RADIO
Miguel Vargas' X-Rays Come Back Clean, Sitting Out on Wednesday
Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable told White Sox reporter Brooke Fletcher that third baseman Miguel Vargas' (hand) X-rays came back negative, but he will not be in the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest in Seattle against the Mariners. Vargas is receiving treatment and could potentially be available off the bench for a pinch-hit situation. Shortstop Colson Montgomery will shift over to the hot corner and bat cleanup, with Luisangel Acuna playing the 6 and hitting in the nine-hole on Wednesday against Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock. Vargas was hit by a pitch on his hand during Tuesday's victory at T-Mobile Park, and he was able to stay in the game. However, he's probably a little sore, and Venable noted that the starting third baseman was due for a day off anyway. The 26-year-old Cuban can be an asset in deep-mixed fantasy leagues for his power production. Vargas is currently hitting .237 (40-for-169) with 11 homers, 29 RBI, seven steals, and 35 runs scored in his first 47 games across 206 plate appearances in 2026.
Source: Brooke Fletcher
Source: Brooke Fletcher
J.P. Crawford Scratched on Wednesday With Triceps Soreness
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (triceps) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox due to a sore triceps muscle, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. It was bothering Crawford when he tried to play catch. Rookie infielder Colt Emerson will take over at the 6 and will bat eighth, with Patrick Wisdom slotting in at third base and seventh in the batting order versus White Sox right-hander Sean Burke. The injury stems from when Crawford was hit by a pitch in Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres, forcing him from that contest early. It's still bothering him a bit, but he should be able to return for Friday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals after a scheduled day off on Thursday. For now, fantasy managers should consider Crawford day-to-day. The 31-year-old veteran offers very minimal power and speed, mostly making him a fantasy option for middle-infield depth in deeper fantasy baseball formats. Crawford is hitting only .210 (30-for-143) on the year with six home runs, 16 RBI, 23 runs scored, and a stolen base for the M's.
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Reid Detmers a Waiver-Wire Target Despite Tuesday's Implosion?
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers allowed eight runs on Tuesday, but he's still a potential waiver wire addition given his consistent ability to generate strikeouts. Detmers' ERA jumped to 5.07 in the loss, but his 3.25 xERA and 3.10 FIP both suggest that he could be due for some favorable regression going forward. We already know he's capable of racking up strikeouts, as he posted 11.31 K/9 last year and is sitting at 9.98 K/9 across 10 starts so far in 2026. He limits walks and home runs, too. Detmers' ugly 1-5 record is a reflection of the Angels' struggles this year, and fantasy managers should feel comfortable adding him off the waiver wire based on his expected metrics and strikeout rate. He's available in 71% of leagues, and he ranks as the #72 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger a Sneaky Waiver-Wire Target After IL Stint?
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) is currently on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, but he could be an intriguing waiver wire target once he's activated back to the 26-man roster. Barger has played in just nine games this season and is off to a putrid start, going 1-for-22 with zero home runs, two RBI, five walks, and seven strikeouts. The poor results at the plate were likely caused by his injury issues; he missed a month earlier this season with an ankle injury, and now, he has a right elbow problem. Assuming this second IL stint allows him to shake off the injury bug and return at 100%, there's a strong chance that he'll produce better results at the plate. Theoretically, he could get back to his 2025 form, which included a .243/.301/.454 slash line with 21 home runs and 107 wRC+. Managers should consider stashing Barger now, so that they can reap the potential rewards when he returns. Then, even if he does continue to struggle after clearing the injury hurdle, managers can drop him -- no harm, no foul. There's minimal risk and plenty of upside in adding Barger off the waiver wire while he's still injured.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton Emerging as Top Stash Option After Dominant Rehab Outing?
