RADIO
Zebby Matthews Generates Waiver Interest After Strong First Start on Thursday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews should generate some waiver-wire interest after he impressed in his first start of the 2026 season in a win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday in the series finale. Matthews threw seven shutout innings with four hits allowed, one walk, and five strikeouts. The 25-year-old was called up so that the Twins could push left-handed pitching prospect Connor Prielipp back to manage his innings. If the Twins decide to keep Matthews around, he should be considered off the waiver wire in deeper leagues. The former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina threw 56 of his 83 pitches for strikes in his first big-league outing of the year. In his first two seasons with the Twins, Matthews really struggled, posting a 5.92 ERA (4.41 FIP) and 1.54 WHIP with 131 strikeouts, 35 walks, and 23 home runs allowed in 117 innings across his 25 starts. Despite his unsavory results in the big leagues before this season, there is intrigue with Matthews because of his strong control, high strikeout rates in the minors, and high-end velocity. He's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jared Jones a High-End Injury Stash
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones (elbow) is nearing a return to Pittsburgh's big-league starting rotation after missing the entire 2025 season due to elbow surgery. The 24-year-old has already made three minor-league rehab starts with Single-A Bradenton, Double-A Altoona, and Triple-A Indianapolis and has looked really good, allowing just one earned run on eight hits while walking just one and fanning 11 in 10 total innings. In his last outing with Altoona on Tuesday, Jones threw 36 of his 52 pitches for strikes. He's still not completely built up and ready to return to the Pirates' starting rotation, and he's not eligible to return from the 60-day injured list until late May. In a best-case scenario, we probably won't see Jones make his 2026 season debut until early June. Still, Jones deserves stash consideration for those searching for starting pitching help. He struggled with the long ball (18 allowed in 121 2/3 innings) in his first 22 MLB starts in his rookie season in 2024, but otherwise, he was impressive with 132 K's and 39 walks. Jones is rostered in 36% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
JJ Bleday a Top Source for Power?
Something has clicked for outfielder JJ Bleday since joining the Cincinnati Reds. In 16 games with the team, Bleday has gone 17-for-53 (.321) with six home runs, 18 RBI, 10 runs scored, one steal, 13 walks, and 10 strikeouts across 66 plate appearances. In his first four MLB seasons with the Miami Marlins and Athletics, the left-handed-hitting outfielder slashed just .215/.307/.394 with a .702 OPS and 49 home runs across 404 games played. The 28-year-old's assault on opposing pitchers continued in Thursday's 15-1 rout of the Washington Nationals, when he went 3-for-5 at the plate with two more home runs and six RBI. Bleday, a former fourth overall pick out of Vanderbilt, is red-hot right now with Cincy and will continue to play regularly in a hitter-friendly home environment as long as he continues to produce. Fantasy managers who need power production should be looking his way, if even for just a short amount of time until he cools off. Bleday is currently rostered in only 27% of Yahoo leagues. He's gone 7-for-13 with 11 RBI in the last four games.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Rico Garcia an Elite Short-Term Source of Saves
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Rico Garcia has been nearly unhittable so far this year and is an elite short-term source of saves for fantasy managers with regular closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) still on the injured list. Garcia has given up just one earned run in 19 innings pitched for the O's. Since giving up a home run on April 21 to the Kansas City Royals, Garcia has tossed seven shutout innings with no hits allowed, three walks, and nine strikeouts, and he has also won a game, picked up two saves, and recorded three holds in the process. Overall, the 32-year-old veteran's numbers on the year look absurd -- 3-0 record, 0.47 ERA (2.58 FIP), 0.42 WHIP, 22 strikeouts, seven walks, and three saves in 19 innings pitched. Right-hander Anthony Nunez picked up a save for Baltimore on Monday, but Garcia is the clear best option in the Orioles' bullpen for save chances until Helsley returns from his elbow injury. When Helsley is back, Garcia will still be a strong option in holds leagues. Right now, he's rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Tarik Skubal Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) is already playing catch just barely a week removed from elbow surgery, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The surgery to remove one loose body from his left elbow was arthroscopic, so he might beat the initial estimates of two months of recovery. Heyman says that six weeks remains possible. The 29-year-old back-to-back American League Cy Young winner is in the final year of his contract in Detroit, and he's in a rush to return in 2026 to boost his value as a trade target for interested teams this summer. Skubal is still going to miss over a month, but his absence might not be as lengthy as many first predicted. Before going under the knife, Skubal went 3-2 for Detroit with a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings pitched across his seven starts. He's been the best pitcher in baseball the last two seasons and could still be a difference-maker in fantasy baseball when he returns to action in the second half of the 2026 season.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Payton Tolle Worth a Waiver Pickup Despite Tough Upcoming Matchup
Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle is worth considering off the waiver wire despite allowing a season-high seven hits and three earned runs in five innings in a loss in his last outing against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. The 23-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 out of TCU is one of the more promising young left-handed arms in baseball, and he has two quality starts in his four outings so far in 2026. Tolle also hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his four starts, although he'll have a difficult challenge his next time out against the first-place Atlanta Braves. In his four starts (22 2/3 innings), Tolle has pitched to a 2.78 ERA (2.80 FIP) and 0.88 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and only six walks. His advanced metrics are solid as well, with an xwOBA in the 97th percentile, a strikeout rate in the 93rd percentile, and a walk rate in the 76th percentile. Tolle struggled to a 6.06 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in his first seven MLB outings (three starts) for Boston last year, but he features a diverse arsenal and a fastball in the upper-90s. The stuff is real, and he's available in more than half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Gregory Soto a Must-Add Option When Looking for Saves
Despite allowing a run in his last outing (he still picked up the save), Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Gregory Soto is a must-add option in fantasy baseball leagues for those searching for saves. Before allowing a run in his inning of work while picking up the save against the Colorado Rockies on May 12, Soto had a stretch of 7 2/3 innings where he allowed no runs and just one hit while winning two games, earning two saves, and picking up a hold for the Bucs. The 31-year-old left-handed Dominican hurler is currently 3-0 in 2026 with a sharp 1.69 ERA (2.40 FIP) and 0.70 WHIP with 26 strikeouts, only seven walks, and four saves. The two-time All-Star hasn't been a high-end closing option since 2022 with the Detroit Tigers, when he had a career-high 30 saves in 60 1/3 innings, but he's trending up this year as Pittsburgh's top fireman. Soto has picked up saves in three of his last four outings, and he apparently has once again surpassed Dennis Santana as manager Don Kelly's preferred option in the ninth inning. He's currently rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Travis Bazzana a Rookie Waiver-Wire Target in OBP Leagues
Cleveland Guardians rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana, the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, is worth considering off the waiver wire for his speed and on-base abilities after recently debuting in the big leagues. The 23-year-old Australian has gone just 10-for-45 (.222) at the plate with one home run in his first 14 major-league games with the Guards, but he's also produced a .407 on-base percentage with 12 walks and nine strikeouts, and he has added seven stolen bases in 59 plate appearances. He's extremely disciplined as a hitter and rarely chases, so he should continue to take plenty of walks and get on base frequently, even if he's not hitting for average or power. Bazzana has a quick, compact swing from the left side and is more of a gap-to-gap hitter than one that features over-the-fence pop. Fantasy managers looking for counting stats should look elsewhere, but those in need of a boost in OBP should look his way. Bazzana is currently rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
George Lombard Jr. Next in Line for Starting Shortstop Job in the Bronx?
New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. could be in the mix to make his MLB debut much sooner than anticipated. With the team's current shortstop, Jose Caballero, on the injured list and the replacement option, Anthony Volpe struggling to make much of an impact, the Yankees could fast-track their top prospect to fill the role on the MLB roster. Lombard opened the 2026 campaign at Double-A Somerset but needed just another 20 games at the level to prove he was ready to join Triple-A. With Double-A, Lombard posted a strong .971 OPS with four home runs and four stolen bases over this short stint. However, since moving up to Triple-A, Lombard has seen his production decline, posting a .146 AVG with no extra-base hits (12 games). Despite this, he has shown a strong eye, drawing 16 walks compared to nine strikeouts. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Lombard's bat. Once he finds his footing against the top pitching in the minors, it may not take long for the Yankees to call his name, especially if Caballero's injury begins to linger.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Hagen Smith Viewed as Top Stash Option with Elite Strikeout Potential
Chicago White Sox starting pitching prospect Hagen Smith is climbing up the stash ranks among pitchers and could be in the mix to debut in the coming weeks. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Smith has flashed elite strikeout upside and could provide immediate value for fantasy managers. Smith spent the next 2025 season with Double-A and was given the green light to open the 2026 campaign at the top club in the White Sox system, Triple-A Charlotte. With the Knights, Smith, the former fourth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft, has struck out an eye-catching 35 hitters over just 26 1/3 innings. During this stint, he has held a 4.10 ERA with a modest 1.29 WHIP. However, removing his recent five-run showing, Smith would carry a much stronger 2.82 ERA over his first 22 1/3 innings. While his command remains a weakness in his profile, given Chicago's lack of proven pitching depth, they could turn to Smith in the near future, as they were not concerned with giving another young prospect, Noah Schultz, an early call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Charlie Condon Seeing Stash Upside Plummet Amid Lengthy Power Drought
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon has seen his stash upside continue to drop as his slump at Triple-A lingers. The former Georgia superstar was enjoying a hot start to his Triple-A campaign, but has since seen his production take a steep decline. Over his first 16 games of the campaign, the former third overall pick posted a .328/.455/.574 slash line with three doubles, four home runs, three stolen bases, and a 14:13 K:BB. However, since this surge, Condon has posted a much lower .152/.296/.182 line with only two extra-base hits, with both of them being doubles. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his production, but given his declining power and overall production remaining unstable, managers in shallower leagues should not view Condon as a high-end stash option. However, those in the 12+ team formats should continue to view him as a mid-end stash target in leagues that have multiple N/A spots, as he could still debut before the end of the first half.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Elmer Rodriguez Set for Early Return to Yankees Rotation?
