We are introducing a new segment in Tim’s Waiver Report.  I asked my AI assistant for his two top picks in Tim’s report.  Here they are:

Walker Buehler — SP, SDP

This is the clear “must‑add” of the week.

• Tim rarely plants a flag this firmly on a pitcher returning to form.
• Four June starts, only four earned runs allowed, 22 strikeouts, and the Padres desperately need innings.
• The market is slow to react (33% rostered), which is exactly when you want to strike.
• Even if he’s not vintage Buehler, this version is absolutely rosterable everywhere.

Why he’s a top pick: He’s the only player on the list with legitimate rest‑of‑season upside at a scarce position, and the performance trend is real, not noise.

Cooper Pratt — SS, MIL

This is the sneaky impact add.

• Called up and immediately producing: 6‑for‑16 with three steals this week.
• Milwaukee has shown they’ll play their young long‑term‑contract guys.
• Pratt’s fantasy profile (speed + contact + everyday role) is exactly the type that becomes a league‑winner in July/August.
• Shortstop eligibility makes him even more valuable.

Why he’s a top pick: He’s already up, already running, and the Brewers have every incentive to keep him in the lineup. That combination is gold.

Honorable Mentions (but a tier below):

• Shane Drohan — solid ratios, rotation spot locked in, but ceiling is lower.
• Sean Keys — big power, but unclear playing time path.
• Jaden Hill — saves are saves, but Coors is Coors.

Josh Bell, 1B, MIN (CBS: 23% rostered)

The highs and lows of Josh Bell are trending upward again. He slugged two homers on May 18, then went quiet until June 7 — and now he’s back with two more homers and seven RBI in his past five games. Time to hop on the bandwagon and hope this streak lasts longer than the last one.

Andrew Benintendi, OF, CWS (CBS: 29% rostered)

“Beni” no longer brings speed to the table, but two homers, six RBI, and a 1.301 OPS this week make him a viable short‑term patch for an outfield hole.

Walker Buehler, SP, SDP (CBS: 33% rostered)

Finding starting pitching is tough in any season, but with this year’s injury wave, it’s nearly impossible in late June. Buehler isn’t the ace of old, but since the calendar flipped to June he’s allowed only four earned runs across four starts while striking out 22. He deserves a look in all formats.

Jose Cabrera, SP, ARZ (CBS: 2% rostered)

The injury‑ravaged D‑backs are turning to the 24‑year‑old Cabrera for his MLB debut this afternoon. Monitor the outing and bid accordingly.

Victor Caratini, C/1B, MIN (CBS: 8% rostered)

Another Twin on a heater, Caratini has gone 8‑for‑14 with two homers and six RBI over the past week. Ride the hot hand.

Shane Drohan, SP, MIL (CBS: 23% rostered)

Drohan carries a 3.40 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season, and since moving from the bullpen to the rotation he’s shown four usable pitches — including a 6.1‑inning, three‑run outing at Coors. In deeper leagues, a small bid could land you a capable No. 5 starter.

Caleb Durbin, 2B/3B, BOS (CBS: 23% rostered)

Durbin struggled through April and May, but over the past 21 days he’s hit four homers, driven in nine, stolen three bases, and posted a .281 average. Not spectacular, but plenty useful as a CI in 15‑team formats.

Cooper Ingle, C, CLE (CBS: 6% rostered)

Angel Martinez’s broken foot leaves a major outfield vacancy. Cleveland called up Kahlil Watson (CBS: 3% rostered), but his strikeout issues are real. If the Guardians don’t make a trade, Cooper Ingle could be next. The bat is ready — last week’s three‑homer game at Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre proved that — but finding a defensive home remains the challenge.

Sean Keys, 3B, TOR (CBS: 2% rostered)

When Vlad Jr. and Addison Barger have combined for “the number between three and five,” the Jays clearly need power. Keys hit 14 homers in 171 AB at Double‑A and four more in 47 AB at Triple‑A. With Kazuma Okamoto locked in at third, the fit is unclear, but Toronto will find a way to get this bat into the lineup.

Brandon Pfaadt, SP/RP, ARZ (CBS: 6% rostered)

Arizona currently lists only three healthy starters, with today’s call‑up Jose Cabrera making four. Unless a four‑man rotation is suddenly trendy, Pfaadt should be back soon. He’s posted a 1.80 ERA in 10 Triple‑A innings. If you have the bench space, a small stash bid could pay off.

Cooper Pratt, SS, MIL (CBS: 27% rostered)

After discussing Luis Lara last week, the Brewers instead called up Cooper Pratt — another long‑term contract guy — on Tuesday. He’s gone 6‑for‑16 with three steals this week. So far, so good.

