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Is Joshua Baez Still Worthy of Stashing Amid Slump at Triple-A?
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez belted 20 home runs and stole 59 bases between High-A and Double-A a season ago, posting better-than-average strikeout and walk rates along the way, then parlayed that into a successful 2026 Grapefruit League showing that was capped off with home runs in three consecutive games. However, after a solid start to his season at Triple-A Memphis, the former second-round draft pick has been mired in a week-long slump, going 3-for-22 (.136) with nine strikeouts in his last seven games. For the season, the right-handed hitter is slashing .206/.308/.397 with three home runs and five steals. Concerningly, after striking out six times in his first 37 plate appearances for the Redbirds (16.2 percent), the 22-year-old has tallied 18 strikeouts in his last 41 plate appearances (43.9 percent). The 6-foot-3 slugger will likely make his MLB debut at some point this season, but the team will want to see him right the ship before penciling him into the big league lineup, so for now, he's no longer a high-priority stash.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Travis Bazzana a Top Offensive Stash as Bat Gets Hot at Triple-A
Cleveland Guardians second base prospect Travis Bazzana has become a top stash candidate among minor league hitters who could soon be making their MLB debuts. The former first-overall draft pick is 13-for-32 (.406) over his last eight games at Triple-A Columbus, with five multi-hit performances mixed in there. Not only that, the left-handed slugger is hitting for power, too, collecting eight of his 12 extra-base hits over that stretch, including his first home run of 2026. In addition, the Australian continues to draw walks at an above-average rate, currently with a 13.0 percent walk rate (17.4 percent strikeout rate) and has stolen five bases in 19 games for the Clippers. In all, it has produced a .278/.374/.481 slash line that has him knocking on the door to the majors. Switch-hitting Juan Brito has been getting the majority of starts at second base after Brayan Rocchio moved to shortstop due to Gabriel Arias' (hamstring) injury, but Brito is 2-for-29 (.069) over his last nine games, and Arias isn't expected back until sometime in May. So, Bazzana could get his shot sooner rather than later, and with above-average contact, power, and speed, the 23-year-old is a worthy stash candidate in most formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Juan Soto Expected to Return on Wednesday
The current plan is for New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) to be reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Soto began a running progression last Tuesday, and apparently, he's ramped up enough for the Mets to feel comfortable reinstating him in the middle of this week. The 27-year-old four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner will be a much-needed offensive boost to a Mets team that has lost 11 straight games. Before injuring his calf, Soto was slashing .355/.412/.516 with a .928 OPS, a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored in his 31 at-bats. He's not going to fix New York's offensive struggles single-handedly, but his return will certainly be a boost. Fantasy managers should be prepared to get Soto back into their lineups everywhere on Wednesday at home against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Soto will be returning without playing in any minor-league rehab games.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
The Minnesota Twins announced on Tuesday that they reinstated infielder Royce Lewis (knee) from the 10-day injured list. Lewis is back with the Twins after spraining his knee back on April 9, and he should be back in the starting nine right away for Tuesday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Nolan McLean at Citi Field. With Lewis sidelined, the Twins were using a committee at the hot corner between Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler. Before Lewis' knee injury, he was hitting .222/.378/.444 with an .822 OPS, two home runs, eight RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases in 45 plate appearances across 12 games played. He clubbed two home runs in his two minor-league rehab games, and fantasy managers will be hoping that Lewis' power stroke is on point upon his return. The former first overall pick has game-changing power, but injuries continue to get in his way.
Source: Minnesota Twins
Source: Minnesota Twins
Adley Rutschman Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
The Baltimore Orioles activated catcher Adley Rutschman (ankle) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment in a corresponding move, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Rutschman will return to the O's after a minimum stay on the IL, and he should be back in the team's starting lineup for their contest on Tuesday against the hosting Kansas City Royals and left-hander Kris Bubic. The 28-year-old's return will push young catcher Samuel Basallo back into a backup role behind the plate, but he should still see plenty of at-bats between catcher and designated hitter in Baltimore. Rutschman, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, was off to a strong start at the plate before landing on the IL, hitting .294 (10-for-34), although he's still searching for his first home run in 2026. Get him back into your starting lineups for the rest of the week.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Carlos Estevez Emerging as Top Stash Option?
