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Emmanuel Rodriguez Emerging as Top Outfield Prospect to Stash
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez continues to climb the stash rankings and enters Week 6 as one of the top outfield prospects to stash in fantasy. Entering the regular season, Rodriguez was considered the team's No. 4 prospect and the overall No. 64 prospect in the sport, per MLB.com. Last summer, Rodriguez dealt with injuries but spent most of his time with Triple-A St. Paul. Over these 52 games, Rodriguez held a .258/.429/.423 line with an .852 OPS. This season, Rodriguez has spent the early going with St. Paul, and he has continued to hold his own, posting a .241/.417/.506 line with a strong .923 OPS. He has gone deep six times while swiping three bags. Given his high-end power upside and clear path to opportunities in Minnesota, Rodriguez is worth stashing in all 12-team, five-outfielder leagues that have "N/A" spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ryan Zeferjahn Earns Save for Angels, Emerging as Potential Ninth-Inning Option?
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn notched his first save of the season during a four-out appearance on Tuesday, striking out three batters to limit the damage of two walks and one hit batter. After struggling in April, Zeferjahn appears to be trending positively in May with 3 1/3 scoreless innings tossed so far. This recent success lowered his season ERA to 4.58 and his WHIP to 1.12, and he has now recorded 25 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. His expected numbers sit much lower than his actual results, signaling he may be facing some bad luck. His expected batting average of .148 sits in the 99th percentile. If these underlying metrics prove true as he continues to find consistency, he can expect more save opportunities for the Angels.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Braden Montgomery Nearing His MLB Debut?
Chicago White Sox top prospect Braden Montgomery is quickly approaching his MLB debut and could reach the big leagues much sooner than anticipated. The team's No. 1-ranked prospect and the overall No. 31 prospect according to MLB.com began the 2026 campaign with Double-A but has since been promoted to Triple-A, putting him just one stop away from the majors. At Double-A (27 games), Montgomery showcased his elite raw potential, posting a .313/.429/.606 line with five doubles, six home runs, and two stolen bases. Last summer, Montgomery spent most of his time with High-A before joining Double-A later in the second half of the campaign. Currently, the White Sox do not have much depth in the outfield as they recently turned to fellow prospect Sam Antonacci to hold the starting left field job. If Montgomery is able to carry this momentum into his first stint with Triple-A, he could debut in the coming weeks.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper Climbing Stash Rankings Amid Hot Stretch at Triple-A
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper has continued to climb the stash rankings among hitting prospects as he nears his MLB debut. The No. 2-ranked prospect in the system, according to MLB.com, began the 2026 campaign with Triple-A St. Paul, putting him just one stop away from the big leagues. Through 29 total games, Culpepper has held his own, posting a .252/.343/.479 slash line with an .822 OPS, six doubles, seven home runs, and six stolen bases. However, over his last 15 contests, Culpepper has been even more impressive, launching four of these home runs with an eye-catching .909 OPS. Last summer, the infielder split his time between High-A and Double-A and enjoyed just as much success, carrying an .844 OPS. Given Minnesota's lack of depth in its current infield, Culpepper could debut before the All-Star break, making him a solid stash option in 12+ team formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tony Santillan Poised to Slide Into Closer Role for Reds?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan is emerging as a key ninth-inning arm, recording three save opportunities over his last seven games. He has struggled with consistency at times in this role, but his 2.87 ERA and 1.28 WHIP make him a strong candidate to close games given Emilio Pagan's recent injury. On Tuesday evening, Pagan was carted off the field with a hamstring injury and is slated to be placed on the 15-day injured list. Santillan is in his sixth season with the Reds and is coming off the best year of his career in 2025, posting 33 holds, seven saves, and a 2.44 ERA. He has clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff as his usage continues to increase. If his stuff plays in the ninth inning, the closer role could soon belong to him, making him a solid target in all 12-team leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Elmer Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A After Tuesday's Start
The New York Yankees announced that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers. In his second major-league start on Tuesday night against the Rangers, Rodriguez, the team's No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, picked up a no-decision by allowing three earned runs on six hits while walking four and striking out two in 4 2/3 innings of work in the Bronx. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican also faced the Rangers in his MLB debut on April 29, taking the loss while giving up two earned runs while walking four, and striking out three in four frames. Through his first two starts with the Yankees, Rodriguez has a 5.19 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 8 2/3 innings. He will head back to the farm to work on his control with left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) expected to come off the 15-day injured list soon to make his 2026 season debut. Rodriguez should be back up in the big leagues at some point later this year, and he's one of the better young pitching stashes in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Cincinnati Reds right-handed closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) will have imaging on Wednesday morning, but he will go on the 15-day injured list, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Pagan threw just one pitch before injuring his left hamstring in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs, and he had to be carted off the field. It's not the first time this year that Pagan has dealt with an injury to the same hamstring, but this time it's much worse. It's unclear exactly what his timetable for a return will be, but fantasy managers should expect a lengthy absence. The 34-year-old veteran has six saves in his 14 relief appearances for the Reds this year, but it hasn't been pretty otherwise, as he came into Tuesday's game with a 6.43 ERA (5.86 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and six walks in 14 innings pitched. Right-hander Tony Santillan will most likely be the favorite for saves in Cincy moving forward, making him a priority waiver-wire addition for fantasy managers in search of saves. Graham Ashcraft could also be involved. Santillan is currently rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) was carted off from his team's game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night after one pitch and was clutching his left hamstring, according to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Wittenmeyer notes that Pagan has been dealing with tightness in the hamstring this season but has avoided a trip to the injured list to this point. Entering play on Tuesday, Pagan had pitched to a 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 11 strikeouts, six saves, and three blown saves across 14 innings in 2026. He may have been in danger of losing the ninth-inning role in Cincinnati for performance reasons anyway, but it seems as though Pagan could now miss time due to injury. If Pagan does end up on the injured list, Reds right-handers Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft could be the favorites to assume the closer role in Cincinnati.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Josh Hader Throws Scoreless Inning in Rehab Outing on Tuesday
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) threw a scoreless inning with a walk and a strikeout in his rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday. The 32-year-old is on the 60-day injured list due to a biceps injury, which means he is not eligible to make his return to Houston until late May. Still, it's a positive sign that Hader is taking steps in his progression back to the big leagues. Hader was dominant for the Astros in 2025, pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 28 saves across 52 2/3 innings. Houston has struggled to fill the closer role in Hader's absence, with right-hander Enyel De Los Santos currently leading the team with three saves. Upon his return, Hader should immediately re-assume the ninth-inning role for the Astros.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Carlos Rodon Throws 83 Pitches in Rehab Start on Tuesday, MLB Return Imminent?
