Fantasy baseball: Acuna ready to roll and more Tuesday news to knowRonald Acuna Jr. is back with the Atlanta Braves and should be in their starting lineup on Tuesday. Kelly Gavin/Getty ImagesESPN FantasyMay 19, 2026, 10:58 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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May 19: Tuesday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Tuesday’s usual all-evening slate gets a slightly early start with a 4:10 p.m. ET affair between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. The remaining 14 contests are under the lights, beginning at 6:40 p.m. ET with three more games.
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After previously indicating that Ronald Acuna Jr. may not be activated from the 10-day IL until Friday since the club wanted to avoid him playing on turf at loanDepot Park, the Braves reversed course and added him to their 26-man roster last night. He didn’t play in the first game of the set with the Marlins but is expected to be in the lineup today.
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Minnesota Twins C Ryan Jeffers left last night’s game in the eighth inning due to a sprained wrist suffered while taking a swing. He’s slated for testing today, after which his status will be determined. Jeffers is enjoying a career year with a .295/.408/.541 line. Victor Caratini would fill in behind the plate if Jeffers is sidelined.
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It was a rough Monday night for the San Francisco Giants, with starting pitcher Robbie Ray leaving the game after being hit by a comebacker, although his removal likely had more to do with him yielding nine earned runs (10 total) with 11 hits and two walks while fanning just one over 4 1/3 innings. The Giants fell 12-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee also suffered injuries last night, with a bruised thumb rendering Adames questionable for tonight and Lee expected to be on the bench thanks to a sore back.
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Jacob Young was diagnosed with a bruised rib after being hit by a pitch last night. He’s considered to be day-to-day. The Washington Nationals will reportedly call up Dylan Crews before tonight’s matchup with the New York Mets. He’s posted a .258/.345/.432 line for Triple-A Rochester after failing to make the club in the spring. It’s not clear where he’ll play, but Crews can handle center field if Young misses action.
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Boston Red Sox OF Ceddanne Rafaela missed last night’s game due to a tight hamstring. He was treated for the injury yesterday, with the expectation that he will return to the lineup for tonight’s road date with the Kansas City Royals. Jarren Duran covered center field last night, with Masataka Yoshida making a rare appearance in left.
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Be sure to check out the just in fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Tuesday.
May 18: Emerson’s prospects in Seattle look good
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
Colt Emerson was finally promoted to the Seattle Mariners over the weekend. He had previously signed an eight-year, $95 million contract with the Mariners on April 1, a move that made it a matter of “when” and not “if” he’d be promoted.
Emerson’s minor league numbers were not all that impressive, as he hit a mere .255/.347/.469 with seven home runs and 10 stolen bases in his 38 games for Triple-A Tacoma, but he has a very balanced skill set, with above-average contact, plate discipline, power and speed.
He’ll probably handle third base until at least the point that Brendan Donovan returns from his groin injury, but Emerson will almost assuredly find regular time either there or at his natural position of shortstop thereafter. That means he’ll likely earn dual eligibility quickly, with a chance at a top-10 fantasy point total at either/both spots.
*Be sure to check out Tristan’s full list of waiver wire recommendations for this week.
May 18: Monday’s news to know
Byron Buxton’s recovery from a sore hip appears to have rounded the corner. Nick Wosika/Icon SportswireBy Todd ZolaIt’s a busy Monday, with only the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals sitting this one out. All 14 scheduled games are evening affairs, with four getting underway at 6:40 p.m. ET.
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Byron Buxton participated in pregame workouts over the weekend but still hasn’t appeared in a game since last Wednesday due to a sore hip. He’s set to work out before tonight’s game, after which the Minnesota Twins will decide if he’s ready to return for their home affair with the Houston Astros.
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The Twins aren’t the only team hopeful for the return of a key player, with the Astros possibly activating SS Jeremy Pena before tonight’s matchup at Target Field. He traveled with the team after concluding rehab for a neck issue over the weekend. Pena could take Jose Altuve’s roster spot, as the veteran was placed on the IL due to an oblique strain.
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Christian Yelich returned to the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup yesterday, going 1-for-5 with a home run. He had missed the previous four games thanks to a sore back. The short-term plan is for Yelich to receive more frequent days off, so it will be necessary to check pregame lineups before locking him in your fantasy lineups.
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The Texas Rangers will be without Corey Seager for at least one game, as he left the team to return to Arlington and visit a back specialist after undergoing an MRI on Sunday. It’s unfortunate timing with the Rangers set to open a series against the Colorado Rockies. However, while things are warming up for most of the country, the forecast calls for a game-time temperature in the low 40s with the wind blowing in at Coors Field. As such, homers could be suppressed, but runs should not be affected.
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Ryan O’Hearn was placed on the 10-day IL due to a moderate quad strain that’s expected to keep him out for around a month. The Pirates will miss his .827 OPS through 44 games. Jhostynxon Garcia is expected to be called up prior to Tuesday’s game with the Cardinals. He’s batting .368/.432/.895 this month for Triple-A Indianapolis and could see time in the outfield while O’Hearn is out.
