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 1: Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) placed on the injured list, Edwin Arroyo set to debut
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
Elly De La Cruz's hamstring issue, one he suffered when he came up hobbling while rounding first base on a fifth-inning single on Sunday, indeed is serious enough to cost him a trip to the injured list. The Cincinnati Reds placed the star shortstop on the 10-day IL on Monday, and manager Terry Francona said the injury is between a Grade 1 and 2 strain, meaning De La Cruz could miss two or more weeks.
Losing De La Cruz is a big hit to rotisserie league managers, as he's the No. 10 name on our Player Rater. That's not to downplay the impact in ESPN standard points leagues, however, as the shortstop's 151 fantasy points scored are 34th among hitters and 58th overall. De La Cruz's 29.6% strikeout rate, which had him on pace for 212 strikeouts (that would've been his second year of 200-plus in the past three seasons), is the primary differentiator in his fantasy value by league type. He had otherwise been in the midst of a stellar season, and was riding career highs in terms of underlying stats like Statcast's Barrel rate (15.0%) and average exit velocity (94.2 mph).
The silver lining to De La Cruz's IL placement is that the Reds recalled one of their top prospects, Edwin Arroyo, from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Arroyo, who was acquired in the 2022 trade deadline deal with Seattle for Luis Castillo, had slipped somewhat in terms of prospect ranking over his first three seasons in the Reds' organization, but was off to a great start to the year for the Bats. Arroyo's .323/.383/.562 hitting rates would all set single-season minor league bests, and he was hitting for much more power than before, with 11 home runs in 53 games.
Though Arroyo played the bulk of his minor league games at shortstop, both this season and previously, he'll earn the start at second base for his big-league debut on Monday. That could signal the team either breaking him in as a longer-term utilityman, or their intent to acclimate him to a regular second base role with Matt McLain -- he's their Monday shortstop -- ticketed for utility work. Either way, Arroyo is a worthwhile short-term pickup regardless of format, thanks to his speed, contact ability and improved power production, which should play well at the Reds' homer-friendly home ballpark. His upside is great enough that he's worth the add to see just what he can offer.
June 1: Monday's news to know
By Todd Zola
The first day of June begins with a nine-game schedule. All of the games will be under the lights, with the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers getting things started at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field.
The Tigers are set to activate Ty Madden from the 15-day IL to start tonight's contest. He required just a bit more than the minimum absence due to a right forearm contusion.
Maikel Garcia is questionable for the Kansas City Royals' road date with the Cincinnati Reds. He missed yesterday's game thanks to a hamstring strain and is set for re-evaluation today. Nick Loftin filled in at third base while Carter Jensen took over the leadoff spot.
Elly De La Cruz's status for tonight has been made clear as the team has officially placed him on the 10-day IL. He hurt his hamstring running to first base yesterday and underwent imaging this morning prior to Cincinnati's matchup with the Royals.
Zach Neto returned to the Los Angeles Angels lineup yesterday after being removed from Saturday's game due to whiplash. He has struggled over the first two months of the season, especially in the stolen base department. After swiping 56 bases in 75 tries over the previous two seasons, he's gone only 8-for-14 so far this year.
The New York Mets have essentially switched the roles of Sean Manaea and David Peterson, with Manaea stepping in as "primary pitcher" while Peterson joins the bullpen. Manaea is set to follow Austin Warren in tonight's road affair with the Seattle Mariners.
Be sure to check out the latest fantasy lineup advice as well as the MLB betting tips for Monday.
May 31: Sunday's news to know
By Todd Zola
Fantasy Week 9 ends with a typical 15-game slate, featuring 14 afternoon contests and one evening affair. Action gets underway early at 12:15 p.m. ET with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. The Chicago Cubs entertain the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:20 p.m. ET to conclude the week's festivities.
The New York Yankees will be without Amed Rosario for up to three days after he was placed on the paternity list. The club faces the Athletics with lefty Jacob Lopez slated to start, so Rosario would have been in the lineup.
Los Angeles Angels SS Zach Neto left Saturday's game early after a collision with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour while trying to score on a wild pitch. Neto was diagnosed with whiplash and is questionable for today's rubber game at Tropicana Field. Oswald Peraza would likely fill in if Neto can't play.
Angel Martinez left yesterday's game with left foot inflammation. He's questionable for the finale between the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox, with each team winning a game in the three-game set. Martinez has been a surprise this season, collecting nine homers and eight steals. If he can't play, Stuart Fairchild would likely enter the lineup.
Harrison Bader is on the 10-day IL for the second time this season. After a previous stint for a hamstring sprain, Bader is out with plantar fasciitis. Drew Gilbert and the recently called-up Will Brennan will cover center field.
Maikel Garcia strained his right hamstring hustling from first to third base in the seventh inning of yesterday's tilt between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. After a productive World Baseball Classic, Garcia has struggled over the first two months of the season, especially in May. With one game left this month, he has yet to hit a homer and has swiped just one base. Nick Loftin will fill in at the hot corner if Garcia misses action.
The Rangers were without Evan Carter for yesterday's 7-6 win over the Royals. His foot was sore after being hit by a pitch on Friday night. Michael Helman handled center field and would likely continue to fill in if Carter has to miss more action. He's slated for imaging, after which his status will be clarified.
The Pittsburgh Pirates anticipate the return of one of their best hitters, with Ryan O'Hearn set to be activated from the 10-day IL. He's been out for two weeks with a right quad strain. Before the injury, O'Hearn was pacing toward a career year with an .827 OPS.