RADIO
Should Fantasy Managers be Looking to Stash Mick Abel?
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow, triceps) was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 20 with right-elbow inflammation, and he had a setback in early May, when he complained of soreness in his right triceps after throwing a bullpen session. The 24-year-old is being built back up slowly, but the good news is he has been feeling better since receiving a cortisone injection in his triceps muscle. Since Abel has yet to face hitters, he probably won't be able to rejoin Minnesota's starting rotation until at least mid-June or later. Still, fantasy managers in deeper leagues in need of starting pitching depth should consider stashing the former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2020. In his first four appearances (three starts) for the Twins in 2026, Abel posted a 3.98 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks across 20 1/3 innings pitched. Abel has above-average velocity and plenty of strikeout upside, but control remains an issue. If he can throw more strikes, Abel could be a breakout candidate in 2026 once he gets healthy. He's rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Matt McLain Back on the Radar Despite Recent Cold Streak?
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain went 13-for-41 (.317) with three home runs, three doubles, 10 RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games from May 6 to May 18. In four games since then, though, he has gone hitless in 19 plate appearances with an RBI, no walks, and seven strikeouts. In 21 games in May, McLain is batting .178 (13-for-73) with three homers, three doubles, 11 RBI, seven runs, two steals, six walks, and 17 strikeouts across 80 plate appearances. On the season, the 26-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA is hitting under .200 with a .296 on-base percentage, .326 slugging percentage, and .622 OPS in 187 at-bats in his third season in the big leagues. McLain had an impressive 31 home runs, 100 RBI, and 32 steals in 236 games in his first two seasons in the majors (he missed 2024 due to injury), making him a nice sleeper candidate in fantasy going into this year. He has stayed healthy so far, but the results have been disappointing. If McLain continues to struggle, he could start to lose playing time as we get into the summer months.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mets Could be Sellers at the Trade Deadline
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said on Foul Territory that the New York Mets, who currently sit at 22-32 and in last place in the National League East, could be sellers at this year's trade deadline for the second time in three years. The Mets have the second-highest payroll in baseball, behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers. They were swept by the division-rival Miami Marlins over the weekend and entered play on Tuesday 14 games out of first place in their division and 7.5 games out of an NL wild-card spot. The Mets still have a number of injured star players on the injured list that aren't close to a return, and young right-hander Nolan McLean has struggled so far in 2026. President of baseball operations David Stearns previously said the Mets aren't considering selling yet, but it's getting late pretty fast in Queens. If New York does decide to sell this year, right-hander Freddy Peralta will be their biggest chip. Right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) also would have been an attractive piece, but he's now on the 60-day injured list with a fractured right fibula.
Source: Fou Territory
Source: Fou Territory
Is Spencer Schwellenbach Worth Stashing Off the Waiver Wire Ahead of Return?
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) has yet to pitch in 2026 after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow in February. However, the 25-year-old is reportedly on the verge of beginning a throwing program and could be progressing towards a mid-summer return to the big leagues. Schwellenbach showcased high-end upside in 2025, recording a 7-4 record with a 3.09 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts across 110 2/3 innings (17 starts) before fracturing his right elbow in late June. Given his track record of elbow issues, Schwellenbach's profile carries a fair amount of injury risk for fantasy managers. Still, he's provided must-start production when healthy since making his MLB debut in May 2024. For any fantasy manager with an open roster spot, Schwellenbach could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a stash candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Angel Martinez an Undervalued Waiver-Wire Target?
