantasy roster. It is advisable that a manager select other viable options in a fantasy draft than any Toronto player this season. Let your fellow owners take that risk.

Latest Fantasy News Two: Jacob Degrom Ready for Opening Day

There hasn’t been a steadier pitcher to be found in baseball for the last two years than Jacob Degrom. He has won the last two N.L. Cy Young Awards and his place at the head of the pitching table is secure. That conclusion cannot be argued after Degrom posted ERAs of 1.70 and 2.43 the past two years. His career ERA is an incredible 2.62. No one else in baseball comes close to him. However, there were some health concerns when he left a recent intrasquad start with back discomfort.

But, according to the NY Post, Degrom threw 60 pitches on Sunday with outstanding results. He faced 14 batters and struck out nine of them. Best of all, he didn’t allow a single hit. It’s recommended to NOT take a pitcher in the first round of this year’s draft. This is because there will be more starters than usual on all teams this season, limiting the starts for all pitchers, even the elites. However, if he is there in the second round, a manager could do a lot worse than pulling the trigger on Degrom.

Fantasy Baseball News Three: Kenley Jansen Reports to the Dodgers

When summer camp reopened, the whereabouts of relief pitcher Kenley Jansen was a mystery. Now, it can be reported that the mystery has been solved. Jansen reported to camp after revealing that he had the novel Coronavirus, per ESPN. This was of special concern for Jansen, as it was reported a few years back that he has a condition known as atrial fibrillation, which causes his heart to beat out of rhythm. Despite all of that, Jansen said that he expects to be ready by Opening Day.

That is good news for those managers that have already had their drafts and selected Jansen. Despite a somewhat down 2019, he remains one of the premier closers in baseball. He did post 33 saves last season and has 301 for his career with a 2.35 ERA. Because of his late arrival, he should slide back some in fantasy drafts this season.

How far back should determine whether to add him to your team. The Dodgers have a look of determination this year, so Jansen should see plenty of ninth-inning leads. The latest fantasy baseball news definitely applies here. Go get him!

Fantasy Baseball News Four: Max Scherzer Hit Hard in Final Preseason Start

Saturday was the final appearance of Summer camp for Max Scherzer before his Opening Day start. It did not go at all the way we expect to see out of the veteran righthander. The division opponent Philadelphia Phillies lit up Scherzer to the tune of seven runs in the first two innings. Included in that were homers by Didi Gregorius and former teammate Bryce Harper. In a normal spring training, this would be no cause for concern. In fact, Scherzer has had ERAs of 4.39 and 4.15 the past two exhibition seasons.

But as we all know, this is not a usual season. The rigors of spring were interrupted by the virus. Once baseball finally got their heads out of their collective rear ends, the plan was put in place fairly quickly. Major league players, especially pitchers, like their routines. That is all out of the window right now. Scherzer is due a benefit of the doubt as he did lead the Nationals to their first World Series title. But, he isn’t young anymore. Anything earlier than the third round is too early to draft Scherzer.

Here are some updates to the fantasy baseball news and notes article from July 6:

There has been nothing further said about how many games he will miss or if Mike Trout will even play this season. His wife has not given birth to this point and there is much too much uncertainty to draft Trout anywhere near where he is accustomed to being drafted. Stay away if you can.

Shohei Ohtani finished the Summer camp with his most encouraging news. After getting shelled his first time out and with a reported back issue, Ohtani went out in style Sunday. He faced 22 batters, striking out six of them. He threw 72 pitches, 45 for strikes, and allowed 5 hits. That is most excellent news for Ohtani, who is expected to pitch once and hit three or four times a week. I expect he will be a valuable part of fantasy teams this season.

Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta first baseman, was cleared to return to camp on Friday after a positive virus test on July 4th and could be available Opening Day. He will face a steep challenge to be ready in just days, so if he is on your roster, monitor for the very latest news. He was hit hard by the virus and his recovery is certainly good news.

After getting hit in the head by a line drive during the first Yankees’ summer practice, Masahiro Tanaka could be ready for the team’s home opener July 29. As with Freeman, it’s great news that Tanaka is fine after a harrowing ordeal. Just be aware that it will be almost a week into the season before he can help a fantasy team.

Finally, it can be said: Play ball!

It seems so long ago since I had this to say: Fantasy baseball. Those two words bring a smile to my face. If you have come this far, then that is true of you as well. The Sun will rise and the ball games will begin. Maybe not as soon as we like, but we will hear the crack of the bat.

There is a smile on my face today, as I see the Sun rising. The crack of the bat is upon us and thank goodness! Play ball!!!!!!!

Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea and always remember to look to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Sports Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest sports news!