Fantasy baseball news: Phillies place Realmuto on IL, Mets await word on LindorIt might be a while before we see J.T. Realmuto behind the plate again for the Phillies. APESPN FantasyApr 23, 2026, 07:24 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 23: Thursday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
The first of today’s nine games gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET, with the Washington Nationals hosting the Atlanta Braves. The visitors will send JR Ritchie to the hill for his MLB debut. He’s a 23-year-old right-hander off to a solid start with Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 0.99 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over five starts spanning 27 1/3 innings. Like last night’s starter Didier Fuentes, he may be sent back to the minors after this spot start, with Spencer Strider set to come off the IL by the end of next week.
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The Philadelphia Phillies placed C J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day IL due to back spasms. He initially hurt it last Friday, then left Saturday’s game early. The veteran backstop missed the following two games before returning on Tuesday, only to aggravate the issue. Rafael Marchan will take over as the primary receiver, with Garrett Stubbs called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to serve as the backup.
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The New York Mets are also dipping into the minors for tonight’s starter, with Christian Scott joining the club after posting a 1.74 ERA and an 0.58 WHIP over his last two efforts for Triple-A Syracuse. Juan Soto returned to the Mets lineup last night as the team finally ended its losing streak, but SS Francisco Lindor left early after hurting his calf while scoring a run. He’s slated for an MRI today, at which point his status should be clarified.
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The Boston Red Sox are set to recall Payton Tolle from Triple-A Worcester to start this evening as they attempt to avoid being swept by the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Tolle is filling in for the injured Sonny Gray and is being brought up after registering a 3.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over three outings, covering 15 frames.
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The Texas Rangers placed Wyatt Langford on the 10-day IL with a Grade 1 flexor strain. Ezequiel Duran is expected to fill in, with Alejandro Osuna called up from Triple-A Round Rock to replace Langford on the 26-man roster.
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Be sure to check out the recent fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Thursday.
April 22: Wednesday’s news to know
Juan Soto returns to action for a Mets team that has lost 12 straight games. Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesBy Todd ZolaToday’s action gets an early start with a 12:10 p.m. ET first pitch in Florida, where the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals square off in the rubber game of a three-game set. Five more matinees are staggered throughout the afternoon, with nine games comprising the evening slate.
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The New York Mets expect to have Juan Soto back in their lineup tonight when they try to snap their 12-game losing streak. Last night’s defeat spoiled another quality effort from Nolan McLean, who carried a perfect game into the sixth inning before ultimately yielding three runs in 6 1/3 frames, albeit with 10 strikeouts and no walks. Soto has been out for almost three weeks with a calf strain.
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Adley Rutschman returned to the Baltimore Orioles lineup last night after missing the minimum 10 days due to an inflamed ankle. He went 2-for-4 with a home run, but it wasn’t enough as the O’s lost 6-5 to the Kansas City Royals. Down on the farm, 2B Jackson Holliday apparently suffered another setback in his recovery from hamate bone surgery, as he was removed early for the second time this week due to right-hand discomfort.
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Perhaps in an effort to help get Taijuan Walker back on track, lefty Kyle Backhus will open tonight’s road date for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs switch up their batting order depending on the starting pitcher, so the right-handed Walker should have an easier time serving as the “primary pitcher” since he’ll avoid facing the top of the Cubs order the first time through, which features solid left-handed batters.
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For the Cubs, Matthew Boyd is set to return from the 15-day IL, bolstering a depleted Chicago rotation that is still missing Justin Steele and will be without Cade Horton for the rest of the season. Boyd missed three weeks due to a left biceps strain. He made one rehab start for Triple-A Iowa, yielding three runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings, but he fanned six with just one walk.
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Wyatt Langford left last night’s game as a result of right forearm tightness. The cause and severity of the injury are unclear. The outfielder often deals with injuries, including a quad issue that cost him three games earlier in the month. Ezequiel Duran filled in last night and would be the likely replacement if Langford remains out tonight as the club tries to make it two in a row over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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The Pirates were without 2B Brandon Lowe for the second straight game as he’s nursing a sore left knee. He was reportedly available off the bench last night, but was not needed in the 5-1 loss to the Rangers. His status for today’s game against right-hander Jack Leiter is unclear.
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Freddie Freeman returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup last night after missing two games over the weekend while on the paternity list. Ryan Ward was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City in the corresponding move.