As the early portion of the 2026 MLB season gives way to the summer months, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez looks like he could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Across his first 186 plate appearances of the year, the 24-year-old is hitting .246/.286/.468 with nine home runs, 27 RBI, 24 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Martinez has added significant power while also reducing his swing-and-miss, raising his barrel rate from 3.5% to 8.5% and cutting his strikeout rate from 22.7% to 18.8%. He's also been significantly more aggressive as a runner, as his current stolen base total (eight) already matches what he posted across 139 games in 2025. While Martinez may not provide elite production in any one fantasy category, he profiles as a balanced contributor who should provide quality counting stats due to his everyday role in the Cleveland outfield. He should hold broad waiver wire appeal for fantasy managers across most formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Hader a Must-Stash Closer Ahead of Impending Injury Return
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) has yet to pitch in the big leagues in 2026 as he recovers from left biceps tendinitis. However, the 32-year-old has already made seven minor league rehab appearances and is reportedly targeting a return to the Houston bullpen in the first week of June. Hader was one of the game's elite relievers in 2025, pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 28 saves across 52 2/3 innings (48 games). He's looked like his vintage self in his rehab outings as well, racking up 11 strikeouts while allowing just six baserunners across seven innings of work. Hader profiles as a high-end fantasy closer once healthy and should be stashed off the waiver wire in all league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Max Scherzer to Throw Live Batting Practice on Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session in Toronto on Wednesday, manager John Schneider told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. In addition to right-forearm tendinitis, Scherzer is battling left-ankle inflammation and a thumb issue. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer is breaking down near the end of his career, but as per usual, he's not going down without a fight. The three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star is building himself back up to try to return to Toronto's starting rotation, although it's been a long process. Scherzer has been on the 15-day injured list since late April and will most likely need a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment, so in a best-case scenario, he might not rejoin the Jays' starting rotation until mid-June or later. He struggled in his first five starts before landing on the shelf, going 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA (8.32 FIP) and 1.61 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and eight walks in 18 2/3 frames. Scherzer is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues and should be ignored in mixed formats all year.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Zack Gelof Offers Power/Speed Upside as a Waiver-Wire Target
Across 129 plate appearances so far in 2026, Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof is hitting .229/.283/.424 with six home runs, 17 RBI, 21 runs scored, and six stolen bases. The 26-year-old opened the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, but he's worked his way into an everyday role as the A's third baseman since being recalled in mid-April. While Gelof's 25.6% strikeout rate in 2026 is a significant improvement from the 34.4% rate he posted across 547 plate appearances in 2024, he still profiles as a negative contributor in the batting average category for fantasy managers. However, Gelof owns a 9.8% career barrel rate at the big-league level and has swiped 46 bases across 275 total MLB games. As long as he limits his whiffs enough to stay in the everyday lineup, Gelof carries 20-homer, 20-steal upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carson Benge Emerging as a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target
New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge got off to a rough start to his MLB career in the early portion of 2026, hitting .189 with a .525 OPS across 97 plate appearances through the end of April. However, the 23-year-old has turned the corner in May, hitting .307/.378/.398 with one home run, 12 RBI, 16 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 98 plate appearances so far this month. Benge's 8.0% barrel rate for the season likely limits his power upside. Still, he should provide fantasy managers with 15-plus homer power over the course of a full season while bringing surplus value in the speed and batting average categories. Benge has also batted in the leadoff spot in the Mets' lineup in each of his last 14 games played, helping him rack up counting stats. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Benge profiles as a steady cross-category contributor with upside to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Greene a Prime Injury Stash Candidate Heading into June
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) has not yet pitched in 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery in mid-March. However, the 26-year-old is slated to throw a bullpen on Tuesday and could be nearing the start of a minor league rehab assignment. Greene was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, recording a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts across 107 2/3 innings (19 starts). He averages 99.4 miles per hour on his fastball and recorded an elite 25.2% K-BB rate. Greene is currently on the 60-day injured list and will likely require at least a few starts in the minors before he makes his return to the big-league mound. Still, fantasy managers should be looking to stash Greene off the waiver wire due to his league-winning upside once he returns to full health.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger a "Couple Days Away" From Throwing