Kansas City Royals veteran right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) is still on the 15-day injured list with a left-foot contusion, and he looked awful in his first appearance of the 2026 season before getting injured, but he could still be worth stashing in fantasy leagues due to reliever Lucas Erceg's recent struggles in the closer's role in KC. Erceg was perfect in his first five save chances after Estevez went on the shelf, but since then, he's blown both of his save chances while allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking four and striking out only one. The 30-year-old now has an ugly 6.48 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over his 8 1/3 innings pitched early in the campaign, firmly putting himself on the closer hot seat. It's unclear when Estevez might return, and he has issues of his own (primarily reduced velocity), but his demise as a closer might be premature. Estevez is still rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues. If you're hurting for saves, you should consider picking up the injured Estevez. He could be thrown right back into the closing mix for the Royals when he's cleared to come off the IL.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Juan Soto Doesn't Have Firm Date for a Return
The New York Mets still expect All-Star outfielder Juan Soto (calf) to return from the 10-day injured list during their upcoming homestand, which begins Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins and runs through next Thursday, April 30, but they don't have an exact date in mind for the slugger's return, according to Max Ralph of MLB.com. "Yes, he's still on track," manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday. "Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next homestand." The Mets, losers of 11 games in a row, could really use Soto's bat back in the lineup. The 27-year-old Dominican began a running progression last Tuesday, but the team now wants to see him increase the intensity of his running program while adding elements such as side-to-side shuffling and starting/stopping. Friday would represent the three-week mark from when Soto originally went on the IL. Soto was hitting a cool .355/.412/.516 with a homer and two doubles before his injury. Without him, the Mets have scored just 1.9 runs per game, including three scoreless outings.
Source: MLB.com - Max Ralph
Source: MLB.com - Max Ralph
Can Blake Treinen Pick Up Saves in New-Look Dodgers Bullpen?
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss around three months now that he needs surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, and veteran right-handed reliever Blake Treinen could benefit at the back end of the team's bullpen with save opportunities going forward. The 37-year-old veteran has 82 career saves in his 11-plus MLB seasons, although he has only had three saves since the start of the 2024 campaign. With Diaz sidelined for the foreseeable future, manager Dave Roberts could get creative in the ninth inning with Treinen and left-handers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia. Scott figures to get the first crack at save chances going forward, but don't be surprised if Treinen is involved as well. Treinen is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues currently, but that number should rise as fantasy managers desperate for saves scoop him up. He has allowed three earned runs with three walks and six strikeouts in his 6 2/3 innings pitched for L.A. so far in 2026.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Dalton Rushing Worth an Add Despite Shaky Playing Time?
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is the backup to All-Star catcher Will Smith, but he might be worth a pickup off the waiver wire after his two-homer performance in the team's 12-3 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night. Rushing went 2-for-5 on the night with three RBI and two strikeouts while batting out of the nine-hole. He got the start at first base for the Dodgers with Freddie Freeman (personal) still away from the team while on the paternity list. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Louisville only has 27 at-bats so far on the season, but he's recorded 12 hits (seven home runs) and has driven in 13 and scored 10 runs for the Blue. In 53 games in 2025 in his rookie season in the majors, Rushing slashed .204/.258/.324 with four homers and 24 RBI in his 155 plate appearances. He's currently rostered in only 17% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could continue to climb in the coming days and weeks if Rushing gets more at-bats and continues to produce at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Lodolo to Increase Workload in Sim Game on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw 31 pitches in two simulated innings in batting practice on April 17 and is scheduled to bump up to three innings on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Lodolo is still working his way back from a blister on his left index finger that landed him on the 15-day injured list on March 25 before the start of the 2026 regular season. His timetable for a return is still to be determined, although he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment soon if he gets through his sim game on Tuesday with flying colors. Injuries have kept the 28-year-old southpaw from reaching his true potential in the big leagues, but the former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU remains worth stashing in fantasy baseball leagues because of his strikeout upside when he's healthy. The 6-foot-6, 216-pounder has struck out 26.2% of the batters he's faced in his four MLB seasons and sports an ERA just above 4.00 in 409 2/3 total innings.