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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
Jorge Polanco Receives Injection, Return Date Unclear
New York Mets first baseman/designated hitter Jorge Polanco (Achilles, wrist) received a platelet-rich plasma injection around a month ago in an effort to support his recovery from an Achilles injury, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Polanco last played on April 14, and his return date remains unclear, even though he is taking batting practice. He initially went on the 10-day injured list with a wrist injury, but his Achilles problem started first and has lingered. President of baseball operations David Stearns said on Tuesday that Polanco's Achilles tendon needs to be "asymptomatic" before the team knows when he'll return. The 32-year-old veteran has gone just 10-for-56 (.179) with one home run in 14 games in his first season with the Mets, and he's one of cour regular missing from the lineup due to injury, including shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf), outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back), and catcher Francisco Alvarez (knee). Polanco had an .821 OPS with 26 homers last year for the Mariners in 138 games, but he's also had a history of lower-body injuries. He's currently rostered in only 26% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Tyler Glasnow Won't be Ready to Return Next Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list next weekend (May 22), but manager Dave Roberts told Jack Harris of The California Post that he won't be ready by then. Glasnow has been playing catch the last few days, but it's unclear when he'll throw off a mound again. Roberts said the Dodgers are taking their time with his recovery. A report on Thursday made it seem like Glasnow might be ready when eligible, but the Dodgers are pumping the brakes on that. It makes sense for the Dodgers to slow-play the oft-injured 32-year-old veteran. But barring a setback, Glasnow should return to L.A.'s starting rotation before the end of May. In the meantime, Glasnow is a must-stash fantasy pitcher in all formats for his strikeout upside when healthy. He's been solid in his seven starts for the Dodgers this year, going 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA with a 0.83 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched. When Glasnow is ready to return, Roki Sasaki will likely be moved to the bullpen, unless the Dodgers move to a six-man rotation.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Josh Jung Making Massive Improvements in 2026
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has had a phenomenal season thus far in 2026, slashing .325/.372/.510 with five home runs, 19 runs scored, 20 RBI, and one stolen base through 151 at-bats. He is impacting the ball tremendously, with a 47.6 percent hard-hit rate, 90.4 mph average exit velocity, and also owns a .309 xBA, which is supporting his breakout. Additionally, his plate discipline has improved dramatically, as his career strikeout rate is 26.6 percent, and this year it's down to 15.9 percent. This season, Jung is looking like a new hitter, and it's paying dividends for fantasy managers that are rostering him, especially at the third base position, which is fairly thin in fantasy baseball. Over the past seven days, Jung is slashing .375/.375/.542 with a double and a home run. He is entering must-add territory in all formats based on his consistent production, and if fantasy managers see him on the waiver wire, they should consider adding him to their roster.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Ryan Waldschmidt a Priority Add With Five-Category Potential?
Arizona Diamondbacks top-ranked prospect and MLB's 51st-ranked prospect, outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt, was called up to the big-league club on May 8 after the team traded Alek Thomas to the Dodgers, clearing the path for Waldschmidt to take advantage of the opportunity he's been given. Through 19 plate appearances, he's collected five hits, three RBI, one walk, one run, and one walk. Waldschmidt is a solid pure hitter with five category potential, as he slashed .289/.419/.473 with 18 home runs, 114 runs scored, 78 RBI, 29 stolen bases on the minors last year, and started 2026 in Triple-A, where he had a similar slash line of .289/.400/.477 with three home runs, 30 runs scored, 22 RBI, and six stolen bases through 156 plate appearences. In other words, he has performed and done it at every stop through his minor league career, so now it's a matter of taking off with his opportunity at the majors, and if he does, he will be a solid contributor to all five categories, making him a must-add player in five outfield leagues.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
