Fantasy baseball news: Merrill Kelly ready to return to rotation for DiamondbacksMerrill Kelly’s back is finally healthy enough for the pitcher to make his 2026 debut for Arizona. Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesESPN FantasyApr 14, 2026, 10:53 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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April 14: Tuesday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today is a rare April slate with no matinees. Action gets underway at 6:35 p.m. ET with the Arizona Diamondbacks visiting the Baltimore Orioles.
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In that game, Merrill Kelly will make his 2026 debut for Arizona after having been been sidelined thanks to a back injury. Kelly made one rehab start with Triple-A Albuquerque and then pitched in extended spring training, tossing 83 pitches in his final appearance, so he should not be under any pitch limit this evening.
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The Chicago Cubs will give the ball to Riley Martin to serve as the “opener” when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies. Colin Rea is slated to be the bulk reliever. He’s been effective in his three outings this season. However, despite not having to log five innings in order to earn a win today, this is still a risky road affair for the veteran righty.
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Staying with the Windy City’s teams, the Chicago White Sox are expected to promote top prospect Noah Schultz for his MLB debut when they entertain the Tampa Bay Rays. The young hurler is coming off a down year that slightly dimmed his prospect shine, but the 6-foot-10 southpaw has started this season with 19 strikeouts and only two walks in 14 frames for Triple-A Charlotte.
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The Texas Rangers anticipate that Wyatt Langford will be in their starting lineup tonight when they head to Sacramento for an AL West clash with the Athletics. He has missed three straight games due to a strained right quad. Langford was off to a slow start, posting a .525 OPS in 13 games, but he’ll enjoy the platoon advantage with lefty Jeffrey Springs on the mound.
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The Houston Astros placed Tatsuya Imai on the 15-day IL yesterday due to right arm fatigue. The club hopes that he’ll only need the minimum stay and can return before the end of the month. They also placed SS Jeremy Pena on the 10-day IL with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Astros are optimistic that Pena’s visit will be short. Similar to the start of the season when Pena was sidelined as a result of a broken finger, Carlos Correa will slide over to shortstop while Isaac Paredes handles third base.
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Be sure to check out the newest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Tuesday.
April 13: Carter Jensen deserves roster consideration
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
A top preseason pick for AL Rookie of the Year, the young catcher has started seven of the Kansas City Royals last nine contests and homered three times, continuing to reflect the massive offensive potential he possesses. Jensen’s whiff rate (39.5%) is of concern, especially considering he had a 28.3% strikeout rate while with Triple-A Omaha last season, but if he can keep that in check, he’ll have one of the more complete offensive games of any current backstop.
*For more of Tristan’s waiver-wire suggestions, check out his full article.
April 13: Monday morning’s news to know
Ryan Mountcastle broke a toe over the weekend, joining the growing list of Orioles casualties. APBy Todd ZolaToday’s 10-game slate kicks off at 4:10 p.m. ET with the Houston Astros attempting to avoid a four-game sweep at T-Mobile Park courtesy of the Seattle Mariners. The remaining nine games are all evening affairs.
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The injuries keep mounting for the Baltimore Orioles, although they received good news regarding Adley Rutschman‘s ankle injury. His MRI indicated that he may not need more than the minimum stay on the IL. On the other hand, Ryan Mountcastle is set to miss some action after being diagnosed with a broken toe. In addition, Tyler O’Neill is out due to a concussion after apparently fainting and banging his head as a result of dehydration caused by an illness. He was placed on the 7-day concussion list yesterday.
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The Astros were without SS Jeremy Pena yesterday as he was rested after experiencing right posterior knee tightness on Saturday. Nick Allen handled shortstop yesterday, but if Pena misses more time, Carlos Correa could slide over from third base with Isaac Paredes manning the hot corner. Sunday was a planned day off for Correa. The club welcomed 1B Christian Walker back to their starting lineup after he didn’t go on Saturday due to a leg issue.
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Nick Pivetta tossed three perfect frames with four strikeouts yesterday but was unable to come out for the fourth inning due to an elbow issue. The San Diego Padres will send Pivetta for evaluation early this week.
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The Texas Rangers were without Wyatt Langford again yesterday as he’s still dealing with a tight right quad. The injury occurred on Friday night and he missed both weekend contests. Ezequiel Duran replaced Langford in left field. His availability for tonight’s road date with the Athletics is unclear.
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J.T. Realmuto was held out of yesterday’s rubber game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The club really missed him, since replacement Rafael Marchan went 0-for-4. Realmuto was scheduled to play, but he fouled a ball off his foot on Saturday and was held out as a precaution. He’s expected to return this evening with the Chicago Cubs in town.
