Fantasy baseball: Padres DFA Castellanos, Hader back for HoustonThe Padres have designated Nick Castellanos for assignment, so it appears his time with the team is over. APESPN FantasyJun 4, 2026, 07:07 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 4: Thursday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s nine-game slate gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET with the Philadelphia Phillies going for the sweep at home over the San Diego Padres. Three more matinees follow, with five evening affairs closing out the action.
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The Padres released Nick Castellanos and called up Samad Taylor to fill his roster spot. Castellanos had posted only a .191/.221/.339 line in 122 plate appearances. Taylor was hitting .319/.406/.500 with nine steals for Triple-A El Paso. With Ramon Laureano on the IL, Taylor and Jase Bowen could see reps in left field. However, both hit from the right side, so it’s unclear exactly how the playing time will be distributed.
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Josh Hader made his 2026 debut last night and successfully converted his first save opportunity in the Houston Astros’ 11-9 come-from-behind win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The lefty had been sidelined with left biceps tendinitis and a strained left shoulder. He threw 11 out of his 17 pitches for strikes, topping out at 96.2 mph, a bit higher than he averaged last season.
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The Boston Red Sox plan on using Brayan Bello as a traditional starter for today’s rubber game with the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Bello served as the “bulk reliever” in four of his past five outings, recording an 0.71 ERA and an 0.91 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and three walks spanning 25⅓ innings. In the lone game he did start over this stretch, he surrendered seven earned runs in five frames to the Atlanta Braves.
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The Kansas City Royals played their fourth straight game without Maikel Garcia. He has been dealing with a lingering sore right hamstring, with Nick Loftin covering third base in his absence. His status for tonight’s road date with the Minnesota Twins is unclear.
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The Twins will send reliever Andrew Morris to the hill to start the first game of their four-game series with the Royals. After Morris, the Twins are expected to use a parade of relievers in lieu of a “primary pitcher.”
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The Arizona Diamondbacks revealed that Corbin Burnes has been diagnosed with a teres major strain while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He’s been shut down and, thus, a return this season is in jeopardy. The club is hopeful that he’ll still be able to make it back in September, but there will be no official timeline until he’s cleared to resume throwing.
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Be sure to check out the recent fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Thursday.
June 3: Wednesday’s news to know
Aaron Judge and the Yankees await word as to when the slugger will be back in their lineup. APBy Todd ZolaDaytime baseball is back with four afternoon affairs, beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET when the Washington Nationals host the Miami Marlins. The remaining 11 games will be played under the lights.
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Aaron Judge missed last night’s game after imaging revealed that a bruised rib is irritating his right shoulder. He’s reportedly been playing with the injury for a few weeks, which could explain a .207/.320/.329 line over the past 22 games. Judge underwent testing on Monday and will next visit a specialist, so a status update will likely come out soon. He’s questionable for tonight’s home matchup with the Cleveland Guardians.
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The Boston Red Sox revealed that Garrett Crochet has been shut down from throwing after an MRI revealed a minor lat strain. The club indicated the lefty will resume throwing when his lat is fully healed. He’s been rehabbing from left shoulder inflammation. Crochet is once again without a timetable to return.
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The Seattle Mariners were without 1B Josh Naylor for last night’s matchup with the New York Mets. He’s nursing lingering back spasms, first experienced on Monday night. Patrick Wisdom filled in and will likely handle first base again if Naylor isn’t ready for today’s 3:40 p.m. ET matinee.
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Zach Neto missed his second straight game last night due to whiplash. He initially hurt himself on Saturday during a home plate collision, then aggravated the injury on Sunday. Oswald Peraza filled in at shortstop and will likely start again today if Neto remains out tonight for the Los Angeles Angels when they host the Colorado Rockies.
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Jesus Sanchez missed last night’s game after being hit on the wrist by a ball thrown by a youngster in the stands on Sunday. The fan mistakenly thought Sanchez was signaling him to play catch, but Sanchez turned around and was struck by the toss. X-rays were negative, and the club hoped Monday’s off day would be enough to allow Sanchez to play. He’s questionable today when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Atlanta Braves.
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The Philadelphia Phillies are anticipating that J.T. Realmuto will be back behind the plate today when they entertain the San Diego Padres. The veteran backstop was hit on the wrist by a pitch on Saturday, then missed Sunday and last night with soreness. Garrett Stubbs filled in but will head back to the bench when Realmuto returns.