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez could be in the mix to return to the MLB roster in the near future. Earlier this week, the team's ace, Max Fried, exited his start early with an elbow injury. While it is yet to be seen whether Fried will have a stint on the injured list, Rodriguez will likely be the next man called up if he misses time. The team's No. 3-ranked prospect made his MLB debut earlier this season and endured some growing pains in the Bronx. Over his first two MLB starts, Rodriguez posted a modest 5.19 ERA and showed troubling command, with a high 18.2% walk rate. However, with the top club in the minor leagues, Rodriguez has been very sharp, posting a 1.38 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 26:9 K:BB over 26 frames. Given the solid upside he has shown at Triple-A, Rodriguez is worth stashing in 12+ team leagues ahead of his potential return to the major leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Edwin Diaz Tied to Illegal Cockfighting
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow), a three-time All-Star, is linked to cockfighting events in Puerto Rico, according to Josh Peter of USA Today Sports. Diaz is pictured in a Dodgers uniform in a Facebook post dated Feb. 2 and a post dated Feb. 4 advertising cockfighting tournaments. Text in one of the ads, translated into English, reads, "The Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club invites all enthusiasts to a special match and a grand tribute to one of our island's greatest sources of pride: A Tribute to the Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter Edwin 'Sugar' Díaz." The maximum penalty for participants in a cockfight is five years in prison and a fine, and the maximum penalty for a spectator is one year in prison and a fine. The 32-year-old veteran, who is currently on the 60-day injured list after having surgery on April 22 to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, could be facing significant punishment from MLB. Stay tuned.
Source: USA Today Sports - Josh Peter
Source: USA Today Sports - Josh Peter
Braden Montgomery Emerging as Priority Hitting Prospect to Stash
Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery is seeing his stash value continue to increase, and he enters Week 8 as one of the top hitting prospects to stash. Montgomery opened the campaign at the Double-A level but has since been promoted to Triple-A and is now on the verge of joining the White Sox. With Double-A, the former first-round pick swung a hot bat, which led to his early promotion. At this level, Montgomery posted a .313/.429/.606 slash line with five doubles, three triples, six home runs, and two stolen bases. Since moving up to the top level of the minor leagues, the outfielder has gone 8-for-33 with one home run and an 11:3 K:BB. If Montgomery continues to improve, he could find an easy path to join the current Chicago outfield that is currently dealing with many injuries, including to Everson Pereira and Austin Hays.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper On the Verge of MLB Debut?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper is on the verge of his MLB debut and makes a strong case to be viewed as the overall No. 1-hitting prospect to stash ahead of Week 8. Culpepper has looked quite comfortable throughout the early going of the Triple-A campaign and could provide a much-needed spark to the Minnesota roster. Through his first 36 games against Triple-A pitching, the infielder has posted a strong .253/.345/.460 slash line with seven doubles, eight home runs, and eight stolen bases. During this stint, he has struck out 35 times but drawn a solid 20 walks. Last summer, he spent his time with High-A and Double-A and looked just as comfortable, hitting 20 home runs while swiping 25 bags. With Byron Buxton potentially in danger of missing time and the Twins not receiving consistent offense from Luke Keaschall and Royce Lewis, Culpepper could be in the mix to debut in the immediate future.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
