Fantasy baseball: Soto to the IL, Early to the Nationals and more news for SundayJuan Soto is headed to the 10-day IL with a calf strain, and is expected to be out longer than his previous stint in April. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesESPN FantasyJul 26, 2026, 09:00 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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July 26: Sunday morning’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s 15-game slate gets an early start with a 12:15 p.m. ET matinee between the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Cleveland Guardians. 13 more afternoon affairs follow, with the week’s finale getting underway at 7:20 p.m. ET with the Philadelphia Phillies entertaining the New York Yankees.
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The deadline deal frenzy started last night with the Boston Red Sox sending rookie southpaw Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead. Early is on the 15-day IL nursing an inflamed elbow, but he’s expected to embark on a rehab assignment this week. He’ll step into the Nationals’ rotation when he’s healthy. Brady House was recalled, filling Mead’s roster spot and likely taking over at third base.
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Mead fills the Red Sox’ desire for a righty power hitter. His 17 homers and .505 slugging percentage both rank second on his new team. He’s played mostly third base with some appearances at first and second. Caleb Durbin has been manning the hot corner but can shift to shortstop if needed.
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The Texas Rangers placed 3B Josh Jung on the 10-day IL with a strained left calf. It was backdated to last Wednesday, and the club is hoping for a short stay. They’re already without SS Corey Seager, and OF Wyatt Langford left yesterday’s game after fouling two balls off his ankle and foot. X-rays came back negative, and the Rangers are optimistic that the oft-injured outfielder can play today. They called up Josh Smith to help fill the void from Jung being on the shelf.
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Cody Bellinger left last night’s game in the eighth inning after hurting his hamstring when stretching a long single into a double. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed concern that the injury might not be minor. Max Schuemann replaced Bellinger yesterday, though Spencer Jones could be recalled if Bellinger requires an IL stint.
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Joe Ryan was scheduled to pitch today, but he’s unable to make the start when the Minnesota Twins and the Athletics Athletics play the rubber game of their weekend series at Target Field. Ryan, who is rumored to be on the trading block, is coming off one of the worst outings of his career. The club hopes he can take the mound later this week. Connor Prielipp has been tabbed to start today.
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The Athletics’ lineup received a boost with 1B Nick Kurtz activated from the 10-day IL. He’s been out for just over two weeks with a sprained right thumb. The club decided that Kurtz would return without heading out on a rehab assignment. Max Muncy was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to clear a roster spot.
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Juan Soto was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left calf. The New York Mets indicated that an MRI revealed a Grade 2 strain. His return date has not been established, but he’s expected to be out longer than the two-week stint he had in April for a strained right calf. Jorge Polanco is earmarked for more action at designated hitter, with Eric Wagaman summoned from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Soto on the roster.
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Be sure to check out the newest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Sunday.
July 25: Saturday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
The Braves will soon welcome back Ronald Acuna Jr., who has been sidelined since June with a left hamstring strain. Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesToday’s 15-game slate gets underway at 1:10 p.m. ET with the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals matching up in Motown. Four more games follow in the 4 p.m. ET hour, leaving 10 games for the evening ledger.
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Juan Soto left last night’s game in the sixth inning with a sore left calf. It was the second time this week he exited a contest early. The New York Mets indicated that Soto is set for imaging today. If he’s forced to miss time, Jorge Polanco will get more chances to serve as the designated hitter.
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Injury woes continue for the Texas Rangers. Josh Jung is dealing with a left calf issue suffered last Tuesday and missed Wednesday’s game and was on the bench again last night. Ezequiel Duran filled in at the hot corner and is in line for additional playing time if Jung remains out. The club is expected to decide on his status today.
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With Alan Rangel struggling in two chances to secure the fifth starter role for the Philadelphia Phillies, the club is promoting Brian Keller to make his major league debut in today’s interleague matchup against the New York Yankees at Citizens Bank Park. The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 2.23 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 36⅓ innings with Triple-A Lehigh. Keller pitched in the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox organizations from 2016 to ’22, then spent a season in Japan. He missed the last two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’ll either start or serve as the Phillies’ bulk reliever.
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The Toronto Blue Jays declared that Addison Barger will undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow. The nature of the procedure is still uncertain, but Barge is sure to be out for the remainder of the season. Barger enjoyed a solid stretch run last season that he carried over into the 2025 playoffs, creating some spring draft buzz. But in nine games with the Blue Jays early this season, Barger posted a meek .045/.214/.091 line.
