X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Players To Watch For The Week Ahead (May 26 - June 1)

Brandon Lowe - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Jarod's fantasy baseball watch list -- hitters, pitchers, and relievers he's keeping an eye on for May 26 - June 1 (2025): hot bats, good matchups, pitchers on a roll, and more.

Welcome back to my weekly Players to Watch for the Week Ahead series for 2025 as we look ahead to the week of May 26 - June 1. In this article, I'll look at players like Lawrence Butler, Brandon Lowe, Yu Darvish, and others.

As a reminder of what this article is all about, I like to take a look around the league and pick out some players to discuss who might be under-owned in redraft leagues, potential DFS candidates, players returning from injury or getting called up from the minors, or some names that are just flat-out hot.

Looking ahead to this week, we've got a top prospect finally arriving, some impressive streaks to keep an eye on, a pitcher returning from injury, and more!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Hitters

Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox

What I'm Watching: First full week in the big leagues

An unfortunate side of sports is injury, but when that happens, it can open the door for someone else to step up. That exact scenario just played out in Boston, with Alex Bregman suffering a quad strain, but Marcelo Mayer's path to playing time finally opening up.

In his major league debut on Saturday, Boston's second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 8) went hitless in four at-bats, but on Sunday, he collected a hit in his first at-bat, then smacked a line drive into the right-center gap for a double later in the game.

The Red Sox will go on the road against Milwaukee and Atlanta this week, so Sox fans will have to wait until June 2 against the Angles to see him at Fenway again, but most fantasy managers don't need to wait, as the former fourth-overall draft pick is available in over 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Lawrence Butler, Athletics

What I'm Watching: Consecutive games with an extra-base hit

Signed to a large contract extension before the season began after a breakout season with a .345 wOBA and 130 wRC+, Lawrence Butler's season hasn't gone quite the way he or fantasy managers were hoping, posting a .317 wOBA and 104 wRC+ through 49 games.

However, the left-handed slugger looks like he's in the middle of a breakout, tallying at least one extra-base hit in his last six consecutive games, including five doubles, a triple, and a home run during that stretch.

To keep the streak going won't be easy, as the Athletics take on the Astros' Hunter Brown on Tuesday, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, but the A's could be catching him at the right time after giving up five earned runs his last time out. Butler is 2-for-8 lifetime off the righty, including a double and four strikeouts.

Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

What I'm Watching: Heating up

Brandon Lowe's batting average sat at .190 on May 11, then a 7-for-13 three-game stretch took place, perhaps foretelling a forthcoming turnaround at the plate. Now, the former All-Star is riding an eight-game hit streak after a 3-for-4 day on Sunday.

The 30-year-old has an extra-base hit in five straight games and has hit a home run in three of his last four, pushing his batting average 48 points higher than where it was two weeks ago, now sitting at .238. The left-handed hitter's xBA is .273, so there could be more room to run.

Kody Clemens, Minnesota Twins

What I'm Watching: Making the most of his opportunities

You might not have noticed since he does not play every day, but Kody Clemens is making the most of his playing time, currently riding a six-game hit streak and hitting safely in seven of his last eight games.

The 29-year-old also has at least one extra-base hit in five straight, including three doubles, a triple, and two home runs. He may be frustrating to roster in season-long (available in over 90 percent of leagues), but he could be a cheap DFS option while he's hot and in favorable matchups.

Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs

What I'm Watching: On-base streak

Dansby Swanson does not own the longest on-base streak in the majors -- that belongs to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whom I outlined in last week's article -- but with a hit on Sunday, Swanson has been on base for 24 games in a row via hit or walk.

The veteran is hitting .356 during those 24 games, and is on pace for a 30-homer, 20-steal season. Both of those numbers would be career-highs, and even though he may end up closer to a 25/15 campaign, that would still make him plenty valuable for fantasy.

What better way to keep it rolling than to face the Rockies to start the week? Two of the first three pitchers are Carson Palmquist and Tanner Gordon, who have 12 major league starts between them, but the third is German Marquez, whom Swanson is 4-for-7 off of in his career with a double, a triple, and a home run.

