Tommy Joseph

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports Major League Baseball has finally handed down the punishment for the Red Sox’s illegal sign stealing scandal from 2018.

Fantasy Impact

The ruling, which took months to be issued, strips Boston of their 2020 second-round pick. Additionally, the team’s replay operator J.T. Watkins has been banned through 2020 and from doing the same job in 2021. Lastly, Alex Cora has been suspended through the 2020 playoffs for his role in the Astros’ scandal. Cora isn’t being suspended for anything that happened in Boston. MLB’s investigation into the Red Sox revealed a far lesser scheme than what was going on in Houston and this ruling echoes that notion.

Tommy Joseph was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Monday. Joseph isn't expected to make the Rangers' Opening Day roster, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Fantasy Impact

Joseph will start the season in Double-A or Triple-A for the Rangers. If any injuries occur in the Texas lineup then Joseph should get the call-up to the majors. For now, Joseph has no fantasy value and should be dropped.

In order to make room for newly acquired Jake Arrieta, the Phillies designated Tommy Joseph for assignment. The 26-year-old first baseman hit a disappointing .240 with 22 home runs in 2017. With the acquisition of Carlos Santana, Joseph became expendable.

Fantasy Impact

It's not certain if the Phillies will stick with Tommy Joseph, or release him, which will allow him to sign with another team. Either way, he holds little fantasy value at this point.

Tommy Joseph is not in the Phillies' lineup Friday against the Mets.

Fantasy Impact

Joseph has seen irregular playing time all September, and with the emergence of Rhys Hoskins Joseph's role on the team is in question for 2018. He has a .241 AVG and 22 HR on the season.

Tommy Joseph is not in the Phillies' lineup Friday against the Braves.

Fantasy Impact

Looks like a routine day off for Joseph. Rhys Hoskins will play 1B as Aaron Altherr plays LF for the Phillies.