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton (elbow) made his fourth rehab appearance on Wednesday, allowing one run, two hits, zero walks, and six strikeouts across five innings of work with the organization's Class-A affiliate. Melton has been on the 60-day injured list since March, and he has not yet pitched in an MLB game this season. He's eligible to be activated from the IL as early as Sunday, but the Tigers are also allowed to keep him on rehab assignment through the rest of the month, if they desire. It does seem like he's very close to returning, as Melton has tossed 11.2 innings across four rehab starts with just two earned runs and 16 strikeouts. Given how well he has pitched in the minors, he represents an intriguing waiver wire addition in fantasy baseball. Managers would be wise to stash him ahead of his return to the Tigers' 26-man roster. He's currently rostered in just 2% of leagues, but that percentage will increase once the Tigers officially activate him. Managers should be optimistic about his potential to build on his rookie season last year, when he posted a 2.76 ERA between the rotation and bullpen.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Randy Vasquez's Strong Start Generates Waiver-Wire Appeal
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez has been highly effective in 2026, generating waiver wire interest across most fantasy baseball leagues. Through nine starts this year, Vasquez is 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 8.05 K/9, and 2.32 BB/9. He was highly effective with zero runs and zero walks over six innings in his latest outing against the Mariners on Friday, and he'll have a chance to build off that success in his projected start against the Los Angeles Dodgers this Wednesday. Managers in need of a starting pitcher -- whether it's for today only, or rest-of-season -- should strongly consider Vasquez. While his strikeout numbers aren't otherworldly, he has effectively limited walks and runs while pitching deep into games. As it stands, he is available in 45% of leagues and ranks #69 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Carlos Lagrange Make his MLB Debut in 2026?
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange has continued to improve in the minor leagues and is seeing his stash value continue to climb each week. Even though Carlos Rodon is back in action and Gerrit Cole is set to return later this week, fantasy managers should monitor Lagrange at Triple-A, as he could be called up during the second half. Lagrange is currently viewed as the team's No. 4-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 76 prospect in the game. Last summer, the flamethrower split his time at High-A and Double-A, which earned him the ticket to Triple-A to open the 2026 campaign. During his first taste of Triple-A, Lagrange has continued to flash impressive strikeout upside, totaling 52 over 38 1/3 innings. However, he has endured some growing pains, holding a 4.23 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. While he needs to improve his command to be in serious contention for a promotion, another injury to the Yankee pitching staff could pave the way for an early debut. For now, he remains a sneaky stash target for those in deeper leagues with multiple N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Brooks Lee on the Fantasy Radar as Twins' Everyday Shortstop
Minnesota Twins shortstop Brooks Lee has emerged as a potential waiver wire addition in fantasy baseball as managers look for midseason upgrades. One of Lee's biggest strengths is his role; he has played at shortstop nearly every day for the Twins, logging 46 games and 178 plate appearances so far in 2026. He's also having a fair season at the plate, slashing .248/.299/.388 with five home runs, three steals, a 6% walk rate, an 18% strikeout rate, and 92 wRC+. While he's hitting a bit below average, that slash line, walk rate, and wRC+ also represent the best marks of his young career. Because he has flashed modest power and slightly improved on-base skills, Lee has waiver wire appeal in deeper fantasy leagues. With a roster share of 26%, Lee, who is eligible at third, second, and shortstop, remains available for infielder-needy managers in most leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cole Carrigg Emerging as Top Hitter to Stash as MLB Debut Looms Closer?
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Cole Carrigg is now firmly on the stash radar in Week 8 of the fantasy baseball season. Carrigg opened the 2026 season by making his Triple-A debut and has shown minimal growing pains when facing the top pitching of the minor leagues. Over his first 42 games at the top club of the Colorado system, Carrigg has posted a dominant .355/.415/.538 slash line with nine doubles, five triples, four home runs, and an eye-catching 26 stolen bases. During this stint, he has also shown a strong eye at the dish, striking out just 25 times and drawing 16 walks. In 2025, the San Diego State product spent his entire season at Double-A but posted a much lower .237 AVG. Given that Brenton Doyle and several corner outfielders on the MLB roster have not put together strong starts, Carrigg could be in the mix for a debut in the immediate future. His high-end speed makes him a top option to stash in all 12-team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Esteury Ruiz a Waiver-Wire Target With Stolen Base Upside?