Colton Cowser, Baltimore Orioles

What I'm Watching: Return from the IL

Currently on a rehab assignment, Colton Cowser is eligible to return from the IL on Friday, May 30. The Orioles could use an offensive boost, and Cowser is coming off a 24-homer campaign in 2024.

The left-handed slugger is available in over 40 percent of leagues for managers who want to stash him before his activation.

 

Key Matchups: Hitters

These hitters caught my attention when I reviewed batter vs. pitcher matchups. Most of these guys are already rostered in a majority of leagues, so you aren't running out to snag them off the waiver wire, but they could be targets for your DFS lineups.

While there isn't always enough matchup history to look at, there is a frequency to these, and with that comes familiarity. These batters have a history of collecting extra-base hits in these matchups, some with multiple home runs against the opposing hurler.

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Pitchers

Nick Martinez, Cincinnati Reds

What I'm Watching: Quality start streak

I talked about Zack Wheeler in last week's article, and of course, he was excellent again this past week, but he's not available for you to pick up. Robbie Ray has been dealing as well, notching his sixth straight quality start on Sunday against the Nationals, but he is also 93 percent rostered.

So let's talk about a pitcher who is just 40 percent rostered -- Nick Martinez. The righty has rattled off five straight quality starts, and was just one out away from making this streak six in a row back before it started.

Over those last six starts, the 34-year-old owns a 1.96 ERA (2.34 FIP), 0.98 WHIP, and a 13.1 percent K-BB%. That is certainly usable for season-long fantasy, however, his K/9 of 6.71 on the season leaves much to be desired for DFS.

The 6-foot-1 hurler will be tested twice this week, once on Monday versus the Royals and over the weekend against the Cubs. The Royals have underachieved this year, but several Royals have had success against Martinez, and the Cubs have the most prolific offense so far.

So, if you're thinking about picking him up, hopefully he can pass this week's tests; otherwise, stash him away and wait for more favorable matchups.

Yu Darvish, San Diego Padres

What I'm Watching: Return from the IL

No exact date has been given for Yu Darvish's return to the major league mound, but it could be close. He's only made one rehab start with Triple-A El Paso back on May 14, and the veteran reported feeling tightness in his elbow afterward, stating he's not ready for a major league game.

The Padres just lost Michael King to the IL with right shoulder inflammation and are rolling with Stephen Kolek -- who has four career starts to his name -- as the fourth option in the rotation right now, without a fifth starter at this point.

So, there is definitely an opportunity for Darvish to return to the rotation this week if he's ready. The 38-year-old made 16 starts for the team last season and was still fairly effective, pitching to a 3.31 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 16.9 percent K-BB%.

The five-time All-Star is available in around 60 percent of leagues for managers looking for some pitching help.

Drew Pomeranz, Chicago Cubs

What I'm Watching: Scoreless innings streak

I've typically mentioned relievers with an active scoreless innings streak in this section the last couple of weeks, but it seems to have been a jinx, as those pitchers promptly torpedoed those streaks. So, this could be more of a 'buyer beware' section, and it could be especially true this week.

36-year-old Drew Pomeranz made his 2025 debut with the Cubs on April 25, which was the first time he's pitched in the major leagues since 2021. So, of course, the lefty has gone on to throw 11 1/3 scoreless innings for Chicago, registering a 12:3 K:BB and even picking up both a win and a save in the process.

Those are the type of stats that could help improve ratios in season-long leagues. Then again, this could be a jinx, as pitchers don't typically have 0.00 ERAs on the season, so a blowup could be on the way.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kristian Campbell

Red Sox Sending Kristian Campbell to Triple-A
Sal Cannella

Browns Sign UFL Standout Tight End Sal Cannella
Jonathan Ward

Steelers Release Jonathan Ward
Treylon Burks

Looking to Prove Himself Right
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Contusion
Robert Rochell

Agrees on One-Year Deal With Cowboys
Seth Green

Signs With Saints
Sam Darnold

Knows he Must Prove Himself Again
C.J. Mosley

Hangs Up his Cleats
Rashee Rice

to be Full-Go at Training Camp
Corbin Carroll

Injures Hand on Wednesday, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Michael King

