RADIO
Cole Ragans Resumes Playing Catch, Still No Timetable for a Return
MLB.com reports that Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) resumed playing catch on Monday, June 1. Ragans, who has been on the 15-day injured list since May 8 with a left-elbow impingement (valgus extension overload), was shut down on May 23 when he felt stiffness after throwing 4 1/3 innings (68 pitches) in his first minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Omaha. It's positive news that Ragans is throwing again, but there remains no timetable for his return. The 28-year-old southpaw became a fantasy ace in 2024, going 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA (2.99 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a career-high 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings across his 32 starts. However, he has dealt with injuries ever since, and the 2024 campaign is the only time that Ragans has gone over 100 innings at the big-league level. Durability has become a major concern, but due to his strikeout upside, Ragans remains rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues. Barring another setback with his left elbow, Ragans might be able to return to KC's starting rotation by the end of June.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ryan Jeffers Resumes Throwing After Hand Surgery
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (hand), who is on the 10-day injured list after having surgery to fix a broken hamate bone in his left hand, is more than a week from surgery and is pleased with his progress, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com. Jeffers had his stitches removed on Saturday and has been throwing regularly, although he has yet to resume swinging a bat. "The good thing is I've been able to keep my arm [going] this whole time," Jeffers said. "I haven't stopped throwing, so that's kind of the normal routine there. But I'm really just trying to get back to strengthening the wrist, doing grip stuff. Just to get ready for when it is time to start swinging a little bit, I'll be ready for that." The Twins estimated initially that it would take Jeffers six to eight weeks to return to the big-league roster, so he still has a way to go. The 29-year-old backstop was hitting really well in 122 at-bats before his injury, batting .295 with seven home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs, and a stolen base across 37 games played in his seventh year in the league. Jeffers is currently rostered in just over 30% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs.
Source: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
Source: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
Mick Abel to Throw Live BP, Rehab Assignment Could Follow
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow, triceps) is expected to throw live batting practice on Thursday, June 4, and could progress to a minor-league rehab assignment not long after that, according to MLB.com. Abel is a stash candidate off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of pitching depth. He has been on the 15-day injured list since April 20 due to right-elbow inflammation and then needed a cortisone injection for triceps soreness in early May, but he will have a spot in the Twins' starting rotation when he returns, and he was pitching well before his injury. MLB.com projects Abel to return from the IL in mid-to-late June, barring a setback on his rehab assignment. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 out of high school in Oregon has gone 1-2 this year with Minnesota and has posted a 3.98 ERA (2.75 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, and 23:10 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings across his four outings (three starts). Abel is rostered in just 12% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Giancarlo Stanton to Face Live Pitching on Wednesday
New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (calf) will face live pitching on Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone told Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Stanton, who has been slow to recover from a strained right calf, is making good progress of late and was also cleared to run last weekend. Still, a minor-league rehab assignment could be on tap next because of all the time he's missed. The 36-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star has been sidelined since late April, and fantasy managers have grown tired of rostering him because of his persistent durability issues. When healthy, though, Stanton can still provide decent power production in a strong Yankees lineup. Before his calf strain, Stanton was hitting .256/.302/.422 with a .724 OPS, three long balls, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base in his 90 at-bats. A return around mid-June is possible, barring a setback.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
George Lombard Jr. Firmly on the Stash Radar as MLB Debut Looms Closer?
