RADIO
Matthew Boyd a High-Strikeout Starter to Stash?
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (knee) has been on the injured list since early May due to a left meniscus injury, but he is still worth stashing in fantasy baseball. Boyd posted a subpar 6.00 ERA before the injury, but it came over a small sample size, and we know that he wasn't fully healthy. We're far more encouraged by what he did well: striking out batters. The southpaw had 11.63 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, and 0.75 HR/9 through his first five starts this year. He also had a 2.59 xFIP, suggesting that his ERA was skewed by bad luck and he's due for some favorable regression over a larger sample size. Once Boyd gets back from the IL, we'd expect him to lower his ERA while continuing to post an impressive K/BB ratio. The 35-year-old is expected to make two rehab starts soon, so he's likely targeting a mid-June return to the major league rotation. That's not too far away, so managers should consider stashing Boyd in anticipation of his activation. At the moment, he's available in 52% of fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.T. Ginn a Waiver Wire Target Despite Recent Blemish?
Athletics starting pitcher J.T. Ginn has been effective on the mound this season, emerging as a waiver wire option for fantasy baseball managers. Through 12 games (nine starts) this year, Ginn owns a 3.19 ERA with 8.05 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, and a 47.5% ground ball rate. His fastball is also up to a career-high average of 94.5 mph. For the most part, he's flashed solid control, but he did have a rough outing a few days ago. Against the Padres on May 23, he allowed zero hits over 2.1 innings, but he walked six batters and surrendered two earned runs. Outside of that outing, walks haven't been a glaring issue for Ginn this year, so we expect him to bounce back in his next outing. His ERA, his solid K/BB ratio, and his ability to pitch deeper into outings make him an intriguing name to consider adding on the waiver wire. As it stands, he's still available in 77% of fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandon Marsh Out With Sprained Finger on Wednesday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (finger) sprained his right middle finger in Tuesday night's win over the hosting San Diego Padres at Petco Park and is sitting out of the series finale on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. Adolis Garcia will make the start in right field and is batting seventh for the Phils versus Padres right-hander Walker Buehler. As of now, Marsh's finger injury isn't believed to be serious, and he's considered day-to-day. With an off day coming on Thursday, he could be right back in the starting nine for a showdown on Friday night in Los Angeles against the first-place Dodgers. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder still isn't going to provide fantasy managers with a ton of power (he has five homers in 181 at-bats), but he's currently batting a career-high .326 (59-for-181) with 24 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases in a stacked Phillies batting order. Garcia is barely hitting over the Mendoza Line in 2025 in his first year with the Phils, but he has hit .250 with a 1.000 OPS in eight career at-bats against Buehler with a home run and three RBI.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trey Gibson Officially Called Up and Starting on Wednesday
The Baltimore Orioles announced that they officially recalled right-handed pitching prospect Trey Gibson from Triple-A Norfolk, and he will make the start on Wednesday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Camden Yards. In a corresponding move, the team optioned left-hander Nick Raquet to Norfolk. Gibson, the O's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, made his major-league debut earlier this year and allowed four earned runs on seven hits (two home runs) while walking three and striking out four in 6 2/3 innings over just two appearances (one start). The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Liberty University is most likely just making a spot start and will be sent back to Norfolk after Wednesday, so fantasy managers in single-year leagues and in DFS can ignore him against the first-place Rays. Gibson also hasn't gone more than five innings in any of his outings this year, including in the minors.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Didier Fuentes Still Viewed as a Starter Long-Term, Worth Stashing in 2026?