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Cease Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his strong start to the 2026 season in his first year with the team in his outing on Monday in Anaheim in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out 12 in five innings to pick up his first win of the year. Cease induced 18 swings and misses among his 110 pitches on the night. He's pitched much better than his 1-0 record indicates through his first five starts with Toronto, as he's posted a career-best 2.10 ERA (1.46 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with a league-high 44 strikeouts and 14 walks in 25 2/3 frames. Cease currently sits in the 82nd percentile in xwOBA and in the 98th percentile in strikeout rate (39.6%). His 1.46 FIP shows he's not just getting lucky early in 2026, though fantasy managers would like to see his 12.6% walk rate come down a bit. It's the first time his walk rate has been in double digits since the 2023 season, his last with the Chicago White Sox.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Robert Suarez a Must-Add Candidate Following Major Injury in Bullpen
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez is expected to take on closer duties following the injury to primary closer Raisel Iglesias. On Tuesday morning, the Braves shifted Iglesias to the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation, opening up the ninth inning for Suarez. Suarez joined the Braves in free agency but was the top closer in San Diego for each of the past two seasons. In 2024, Suarez tallied 36 saves while holding a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In the following campaign, Suarez tallied a career-best 40 saves for the Padres while carrying a similar 2.97 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. This season, Suarez has operated in a set-up role in the bullpen, tallying four holds while posting a near-perfect 0.93 ERA, pitching primarily in the eighth inning. While southpaw Dylan Lee should see occasional save opportunities against left-handed lineups, Suarez projects to see the bulk of the opportunities for the foreseeable future, making him a priority waiver wire candidate in all standard formats.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Raisel Iglesias Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
The Atlanta Braves are placing closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation. Iglesias was unable to pitch earlier on the weekend due to a shoulder injury, but was cleared to take the bump on Sunday, suggesting this was a minor injury. However, the Braves have shifted their top-ninth-inning option to the injured list earlier this morning, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next 15 days. Iglesias has enjoyed a dominant start to the season and was re-establishing himself as an elite reliever in fantasy. Through 8 2/3 innings, Iglesias did not allow a run, tallied five saves, and carried a stellar 0.69 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a 35.5% rate while walking just 3.2% of the batters he faced. With Iglesias on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect set-up man Robert Suarez to slide into the ninth-inning role and carry high-end value in all standard leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Payton Tolle Viewed as "Top Candidate" to Enter Boston Rotation
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle is one of the team's top options to replace Sonny Gray (hamstring) in the rotation. Gray was forced to leave his start on Monday after 2 2/3 innings on Monday when he felt a "grab" in his right hamstring. The issue is not thought to be serious, but he will miss at least a couple of turns through the rotation, potentially opening the door for Tolle. In his three starts in Triple-A this season, Tolle has allowed five runs in 15 innings with 19 strikeouts. His most recent outing was his strongest one of the year, as he worked five scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Columbus Clippers. Tolle has high strikeout upside, and the 23-year-old lefty will be a name to watch on the waiver wire if he does get the call to fill a spot in the rotation in the coming weeks.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
Jac Caglianone Snaps Lengthy Power Skid with Solo Shot, Time to Buy Back in?
Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone smashed his first home run of the season on Monday night in the second inning against Kyle Bradish. He added a walk later in the game and finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Caglianone was one of the top hitting prospects in baseball when he got to the majors, but he hit only .157 with a .239 wOBA and seven homers in his 62 games in the majors last season. This year, his batting average is much better at .269 with a .340 wOBA. His strikeout rate has been up to almost 30%, but his hard-hit rate of 55.6% gives him good upside when he makes contact. The Royals could definitely use a boost from his bat, and with a current six-game hitting streak, there are signs that the 23-year-old prospect is starting to turn things around. If you can snag him off the waiver wire, he could be a move that pays off if he can build on his current momentum and get the breakout many expected when he came up through the Royals' farm system.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
