RADIO
Samad Taylor Worth an Add After Impressive Start to Triple-A Season?
The San Diego Padres are calling up second baseman/outfielder Samad Taylor to the big leagues on Wednesday, according to Milb Central. Taylor will get the call from Triple-A El Paso to take the roster spot of veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was designated for assignment. The 27-year-old will get the call to the big leagues after hitting an impressive .319/.406/.500 with a .906 OPS, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 51 games and 222 plate appearances on the farm. The former 10th-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians back in 2016 has only appeared in 38 big-league games with the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners since debuting in the majors back in 2023, so he doesn't have much experience. Taylor could get some run in SD's outfield now that Castellanos is out of the picture, but he's no lock to play regularly and could quickly be shuttled back to El Paso. In 83 plate appearances in the majors, Taylor has gone 15-for-73 (.205) with no homers, four RBI, eight steals, seven walks, and 24 strikeouts in 38 games.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Lars Nootbaar Worth Stashing Ahead of Season Debut?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels), who is expected to come off the 60-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds, hit his third minor-league home run on Wednesday in his 12th rehab game, per MLB reporter John Denton. Nootbaar had double heel surgery last October and has yet to play for the Cardinals this year. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has teased power upside in the past, but he hasn't taken advantage of regular playing time in St. Louis has also been limited by injuries along the way. The former eighth-rounder in 2018 out of USC has slashed .242/.341/.406 with a .747 OPS in his five major-league seasons (all with the Red Birds). Fantasy managers in mixed leagues should probably take a wait-and-see approach on Nootbaar as he returns to the big leagues following a long absence. He's currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, but he should be playing regularly in St. Louis upon his return, at least against right-handed pitching.
Source: MLB.com - John Denton
Source: MLB.com - John Denton
Nick Castellanos Designated for Assignment by Padres
The San Diego Padres have designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment on Wednesday and recalled utility man Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso. Castellanos, who signed a one-year deal with the Padres this offseason, has struggled in 2026, hitting just .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs, and 20 RBI in 39 games. The move clears a roster spot as the Padres continue to shuffle their outfield and infield depth. Taylor, who has played both the outfield and second base, gets another opportunity in the big leagues. While the Padres currently have a crowded outfield, his versatility could help him carve out a role in the near term. With Triple-A this season, Taylor has posted an impressive .319/.406/.500 line with seven doubles, seven home runs, and nine stolen bases over 51 games.
Source: Kevin Acee
Source: Kevin Acee
Gabriel Moreno Emerging As Viable Starting Option at Catcher Position
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno has dealt with injuries again in 2026, but he remains a high-upside option at a thin position when healthy. The 26-year-old is hitting .260 with three home runs, 19 RBI, and three stolen bases in 123 at-bats. After returning from a stint on the injured list in early May, Moreno has gone on to hold a .253/.326/.398 line with three doubles, three home runs, and three stolen bases. When he's been on the field, Moreno has shown the ability to hit for average and get on base at a solid clip. While he has typically been placed at the bottom of the batting order, the backstop has recently begun to move up to the cleanup spot against right-handed pitching, which has bolstered his scoring opportunities. He's still widely available in most leagues, sitting at just 40% rostered on Yahoo. For managers looking for catcher help with some long-term appeal, Moreno is worth picking up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Antonio Senzatela the Closer to Roster in Colorado?
Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela has been one of the more surprising and effective relievers in baseball this season after transitioning from the rotation to the bullpen. The veteran has posted a 1.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings while picking up three saves. After struggling mightily as a starter in 2025 (holding an overall 6.65 ERA across 130 frames), Senzatela has found a new role in high-leverage situations. He's been used in multi-inning appearances and has also closed games for the Rockies in recent weeks, earning two saves over his last 10 appearances. A move to a winning team ahead of the trade deadline could also boost his save opportunities if he were to join a club that lacks a proven ninth-inning option. For managers in need of saves in deeper leagues, he remains a worthwhile addition as he is emerging as the preferred ninth-inning option in Colorado over Juan Mejia.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hurston Waldrep Seeing Value Increase as High-Upside Stash Candidate?
Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep is gaining attention as a high-upside stash candidate as he works his way back from elbow surgery. The 24-year-old former first-round pick has shown flashes of plus stuff when healthy. He recently began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League and is currently targeting a return in late June to early July. While he's not expected to be an immediate rotation contributor, the combination of his pedigree and the Braves' need for pitching depth makes him an interesting speculative add. During the 2025 season, Waldrep held his own during his first extended taste in the majors, logging 56 1/3 innings with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. For managers who can afford to stash a high-ceiling arm with a chance to contribute later this summer, Waldrep is worth considering now before his value potentially rises.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
JoJo Romero Emerging as Priority Closer Handcuff to Roster?
St. Louis Cardinals left-hander JoJo Romero has been effective in high-leverage situations this season and stands as the clear handcuff to closer Riley O'Brien. Romero owns a 2.96 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings. While O'Brien has locked down the closer role, he has begun to struggle as of late, allowing 10 earned runs (11 total runs) with two blown saves over his last 11 innings. He also has closing experience from last season, when he shared the role with O'Brien down the stretch and converted eight of nine save opportunities. Overall, last summer, Romero posted a stellar 2.07 ERA with 24 holds while operating in a high-leverage role. For fantasy managers in standard saves leagues, Romero is a smart, low-cost speculative add as O'Brien's primary handcuff. For those in leagues that reward holds, Romero continues to hold high-end value as he should remain a go-to option in high-leverage spots.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quinn Priester Moving his Rehab to Arizona Complex League
After struggling in the higher levels of the minor leagues on his rehab assignment, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (shoulder) is being moved to the Arizona Complex League as he attempts to return from thoracic outlet syndrome, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Doctors continue to believe that Priester won't need surgery to relieve the symptoms of TOS, a condition in which the nerves running down his neck and into his arm and torso are compressed. Surgery would end Priester's season and would put him in jeopardy of being ready for 2027 as well. The 25-year-old former first-rounder by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 hasn't had much success in seven rehab starts so far, allowing a whopping 25 earned runs on 21 hits while walking 19 and striking out 14 in 13 1/3 innings. Priester's velocity is not only down, but he's struggling with his control on the mound. He couldn't make it out of the first inning in two of his rehab outings. There's no timetable for Priester's return, and if he continues to struggle in the ACL, surgery might be on the table. Priester is rostered in just 15% of Yahoo leagues at this juncture.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
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