In his return to the majors this year after allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits (six homers) in 13 innings over his first four MLB starts in 2025, Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has gone 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 24:8 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings over 13 appearances (only one start). He has been very reliable in a relief role for Atlanta so far in 2026, posting a 1.08 ERA, 17 strikeouts, a 29.6% strikeout rate, and a 0.72 WHIP. His strikeout rate is the fifth-highest among qualified rookies. Fuentes has been a key asset because of his ability to go multiple innings out of the 'pen -- he's already had four multi-inning appearances. The 20-year-old Colombian has pitched as a starter for most of his career, though. He has found a temporary home in the bullpen, but The Athletic's Jesus Cano writes that the Braves' long-term plan is to have Fuentes be a valuable member of their starting rotation. Fuentes is an absolute must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues. But in redraft leagues, he's not a must-roster arm, especially since his return to a starting role may not come until 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Erik Sabrowski Avoids Structural Damage to his Elbow
Cleveland Guardians left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski's (elbow) MRI results resulted in a best-case scenario, as he is not dealing with any structural damage to his elbow, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The Guardians placed the electric reliever on the 15-day injured list on Monday with left-elbow inflammation, and although he doesn't have a timetable for a return, Cleveland is optimistic after his MRI results came back clean. The team was holding its breath since Sabrowski had Tommy John surgery in 2018 while he was in college and again in 2021 when he was in the San Diego Padres' farm system. The 28-year-old Canadian southpaw also injured his elbow in spring training last year and opened the season on the IL. Sabrowski has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball in 2026, logging a 1.71 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 39 strikeouts in 21 innings, and he currently leads the league with 17 holds. "I'm optimistic that it won't be very long, but that's not my decision," Sabrowski said. Despite not having any saves, Sabrowski is rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Alejandro Kirk Could Start Hitting This Weekend
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb), who was moved to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday, is hoping to start hitting off a machine this weekend and get into minor-league rehab games by the time the team gets back home on June 5, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Kirk's placement on the 60-day IL won't affect his timeline for a return to the big-league roster. He has been out since April 4 after having surgery on his left thumb, but he could be back in the majors as Toronto's primary backstop by mid-June, barring a setback once he begins playing in games again. Until the Mexican catcher can return from his thumb injury, Tyler Heineman and Brandon Valenzuela will continue to share playing time in Toronto behind the dish. The free-swinging Kirk can provide a little pop at the catching position when healthy -- he had a career-high 15 long balls in 2025. Before his injury, he went 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBI in just five games in 2026. Kirk is rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Should Deep-League Managers Consider Stashing Clay Holmes?
After taking a comebacker off the leg during a mid-May start that resulted in a fractured fibula, New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes (leg) was placed on the 60-day injured list. The 33-year-old was off to an excellent start to the season before getting hurt, recording a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 52 2/3 innings (nine starts). Holmes' status on the 60-day injured list makes him ineligible to return to the Mets before mid-July, and he could end up being out even longer. In shallower league formats or leagues without an IL spot, Holmes' extended absence makes him tough to roster for fantasy managers. However, deep-league managers may want to consider stashing Holmes for as long as they can. Since transitioning to the starting rotation with the Mets, Holmes has posted a 3.26 ERA and recorded 174 strikeouts across 218 1/3 innings. He should continue to be a consistent innings-eater upon his return from injury later this summer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Trevor Story Worth Stashing Through an Extended Injury Absence?
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (hernia) is expected to miss six to 10 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a hernia on May 22. The 33-year-old was off to a rough start to the 2026 season before hitting the injured list, hitting .206/.244/.303 with three home runs, 19 RBI, 16 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 176 plate appearances. However, Story is just one season removed from hitting 25 homers and stealing 31 bags across 157 games in 2025. His barrel rate dropped from 9.8% in 2025 to 3.8% in 2026, which could be directly linked to the hernia issue. If health was the reason for his struggles in 2026, Story could be poised for a second-half surge upon his return to the Red Sox lineup. In leagues with deeper roster formats, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Story through his injury for his high-end power/speed upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger Likely to Resume Throwing on Thursday
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) is going to start throwing "probably tomorrow," manager John Schneider told Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Barger could now return quickly to the major-league roster after missing more than two weeks with right-elbow inflammation. It's unclear at this time if the Blue Jays will require Barger to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he's officially reinstated from the 10-day injured list. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has also missed time in 2026 due to injuries to both of his ankles, which is why he has only appeared in nine games in his third big-league season. The 26-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2018 slashed .243/.301/.454 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, and four stolen bases in 135 regular-season games last year in his first full season in the majors. Barger doesn't have incredible plate or on-base skills as a hitter, but he has decent power and can produce runs for fantasy managers in points leagues when he's healthy. He should play regularly against right-handed pitchers when he comes off the IL, possibly in early June.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Kris Bubic Worth Stashing Ahead of Impending Injury Return?