New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) threw 83 pitches across 6 1/3 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday. The veteran left-hander struggled, allowing seven hits, five earned runs, and two walks while recording four strikeouts. Still, Rodon has now thrown 16 innings across three rehab outings as he works his way back from offseason elbow surgery. If he comes through this outing without any issues over the next few days, Rodon's next start could come in the big leagues. The 33-year-old was excellent for the Yankees in 2025, recording an 18-9 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 203 strikeouts across 195 1/3 innings (33 starts). Upon his return, Rodon should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Gerrit Cole Struggles in Rehab Outing on Tuesday
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) struggled in his rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley on Tuesday, allowing seven hits and five earned runs across 4 1/3 innings. Cole threw 69 pitches, recording four strikeouts without walking a batter. The veteran right-hander has now made four rehab starts as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. Cole was placed on the 15-day injured list before the start of 2026 and is eligible to be activated at any point, but the Yankees said before his start on Tuesday that he's still a little ways away from returning to the big leagues. Cole was an effective pitcher in 2024, pitching to an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts across 95 innings (17 starts). He may no longer be the Cy Young candidate he once was at his peak, but Cole should still provide fantasy-relevant production upon his return to the Yankees.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Grayson Rodriguez Making Rehab Start on Tuesday
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (shoulder) is scheduled to throw five innings in a rehab outing in the Arizona Complex League on Tuesday, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Rodriguez has yet to take the mound in an MLB game in 2026 due to shoulder inflammation, but he appears to be making progress towards a return. If Rodriguez makes it through his start on Tuesday without any setbacks, he may only need another couple of rehab outings before he's ready for a promotion to the big leagues. The 26-year-old missed the entire 2025 season due to lat and elbow issues, so it's been nearly two full calendar years since he last pitched in the majors. Still, Rodriguez was effective in 2024, recording a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 26.5% strikeout rate across 116 2/3 innings (20 starts) for the Baltimore Orioles. In deeper fantasy leagues, Rodriguez could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of a potential return.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Yusei Kikuchi to be Shut Down From Throwing for 3-4 Weeks
Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said that starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) will be shut down for "three to four weeks with the hope he can build back up as a starter thereafter," per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday due to shoulder inflammation. The 34-year-old was off to a rough start to 2026 before the injury, posting a 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 31 innings (seven starts). Given his struggles and the uncertain injury timeline, Kikuchi is a drop candidate in most fantasy formats. Left-hander Sam Aldegheri will get the first chance to take Kikuchi's spot in the Angels' starting rotation.
Source: ESPN - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN - Alden Gonzalez
Noah Cameron Not Expected to Miss More Than One Start
Kansas City Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (back) said he started to develop back tightness after his last start, but that he's capable of pitching through it, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The Royals want to be cautious with him, but manager Matt Quatraro said the team doesn't expect him to miss more than one start. The 26-year-old southpaw was scratched from his start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians as a precaution. The Royals activated right-hander Stephen Kolek from the 15-day injured list, and he filled in for Cameron on Tuesday. As long as his back tightness doesn't persist, all signs point to him making his next start at some point this weekend versus the division-rival Detroit Tigers. The former seventh-rounder in 2021 out of Central Arkansas has not been very sharp so far in 2026, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 28:11 K:BB in 31 2/3 innings across six starts in his second year in the majors. We would not recommend Cameron as a fantasy streamer if he pitches against the Tigers this weekend.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Jake Cronenworth Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
The San Diego Padres placed second baseman Jake Cronenworth (concussion) on the seven-day concussion injured list on Tuesday and recalled infielder Sung-Mun Song from the minors in a corresponding move, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. The 32-year-old Cronenworth will miss at least the next week of action due to a head injury, giving Song his first real opportunity in the majors. Song, a South Korean native, is making the start at the keystone for the Friars on Tuesday and is batting ninth against San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb. It's been a rough year for Cronenworth, who is hitting .144/.272/.196 with one home run, four RBI, 13 runs scored, a stolen base, 14 walks, and 23 strikeouts across 114 plate appearances and 32 games in his seventh year in the majors. He's been even worse at the plate recently and could use a mental break. He's now rostered in less than 10% of Yahoo leagues. Song, who hits from the left side, could handle the strong side of a platoon at second with Fernando Tatis Jr. for however long Cronenworth is sidelined.
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