New York Yankees top-ranked prospect George Lombard Jr. has begun to find his footing at Triple-A and is emerging as a top prospect to stash given the current state of the MLB roster. Even with Anthony Volpe back in action, the team's current starting shortstop, Jose Caballero, has posted a modest .250/.300/.286 line since returning from injury in mid-May. While Lombard endured some growing pains at Triple-A earlier this season, the team's No. 1 prospect has since turned the corner, showing his elite raw talent. Over his last 14 games with the RailRaiders, Lombard has posted .273/.397/.473 line with five doubles, two home runs, three stolen bases, and an 18:23 K:BB. With a clear path to an everyday role, Lombard is quickly climbing the stash ranks and could be in the mix to debut much sooner than anticipated.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Reds Send TJ Friedl to Triple-A
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Wednesday that they optioned outfielder TJ Friedl to Triple-A Louisville. Friedl has really struggled at the plate in 2026 in his sixth year in the big leagues with the Reds, slashing .179/.259/.256 with a career-worst .515 OPS, two home runs, six doubles, eight RBI, five steals, 15 runs scored, 13 walks, and 42 strikeouts in 47 games and 178 plate appearances. His struggles led to a drop in the batting order this year after Friedl mostly served as the Reds' leadoff man a year ago. For now, he'll go down to the farm to work on his approach at the plate before most likely rejoining the big-league squad at some point down the road in 2026. Fantasy managers looking for upgrades to their outfield room may want to consider Noelvi Marte, who is also eligible at third base. He has been raking at Louisville since his demotion to the minors back in April and has more power/speed upside than Friedl. Friedl is only rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues and should be on the waiver wire in mixed formats, especially now that he's on his way to Triple-A.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Aidan Miller Off the Stash Radar as 2026 Debut Remains Unlikely?
Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller (back) appeared to be in serious consideration to potentially break camp on the major-league roster or compete for an early MLB debut. However, Miller sustained a back injury in February and has yet to take the field this season. While it appeared the team's No. 1-ranked prospect was making steady progress, the team announced last week that he would be shut down due to a setback. Earlier on Wednesday, the team announced that Miller will undergo a back procedure to address the issue. Given his current status, Miller is unlikely to be cleared to participate in live games before the end of the first half, which puts his chances of an MLB debut this season in serious question. When on the field in the upper minors, Miller has showcased elite upside, especially in the speed department, swiping 59 bags in 116 MiLB last summer. However, given his current status, Miller is only worth stashing in deeper 15+ team redraft leagues with several N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Jaxon Wiggins a Worthy Stash Target While Sidelined?
Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins has been on the 7-day injured list with an elbow injury since the start of April. However, the young right-hander has begun throwing bullpens, and he is slowly approaching a return to action, which has put him back on the stash radar. Prior to the injury, Wiggins was already on a clear path to make his debut, given Chicago's numerous starting pitcher injuries. Currently, the team is without Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Edward Cabrera, leaving a clear path for the top prospect to contribute at some point this summer. Last season, Wiggins spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A and posted a stellar 1.84 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, with an 83:30 K:BB over 68 1/3 innings. While he may have to wait until July to be in serious consideration, Wiggins has a path to make an impact for fantasy this season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Yohandy Morales Emerging as a Sneaky Stash Target?
Washington Nationals first base prospect Yohandy Morales has enjoyed a very productive start to the Triple-A regular season and is now in serious consideration to earn his MLB debut. Through 53 games with the Rochester Red Wings, Morales has posted a .344/.416/.600 line with a stellar 1.016 OPS. During this stretch, Morales has hit 11 doubles with 13 home runs while holding a 54:22 K:BB. Last summer, Morales had a brief stint with Double-A before spending most of the second half with Triple-A, where he carried a much lower .249/.330/.401 line over a 95-game stint. Seeing Morales make steady progress at this level is a very promising sign. Currently, the Nationals have shifted Luis Garcia Jr. to first base, but he has held a modest .676 OPS since May 18. Given Morales's dominant play, the young infielder could join one of the game's most productive lineups in the coming weeks, making him a solid stash target in 12+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Josh Naylor Returns to M's Lineup on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (back) is starting at first base and will bat third for Wednesday's contest against the visiting New York Mets and right-hander Freddy Peralta at T-Mobile Park, according to MLB.com. Naylor was held out of Tuesday's game against New York after he was pulled from Monday's series opener early due to back spasms. The left-handed slugger is feeling better now, though, and will be back on the diamond in the series finale. Fantasy managers in traditional leagues will want to get Naylor back into their starting lineups now that he's recovered from his back spasms. He's hitting only .254 (57-for-224) on the season with a .317 on-base percentage and .357 slugging percentage, but the Canadian native has been seeing the ball well of late, going 13-for-47 (.277) with a homer, four RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games since May 18. Naylor is hitting .222 in nine career at-bats against Peralta with an .856 OPS and a solo home run.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Noelvi Marte Returns to Big Leagues, Re-Entering Must-Roster Territory?