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (elbow) is currently on the 15-day injured list as he battles elbow soreness. However, the 28-year-old began a full throwing program on Saturday and could be working his way towards a return to the big league mound in early June. Bubic was off to a solid start to his 2026 season before getting injured, recording a 3-2 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 50 1/3 innings (nine starts). He struggled to a 12.6% walk rate before hitting the injured list, but the poor command could have been a symptom of his elbow discomfort. If Bubic is pain-free upon his return, his results may be more in line with his performance in 2025, when he posted a 2.55 ERA across 116 1/3 innings (20 starts). His profile carries some risk of re-injury, but Bubic's upside could make him worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his impending injury return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Following Injury Return?
After opening 2026 on the injured list while rehabbing from an elbow injury, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton was activated for his season debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year-old picked up a win in his first time out, allowing two hits, three walks, and one earned run while striking out three across 5 2/3 innings of work. Melton was utilized mostly in a bulk relief role upon making his MLB debut in 2025, finishing the year with a 2.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings (16 games). However, injuries and underperformance in the Tigers' rotation should allow Melton an extended runway to prove himself as a starter in 2026. The young right-hander may not offer the highest strikeout upside, but he's been effective at the big league level to this point in his career. Particularly in deeper formats, Melton profiles as a prime waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli put forth another strong effort on Tuesday, allowing one run and striking out seven across six innings of work in his team's win over the Cleveland Guardians. Across 59 2/3 innings (12 starts) this season, Cavalli has posted a 3-3 record with a 3.62 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts. He's been particularly effective of late, recording 24 strikeouts over his last 19 1/3 innings pitched (three starts). Cavalli's inflated WHIP could be a symptom of bad luck as well, as opposing batters are currently posting an unsustainably high .361 batting average on balls in play against him. Heading into his next scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Monday, Cavalli profiles as a prime waiver wire target with upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Anthony Volpe Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
After starting the 2026 season on the injured list while rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery, New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe was initially optioned to Triple-A upon his return to full health. However, Volpe was recalled by the Yankees in mid-May and has played well since, hitting .281/.425/.469 with one home run, seven RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases across 40 plate appearances. While Volpe is still technically behind Jose Caballero on the Yankees' shortstop depth chart, he's started each of the Yankees' last two games at short and could be pushing Caballero back into a super utility role. A former top prospect, Volpe has largely struggled at the plate since breaking into the big leagues in 2023. Still, he's just 25 years old and has power/speed upside in an everyday role. In deeper leagues, fantasy managers may want to consider targeting Volpe on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nolan Arenado Out on Wednesday Due to Groin Injury
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (groin) is absent from the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the division-rival San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, according to MLB.com. Jose Fernandez will make the start at third base for the Snakes and will hit seventh against Giants right-hander Trevor McDonald. It's not a surprise that Arenado is sitting on Wednesday in a day game after he was pulled from Tuesday night's game early with tightness in his right groin. The D-backs have a day off on Thursday, so fantasy managers will want to check back to see if he's available to play in Friday's series opener in Seattle against the Mariners. If it's an injury that keeps the veteran out for an extended period of time, Fernandez would continue to see most of the playing time at third in Arizona. The eight-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger isn't the offensive player he once was in his prime with the Colorado Rockies, although he has hit a decent .271 (46-for-170) on the year with seven home runs, 27 RBI, 27 runs, and a stolen base across his first 51 games in his first year with the Diamondbacks.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
