Fantasy baseball: Reds await word on De La Cruz and other Monday newsThe Reds are hoping that they’ll be seeing Elly De La Cruz running the bases again soon. APESPN FantasyJun 1, 2026, 07:21 AM ETClose
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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June 1: Monday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
The first day of June begins with a nine-game schedule. All of the games will be under the lights, with the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers getting things started at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field.
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The Tigers are set to activate Ty Madden from the 15-day IL to start tonight’s contest. He required just a bit more than the minimum absence due to a right forearm contusion.
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Maikel Garcia is questionable for the Kansas City Royals’ road date with the Cincinnati Reds. He missed yesterday’s game thanks to a hamstring strain and is set for re-evaluation today. Nick Loftin filled in at third base while Carter Jensen took over the leadoff spot.
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Elly De La Cruz‘s status for tonight is also in jeopardy after he hurt his hamstring running to first base. He’s slated to undergo imaging prior to Cincinnati’s matchup with the Royals.
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Zach Neto returned to the Los Angeles Angels lineup yesterday after being removed from Saturday’s game due to whiplash. He has struggled over the first two months of the season, especially in the stolen base department. After swiping 56 bases in 75 tries over the previous two seasons, he’s gone only 8-for-14 so far this year.
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The New York Mets have essentially switched the roles of Sean Manaea and David Peterson, with Manaea stepping in as “primary pitcher” while Peterson joins the bullpen. Manaea is set to follow Austin Warren in tonight’s road affair with the Seattle Mariners.
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Be sure to check out the newest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Monday.
May 31: Sunday’s news to know
Ryan O’Hearn was slugging .459 at the time of his injury. Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesBy Todd ZolaFantasy Week 9 ends with a typical 15-game slate, featuring 14 afternoon contests and one evening affair. Action gets underway early at 12:15 p.m. ET with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. The Chicago Cubs entertain the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:20 p.m. ET to conclude the week’s festivities.
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The New York Yankees will be without Amed Rosario for up to three days after he was placed on the paternity list. The club faces the Athletics with lefty Jacob Lopez slated to start, so Rosario would have been in the lineup.
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Los Angeles Angels SS Zach Neto left Saturday’s game early after a collision with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour while trying to score on a wild pitch. Neto was diagnosed with whiplash and is questionable for today’s rubber game at Tropicana Field. Oswald Peraza would likely fill in if Neto can’t play.
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Angel Martinez left yesterday’s game with left foot inflammation. He’s questionable for the finale between the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox, with each team winning a game in the three-game set. Martinez has been a surprise this season, collecting nine homers and eight steals. If he can’t play, Stuart Fairchild would likely enter the lineup.
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Harrison Bader is on the 10-day IL for the second time this season. After a previous stint for a hamstring sprain, Bader is out with plantar fasciitis. Drew Gilbert and the recently called-up Will Brennan will cover center field.
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Maikel Garcia strained his right hamstring hustling from first to third base in the seventh inning of yesterday’s tilt between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. After a productive World Baseball Classic, Garcia has struggled over the first two months of the season, especially in May. With one game left this month, he has yet to hit a homer and has swiped just one base. Nick Loftin will fill in at the hot corner if Garcia misses action.
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The Rangers were without Evan Carter for yesterday’s 7-6 win over the Royals. His foot was sore after being hit by a pitch on Friday night. Michael Helman handled center field and would likely continue to fill in if Carter has to miss more action. He’s slated for imaging, after which his status will be clarified.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates anticipate the return of one of their best hitters, with Ryan O’Hearn set to be activated from the 10-day IL. He’s been out for two weeks with a right quad strain. Before the injury, O’Hearn was pacing toward a career year with an .827 OPS.