Miami Marlins outfielder Esteury Ruiz isn't the flashiest name in fantasy baseball as he hovers near the Mendoza line, but his ability to steal bases still makes him an intriguing waiver wire addition. He is slashing .200/.219/.467 with two homers, a 3% walk rate, and a 28% strikeout rate across 19 games (32 plate appearances). Interestingly, he has reached base seven times and has stolen seven bases, reminding fans and managers just how successful he can be on the basepaths. He's also tapped into a little more power (albeit over a small sample size), keeping his wRC+ at a mark of 79. Playing time has been hard to come by for Ruiz, largely due to the fact that he isn't getting on base a lot. However, his power and speed combo still makes him an intriguing waiver wire addition, especially if he gets in the lineup more often. He's widely available in most leagues, with a current roster share of just 1%.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gage Jump Carries Elite Strikeout Upside Among Stash Candidates
Athletics top pitching prospect Gage Jump remains one of the elite prospects to stash when looking for strikeout upside. Jump joined the Athletics with the 73rd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, but has already moved up to Triple-A and is just one stop away from the big leagues. In 2025, Jump split his time between High-A and Double-A and totaled 131 punchouts over his first 112 1/3 professional innings. While he showed some struggles at Double-A in the second half, he carried an elite 2.32 ERA at High-A. Given his overall performance, the Athletics opted to send him to Triple-A Las Vegas to open the 2026 campaign. Through his first 31 frames, Jump has continued to rack up punchouts at an astounding rate, tallying 47. However, his modest 5.32 ERA does suggest he needs further development before he is truly in contention to reach the majors. Even though an MLB debut is unlikely in the first half, Jump possesses some of the highest strikeout potential in the minor leagues and is worth closely following. If he can improve his command and find more sustained success, he could emerge as a top stash target among pitchers later in the season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jordan Lawlar Still Holding Stash Upside Amid Looming Return?
Arizona Diamondbacks infield/outfield prospect Jordan Lawlar (wrist) has been on the 60-day injured list for the majority of the regular season but has recently begun to make strides in his return. Earlier this week, the former top prospect took dry swings for the first time. Additionally, the team's manager, Torey Lovullo, noted that his wrist fracture continues to heal quite well. While Lawlar is still several weeks away from returning to game action, it appears he is progressing well through the early stages of his recovery. Before the injury, Lawlar appeared to have emerged as a primary option in the outfield, appearing in six games and posting a .333 AVG with one double and one home run. During spring training, he flashed high-end upside, holding a .333/.448/.604 line over a 17-game stint. Given that his potential return date may not be for another month, managers should only consider stashing him in deeper 15+ team leagues for the time being.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jett Williams Emerging as Top Stash Candidate Amid Dominant Month at Triple-A
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jett Williams is quickly knocking on the MLB door as he has swung a hot bat in May at Triple-A Nashville. Since May 1, the infielder has carried a stellar .308/.464/.577 slash line with four doubles, two triples, two home runs, three stolen bases, and a 13:14 K:BB. This is worth noting, as Williams struggled in April, posting a much lower .227/.324/.361 slash line with a modest .685 OPS. The Brewers acquired Williams in the winter as part of the move that sent their former ace, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets. Last summer, Williams spent most of his time with Double-A before joining Triple-A Syracuse in the second half. While the Brewers may keep Williams at Triple-A for a bit longer, he is showing he is more than capable of earning a taste of MLB pitching in the coming weeks.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kemp Alderman Sees Stash Value Decline After Suffering Injury
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Kemp Alderman (wrist) was on pace to compete for an early MLB debut this season, but he suffered an injury earlier this week and was officially moved to the seven-day injured list. Alderman sustained a wrist injury during a collision at a Triple-A contest. While this does hurt his short-term value, managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his status, as he may not need another lengthy stint in the minors once he is cleared to play. While Alderman has primarily been an outfielder in the minor leagues, they have begun moving him to first base, which is a position of weakness on the MLB roster. Through 40 games with the Jumbo Shrimp this season, Alderman has launched nine home runs while holding a .303/.376/.526 line. While the injury has hurt his short-term stash value, he remains a must-watch name as he could continue to have a clear path to the big leagues once activated.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jung Hoo Lee Still Out With Back Injury on Wednesday
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (back) remains out of the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com. Drew Gilbert is making the start in center field and is batting ninth against D-backs right-hander Merrill Kelly. Lee is making progress since being removed from Monday's game in Arizona early with back spasms, but he will take a seat for the second straight game as a precaution. The Gigantes don't have a game on Thursday, so Lee may return to the starting nine for Friday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old Japanese native doesn't offer fantasy managers much in any one category, and he's currently slashing .268/.311/.385 with a .696 OPS, three home runs, 17 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 193 plate appearances across 48 games played in 2026. However, he's been better in May, going 13-for-46 (.283) with a homer and five RBI in 11 games. He's currently riding a modest five-game hitting streak.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