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Wednesday that they have called up third baseman/outfielder Noelvi Marte from Triple-A Louisville after a hot stretch at the plate in the minors. Marte was sent to the minors early this season after going 4-for-29 (.138) with two walks and 10 strikeouts. The 24-year-old Dominican has earned his way back to the big leagues after slashing .369/.409/.575 with a .984 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, 31 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 40 games played for the Bats. It's unclear how much Marte will play for the Reds now that he's back in the majors, but he's certainly worth a look off the waiver wire in at least deep-mixed leagues for his power/speed abilities, and he has eligibility at both third base and the outfield. As of right now, Marte is rostered in just 30% of Yahoo leagues. In a career-high 90 games for Cincy in 2025, Marte hit .263/.300/.448 with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored across his 360 plate appearances.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Joshua Baez On the Verge of MLB Debut Amid Incredible Power Surge
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez is enjoying a remarkable power surge at the Triple-A level and is now firmly on the radar for an immediate promotion to the major leagues. Over his last 18 games with Triple-A Memphis, the outfielder has launched nine home runs while carrying a .320/.400/.787 slash line with a 1.187 OPS. Prior to this surge at the dish, Baez carried a .229/.308/.450 line with seven home runs and six stolen bases over his first 33 games of the campaign. During this 2025 season, the No. 67-ranked prospect in the sport (per MLB.com) hit 20 home runs, stole 54 bases, and held a stellar .884 OPS through 117 games shared between High-A and Double-A. With the St. Louis Cardinals dealing with many injuries in their current outfield, Baez's name could be called before the end of June, making him a must-stash prospect in all standard leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bryan King Losing Fantasy Value in Setup Role?
Houston Astros left-handed reliever Bryan King became fantasy relevant early in the 2026 season with left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) on the injured list and righty Bryan Abreu struggling early on in the closer's role for the team. King, a 30th-round pick by the Chicago Cubs back in 2019 out of McNeese State University, has been solid for Houston with a 2.84 ERA (3.64 FIP), 1.30 WHIP, a team-high six saves, 19 strikeouts, and 10 walks in his 25 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in just his third year in the majors. King, Abreu, Enyel De Los Santos, and Steven Okert will still have valuable roles in the back end of Houston's bullpen while the team eases Hader back into the fold. However, King will now lose a lot of his fantasy value moving forward as long as Hader remains healthy as the team's primary option in the ninth inning. King is currently rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues and might not see many save opportunities the rest of the way.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Is Max Clark Still the Top Hitting Prospect to Stash?
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has continued to hold his own during his first taste of Triple-A action. Over his last 18 contests with Toledo, the team's No. 1-ranked prospect has posted a strong .260/.365/.425 slash line with four doubles, one triple, two home runs, three stolen bases, and a 13:10 K:BB. Over his first 33 games of the campaign, the outfielder held a slightly lower .265/.340/.371 slash line, suggesting he is continuing to make steady improvements against the top pitching in the minor leagues. Last summer, Clark split his time between High-A and Double-A and held a .271/.403/.432 line with 14 home runs and 19 stolen bases. With current starting center fielder Matt Vierling holding a .237 AVG with a .595 OPS over his last 12 games in Detroit, Clark's path to the majors remains fairly clear. Given his elite on-base skills and high-end power/speed skill set, Clark remains a priority stash target for those in standard leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jose Altuve Expected to Take Live Batting Practice Soon
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) is expected to take live batting practice in the next day or two, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Once Altuve begins facing live pitching, he could return from the 10-day injured list rather quickly, as the 36-year-old Venezuelan veteran isn't expected to require a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the team. The former MVP and nine-time All-Star has been sidelined for three weeks with an oblique strain, but when he's cleared to return, he will be back as Houston's primary second baseman. The three-time batting champion has shown signs of decline so far in 2026 before his injury, slashing a very modest .245/.326/.380 with a .706 OPS, only four home runs, 12 RBI, 27 runs scored, and one stolen base across 163 at-bats for the 'Stros. Even so, Altuve deserves to be rostered in nearly all fantasy leagues. He's available in just 15% of Yahoo leagues despite missing nearly a month at this point with his oblique ailment.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
