Janson Junk Emerging as Top Waiver Wire Target After Another Strong Showing
Miami Marlins right-hander Jason Junk continued his strong stretch on Monday, allowing one run across five and one-third innings while giving up five hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Junk now holds a 2.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through seven starts this season. He has consistently filled the strike zone, which has helped him work deeper into games while keeping his pitch count under control. In his second season with Miami, Junk is showing clear improvement and reliability. His recent performance points to continued success, making him a priority target for fantasy managers in need of pitching help.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Abner Uribe Entering Must-Roster Status as Brewers Primary Closer?
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Abner Uribe is quickly taking control of the ninth inning and is a must-roster option as he continues to build momentum. Uribe has recorded three saves with a 3.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, while other late-inning option Trevor Megill has struggled to a 6.00 ERA. Uribe's 28 percent strikeout rate supports his ability to succeed in high-leverage situations. This is his fourth season with Milwaukee, and he looks more comfortable than ever in late-game spots. The closer role is trending in his direction, and fantasy managers should act before it is fully locked in.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Astros Turn to Bryan King for Another Save, Settling in as the Top Closer?
Houston Astros left-hander Bryan King appears to be solidifying his role as the top ninth-inning option with Josh Hader on the 60-day IL. Bryan King picked up his third save of the season on Tuesday, tossing two innings of one-run ball to secure the win. This performance marks two saves in his last two appearances for the 29-year-old, who is now tied for the team lead in saves. His season metrics include a 3.45 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Now in his third season in the majors, his career 2.78 ERA positions him well for high-leverage situations. Expect the Astros to lean on him as their go-to arm for save opportunities moving forward.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Graham Ashcraft Worth Stashing In Reds Bullpen After Major Injury?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft may be a worthy stash after go-to closer Emilio Pagan suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday's game. Late-inning opportunities should increase across the Reds bullpen, and the elite 1.02 ERA of Ashcraft poises him to be the next man up in leverage situations. After making a major jump across 62 games last year with an ERA under 4.00, Ashcraft appears to have taken a step forward as he continues to dominate late in games. He already has one save in two opportunities this season. This usage suggests the Reds may turn to him frequently while their primary closer remains sidelined.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
A.J. Ewing Emerging as Elite Stash Option in Week 6
New York Mets infield/outfield prospect A.J. Ewing has emerged as an elite stash option in Week 6 of the fantasy baseball season. Ewing is currently ranked as the No. 85 overall prospect in the sport and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Mets system, according to MLB.com. He began the 2026 campaign with Double-A Binghamton, where he posted an incredible .349/.481/.571 line with six doubles, two home runs, and 12 stolen bases. This dominant start earned him a ticket to Triple-A Syracuse, where Ewing has continued to swing a scorching-hot bat. Over his first seven games at the top level of the system, Ewing has posted an eye-catching .440/.500/.560 line with one double, one triple, and four stolen bases. Given that Ewing has swiped 16 bags in 25 games this season, he should be viewed as a priority stash target for those needing speed. If he continues this pace, he could arrive in Queens before the All-Star break.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Jonah Tong Nearing a Return to the Major Leagues?
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong appears to be nearing a return to the major leagues, given the current state of their rotation. Last week, the Mets shifted right-hander Kodai Senga to the 15-day injured list, and David Peterson has struggled in a long relief role, allowing 24 earned runs over his last 29 frames. While Tong was unable to claim a role in the Opening Day rotation, the young right-hander could contend for a return in the near future. Tong opened the season with Triple-A Syracuse and has struggled to find consistency, posting a modest 4.60 ERA over 31 1/3 innings. However, his ratios have been skewed by two rough outings that saw him surrender five and six earned runs, respectively. Last summer, Tong was dominant in the upper minor leagues, holding a 1.50 ERA with a 179:47 K:BB over 113 2/3 innings. If Tong can return to this form, he should be in the mix to earn a promotion in the near future, given the minimal competition for a spot at the back-end of the rotation.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Thomas White Entering Elite Stash Territory?
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Thomas White continues to emerge as an elite stash option in standard formats. White was in contention to break camp with the MLB roster in spring training but suffered an oblique injury early in camp, which derailed his chances. However, after a short rehab assignment with the lower levels, White has not only returned to Triple-A Jacksonville but is once again flashing his elite upside. Through his first three starts of the campaign with Triple-A, the team's No. 1-ranked prospect has posted a 2.13 ERA with a stellar 0.78 WHIP. He has struck out 19 batters while allowing only four free passes. Walks were a major concern for White last season as he served up 51 over 89 2/3 total frames. Seeing White limit his own damage while maintaining his high-end strike potential is an excellent sign. With Chris Paddack being designated for assignment, White could debut in the majors much sooner than anticipated. He is worth stashing in all 12+ team leagues in Week 6 of the fantasy baseball season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
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
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