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) is "probably still a couple days away from starting throwing," manager John Schneider told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. "It's been a little slower with him." It's been an injury-plagued 2026 campaign for Barger so far this year, as this is the second time he's been on the 10-day injured list. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has only played in nine games to this point and has gone 1-for-22 with a double, two RBI, five walks, and seven strikeouts. Barger has been out for two-plus weeks with right-elbow inflammation and will most likely require a short minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league squad in June. In his first full season in Toronto in 2025, Barger slashed .243/.301/.454 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs, and four steals in 135 regular-season games. He was a postseason hero as well and helped guide the team to the World Series. Barger is currently rostered in just 23% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Shane Bieber Throws Two Innings in First Rehab Start
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) worked two scoreless innings while giving up two hits and striking out three in his first minor-league rehab start on Monday in the Florida Complex League, according to Sportsnet. It was Bieber's first game action since last year's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran right-hander will continue to build up his workload from here, but it's unclear when his next rehab outing will be. The 30-year-old has not pitched for Toronto at all in 2026 yet after entering spring training back in February with right-elbow fatigue. Bieber got a late start to last year as well while recovering from Tommy John surgery, which is why the team has slow-played his recovery. In seven regular-season starts in 2025, Bieber struck out 37 and had a 3.57 ERA in 40 1/3 innings. His return will be a big boost for a Jays rotation that is missing both Jose Berrios and Cody Ponce for the entire season, with Max Scherzer also sidelined. The former American League Cy Young isn't going to be as dominant as he was earlier in his career with Cleveland, but his strong showing last year after coming back from TJ surgery makes him an obvious stash candidate. He's currently rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Aaron Civale Likely to Land on Injured List With Shoulder/Lat Issue
Athletics right-hander Aaron Civale (shoulder, lat) had another tough outing in Monday's 9-2 loss to the division-rival Seattle Mariners and is expected to be placed on the injured list, manager Mark Kotsay told Theo DeRosa of MLB.com. Civale allowed seven earned runs on nine hits (three homers) while walking one and striking out only two in four innings on Monday to take his second loss of the 2026 season. Kotsay and Civale were unable to pinpoint the issue, but his injury appears to be related to his right shoulder or lat. In his place, the A's plan to call up left-handed pitching prospect Gage Jump. Civale first noticed something with his shoulder/lat during his previous outing against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, when he allowed five runs in five innings, and his fastball velocity was down more than 1 mph. His fastball was 3 mph below his season average on Monday, sparking more concern. The good news is Civale said he hasn't felt much pain, but "just something's off." It's hard to say how quickly Civale will be able to bounce back and come off the IL. He's currently rostered in just 21% of Yahoo leagues and has a 4.20 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with only 39 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings over his 11 starts.
Source: MLB.com - Theo DeRosa
Source: MLB.com - Theo DeRosa
Ryan O'Hearn Does Agility Drills on Monday
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (quadriceps) left the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 16 after the third inning because of right-quad discomfort and was placed on the 10-day injured list the next day with a right-quad muscle strain. O'Hearn worked in the outfield on Monday with agility/cone drills, according to MLB.com. Barring a setback once he starts ramping up more, O'Hearn is expected to come off the IL at some point in mid-June. Monday was the first activity that the 32-year-old veteran has done since injuring his quad. In his first year in the Steel City, O'Hearn has hit .289/.368/.459 with an .827 OPS, seven home runs, 29 RBI, 27 runs scored, and a stolen base across 44 games and 182 plate appearances. Although he has just one home run against left-handers, he's gone a very respectable 13-for-47 (.277) against them with a .300 on-base percentage. O'Hearn is currently rostered in 59% of Yahoo leagues. In his absence, the Bucs have been mixing and matching in right field with Esmerlyn Valdez, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Jake Mangum.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Too Early to Put a Timetable on Drake Baldwin's Return
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) is only dealing with a Grade 1 strain of his right oblique muscle, which creates hope that he might be on the 10-day injured list for just one month, but manager Walt Weiss said it's too early to put a timetable on his return, per MLB.com. Baldwin was put on the IL on May 19, and barring a setback, he could be back with the big-league club around the middle of June. The 25-year-old National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 has yet to resume baseball activities, and until then, we won't have a clearer picture of when he might be back with the Braves. In the meantime, he should be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues as one of the best-hitting catchers in the game in just his second season. Baldwin was hitting .303/.389/.543 with a .931 OPS, 13 homers, 38 RBI, 39 runs, and a steal in 188 at-bats before his oblique injury. Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp will continue to split the catching duties in Atlanta until Baldwin can return at some point next month.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