Likely Out Through All-Star Break
Tyrese Haliburton

Officially Questionable for Game 6
Bucky Irving

Not Resting on Laurels Ahead of Second Season
Denver Broncos

Mario Goodrich Signs with Denver
Maverick McNealy

May Need To Be Avoided at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Brewers-Cubs Postponed on Wednesday
Shedeur Sanders

Issued Citation for Excessive Speeding
MLB

Cardinals-White Sox Postponed on Wednesday
Wyndham Clark

Avoid Wyndham Clark at the Travelers Championship
Rickie Fowler

a Very Risky Option at TPC River Highlands
Russell Henley

Has Elite Value at TPC River Highlands
Ben Griffin

Once Again a Solid Option for Travelers Championship
Jason Day

an Intriguing Option at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Pirates-Tigers Postponed on Wednesday
PGA

Sungjae Im Still Totally Useless For DFS Ahead of Travelers Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking to Bounce Back After Messy U.S. Open
Ryan Fox

Looks to Continue Hot Run at TPC River Highlands
Jordan Spieth

Makes a Strong Case at Travelers Championship
Tyjae Spears

Has Impressed this Offseason
Cam Skattebo

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Beaux Collins

Working with Giants Starters
Marquise Brown

Feels 100% Healthy
Damon Arnette

Texans Signing Damon Arnette
Jaire Alexander

Inks One-Year Deal with Ravens
Jared Wiley

Wearing Knee Brace at Minicamp
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Continue Momentum Into Travelers Championship
Anders Carlson

Jets Release Anders Carlson
Malik Nabers

Will be Ready for Training Camp
TreVeyon Henderson

Unclear if TreVeyon Henderson is a Future Bell-Cow Back
Hideki Matsuyama

Searching for Consistency at Travelers Championship
Justin Thomas

Looks to Bounce Back at Travelers Championship
Adam Scott

Looks to Rebound After Disappointing U.S. Open Finish
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Another Strong Performance at Travelers
Shane Lowry

a High-Upside Play at Travelers
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Travelers
Corey Conners

Withdraws from Travelers with Wrist Injury
Keegan Bradley

in Solid Form Ahead of Travelers Championship
Gary Woodland

Hit-or-Miss at the Travelers
Sepp Straka

Expected to Contend at Travelers Championship
Tyrese Haliburton

to Be a Game-Time Call Thursday
Roman Josi

Expects to Return for 2025-26 Campaign
Sam Bennett

Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
Matthew Tkachuk

Reveals Multiple Injuries
Aleksander Barkov

Posts Two Assists in Cup-Clinching Win
Carter Verhaeghe

Collects Hat Trick of Assists in Tuesday's Win
Sam Reinhart

Scores Four Goals in Cup-Clincher
Cal Raleigh

Homers, Drives in Six on Tuesday
Andy Pages

Homers Twice in Win Over Padres
Cam Smith

Launches Two Home Runs in Victory
Salvador Perez

Homers Twice, Plates Four Tuesday
Michael Toglia

Homers Twice, Plates Three Tuesday
Javier Báez

Javier Baez Collects Three Hits, Homers Twice Tuesday
Rafael Devers

Expected to Play First Base in San Francisco
Will Warren

Strikes Out 11 in Quality Start
Max Scherzer

Could Rejoin Blue Jays Next Week
John Klingberg

Rejoins Oilers Lineup Tuesday
Tylor Megill

Placed on 15-Day Injured List, Out 4-5 Weeks With Elbow Sprain
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 6
Stuart Skinner

Back in Oilers Crease Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Scratched on Tuesday With Sore Hand
Jurickson Profar

Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Will Vest

Likely to Avoid Injured List
Rafael Devers

Expected to Make Giants Debut on Tuesday
Chet Holmgren

Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Jalen Williams

Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Pascal Siakam

Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Tyrese Haliburton

Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
LeBron James

Progressing Well From Knee Injury
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF