Jake Mangum takes over in center field. Presumably, the decision to hold Cruz out of the lineup is directly related to a hand laceration that he suffered on a slide into home plate last weekend against Atlanta. There should be an additional update on his status following Tuesday’s showdown, but fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for the moment.

All indications are that Skubal will be cleared afterwards to make his lightning-quick return to Detroit’s rotation with a start against the Guardians later this week. He’ll make it back from an innovative NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow roughly five weeks after the procedure. The 29-year-old fantasy ace punched out six batters over five shutout innings during a 54-pitch minor league rehab start for High-A West Michigan on Sunday.

Salvador Perez (thumb) and Jac Caglianone (shoulder) are also back in Kansas City’s lineup after missing time over the weekend. The Royals made the decision to pull Witt from Sunday’s series finale after his right knee soreness got worse during the contest, but he appears to have checked out fine after undergoing further evaluation. The 25-year-old franchise cornerstone has the green light to return, which is a massive relief for the Royals and fantasy managers as well.

Carrigg’s defensive versatility, stolen base upside and opportunity to take advantage of Coors Field’s batting average inflating tendencies make him one of the more intriguing prospects in the fantasy landscape. The 24-year-old receives his first opportunity at the highest level with Tyler Freeman (concussion) hitting the injured list. He’s eclipsed 40 steals in each of the previous two minor league seasons and was slashing .338/.414/.529 with six homers and 30 steals in 57 games at the Triple-A level this season. He’s a savvy pickup in deeper mixed leagues based on his stolen base upside and path to everyday at-bats with the Rockies.

Cease returns from a two-week stint on the injured list recovering from a left hamstring strain to take the ball against the Phillies at the Rogers Centre on Tuesday night. The 30-year-old upper-echelon fantasy starter holds a strong 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 92/26 K/BB ratio across 62 innings over 11 starts in his Blue Jays debut this season. His return will provide a much-needed lift for Toronto’s rotation mix and fantasy managers alike.

Buxton missed the previous two games while dealing with a shoulder contusion. The 32-year-old will likely see some maintenance days over the summer, but it’s great to see the right-handed hitting slugger back at it for the series opener against Detroit.

Griffin is currently on the injured list with a right flexor tendon strain, and while testing revealed that his absence will be longer than anticipated, it is positive news that the 20-year-old will be able to toss the ole baseball back and forth. The Pirates aren’t going to take any chances with Griffin, and fantasy managers should be prepared to be without the infielder for the long haul.

Heyman reports that that deal is a seven-year, $31 million contract that includes team options and escalators, with Jeff Passan of ESPN saying the deal could max out to $79 millon. It’s yet another extension in 2026 for a player that hasn’t received MLB experience, and it comes for a 21-year-old who has hit .338/.447/.500 with seven homers and 18 stolen bases over 56 games with Triple-A Nashville. The 5-foot-7 outfielder should get a chance to play for the Brew Crew before 2026 comes to an end, but he is more of a long-term play from a fantasy perspective.

Montgomery will be making his MLB debut Tuesday against the Braves. The 12th pick of the 2023 draft, Montgomery was acquired in the Garret Crochet blockbuster, and the 23-year-old has a chance to be a contributor in several fantasy categories. He’s worth roster consideration for those who need the outfield help.

Sánchez authored another masterful performance, notching his fourth double-digit strikeout effort, while limiting Toronto’s lineup to just five baserunners over seven frames. He gave up only four hits, including a fifth-inning solo shot to Ernie Clement, which was just the fourth round-tripper he’s allowed this entire season. The 29-year-old southpaw continues to bolster his NL Cy Young Award case after putting together a remarkable 50 2/3 scoreless innings streak earlier this month. He’ll face a tough challenge his next time out with a road matchup against the Brewers on Sunday.