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 29: Wednesday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Today’s slate gets an early start with a 12:15 p.m. ET contest in South Beach between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. Six more matinees follow, including the opener of a split doubleheader with the New York Mets hosting the Atlanta Braves. The nightcap is one of nine evening affairs.
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Yesterday’s scheduled starters for the Mets and Braves will take the hill in the late game, with Christian Scott squaring off with Chris Sale. Sean Manaea will start the opener for the Mets, with AJ Smith-Shawver set to make his 2026 debut for the Braves. He’s been out since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2025. The right-hander was originally expected to make one more rehab start, but the club opted to summon him early. Smith-Shawver logged 77 pitches in his last rehab outing, so he should be able to reach the mid-80s, then pass the baton to the bullpen.
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Joe Ryan is set to take the hill tonight when the Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals. He was scratched from last Sunday’s start due to arm fatigue. Ryan is rumored to be on the trade block, so showing that he’s healthy could facilitate a deadline deal to a contender.
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Ryan may not have to contend with Vinnie Pasquantino after the Royals’ first baseman was forced out of last night’s game in the ninth inning due to a sore right hand. Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for Pasquantino and could see action if Pasquantino is sidelined. Jac Caglianone would handle first base with Tolbert manning right field. Tolbert is batting .313 in limited action, but he’s swiped 12 bases over just 74 plate appearances.
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The Twins lineup may not be 100% either after Byron Buxton reaggravated the hip injury that cost him almost two weeks on the IL earlier in the month. He’s set for further evaluation today.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left last night’s game in the fourth inning after hitting the bag hard while beating out a grounder to third. He was diagnosed with a tight right hamstring and is considered to be day-to-day. Kazuma Okamoto moved across the diamond to fill in at first, while Luis Urias entered the game at the hot corner for the Toronto Blue Jays.
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The San Francisco Giants may be without Casey Schmitt for the rest of the season after he was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee. He’s slated for a follow-up examination, at which point his status will be updated.
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The Boston Red Sox placed Curtis Mead on the 10-day IL as a result of a fractured left wrist. Monday’s initial X-rays were negative, but once the swelling went down, the fracture was revealed with further imaging. Anthony Seigler will step back in at the keystone, with Nick Sogard called up from Triple-A Worcester to fill the open roster spot.
July 28: Tuesday’s news to know
By Todd Zola
Last night’s postponement between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians will be made up today, with the opener at 1:40 p.m. ET getting things started. The clubs will play the regularly scheduled nightcap as part of the 15-game evening slate.
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The weather for the twin bill in Cincinnati is forecast to be perfect, but rain will likely be a problem at Citi Field where the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves. There also may be showers when the Washington Nationals host the Toronto Blue Jays, but the game is expected to be played, though perhaps following a delay.
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Curtis Mead left last night’s game after being hit in the wrist by a pitch in only his second plate appearance with the Boston Red Sox. Initial X-rays were negative, and a follow-up is expected today. He’s considered to be day-to-day, with Anthony Seigler likely to handle second base tonight in Sacramento against the Athletics if Mead is unable to play.
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San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello indicated that the club is expecting Casey Schmitt to require a stint on the IL after he hurt his knee rounding first in last night’s home tilt with the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s set for an MRI today, at which point his status will be clarified. Christian Koss took over last night and will likely see more action at third base. Schmitt has 21 home runs, just one behind team leader Rafael Devers.
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Esmerlyn Valdez left last night’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks after getting hit by a pitch in the area near his wrist during the fourth inning. He is scheduled for imaging today. Valdez has clubbed 14 home runs in only 38 games, fueling an eye-popping .702 slugging percentage.