Kyle Teel, C, CWS (CBS: 31% rostered)

Teel looks close to returning, and his 8‑for‑16 start to a rehab assignment at Triple‑A Charlotte suggests the rust is coming off quickly. Drew Romo and Edgar Quero won’t block him once the White Sox decide he’s ready — which could be as soon as this week.

Closer Report

Jaden Hill, COL

Rostering a Rockies closer is always an adventure, but Hill appears to be the current favorite. He has two saves in his past three outings and likely gets the next chance. If you need saves, a cheap bid could help — but beware the ERA tax that comes with Coors.

Ryan Rolison, CHC

Caleb Thielbar and Jacob Webb haven’t handled the ninth well in Danny Palencia’s absence (2–3 weeks, elbow). Meanwhile, Rolison has thrown 12 straight scoreless appearances since May 20 and picked up his first hold yesterday. More late‑inning opportunities could be coming.

Addison Barger, 3B/OF, TOR (CBS: 42% rostered)

Ankle and elbow injuries have kept Barger on the IL for all but 22 at-bats this season. The Jays need that power bat (21 HR in 460 AB in 2025) in the everyday lineup in the worst of ways. He’s expected to head out on a rehab assignment this week with an end of June return date. Spend a little of that FAAB now, or a lot more in a couple of weeks.

Tyler Callihan, Of, PIT (CBS: 3% rostered)

Oneill Cruz is looking at a 4-to-6-week IL stint with a broken hand. Tyler Callihan has been hot, going 5-for-14 over the past seven days with two homers and looks to be in-line for a steady diet of at-bats while Cruz is on the mend. A small bid will give you the opportunity to see if this solid start is sustainable.

Cole Carrigg, OF, COL (CBS: 34% rostered)

Cole Carrigg has slugged two homers in his first four games since getting called up and with the list of Colorado outfielders filling the IL a long one, should have no problems in finding regular playing time. An opportunity to acquire a power/speed bat that will be playing half his games at Coors Field should have our attention.

Jasson Dominguez, OF, NYY (CBS: 44% rostered)

Jasson Dominguez was activated off the IL yesterday and promptly hit a solo shot against the Jays. Giancarlo Stanton suffered a setback in his rehab, tweaking his injured right calf and is waiting for further imaging to establish a timeline for his return. The opportunities for full-time at-bats for an extended period of time could be at-hand.

Denzer Guzman, SS, LAA (CBS: 3% rostered)

A .974 OPS at Salt Lake City, even being what Salt Lake city represents, should have our attention. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Guzman. “Athletic and projectable, Guzman’s bat speed and physicality suggest growing power as he matures. He’s a 55 runner, giving him the potential for double-digit stolen bases early in his career. While he’s unlikely ever to be a high-contact hitter, his profile points toward average to slightly below-average contact rates, a .250 batting average baseline, and an OBP roughly 80 points higher. That combination of power and speed offers a balanced offensive outlook, even if the strikeouts remain part of his game.” “For fantasy purposes, Guzman’s blend of power, speed, and OBP skills makes him a potential contributor, though managers should expect volatility tied to his contact profile.”

Blaze Jordan, 1B, STL (CBS: 12% rostered)

Two games in and the 23-year-old Jordan is 4-for-8 and has taken care of that first big-league homer. He’s pouring the foundation for a long successful run at third base in St. Louis.

Luis Lara, OF, MIL (CBS: 17% rostered)

Milwaukee has once again signed a contract extension with a youngster, inking 21-year-old Luis Lara to a 7-year $31 million dollar extension and for good cause. Lara is enjoying a breakout campaign at Triple-A Nashville with seven homers and 20 stolen bases while walking more than striking out (46/35) over 221 at-bats. An arrival in Milwaukee is drawing near. Garrett Mitchell will only hold off the youngster for so long.

Jordan Lawlar, 3B/OF, ARZ (CBS: 34% rostered)

The big concern with Jordan Lawlar, other than his ability to stay on the field, has to be the fact that there are plenty of mouths to field in the Diamondback outfield. Torey Lovullo, Arizona’s Manager, shared his thoughts on this challenge. “It’s going to be very fluid. There’s going to be three guys, four guys for two positions, going to be a little bit of a rotation. They’re all going to play.” Well, if Lawlar builds on the first game Friday night where he went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI and two stolen bases he won’t be riding the pine very much, if at all.

Braden Montgomery, OF, CWS (CBS: 61% rostered)

The injury to Munetaka Murakami has created a big void in the White Sox power game. Is young slugger Braden Montgomery the potential answer to that void? Let’s turn this over to Rich Wilson for his thoughts. “Fantasy managers should treat Montgomery as a power/speed threat with OBP upside. The profile is fantasy-friendly: 20–25 home runs, double-digit steals, and an OBP that could sit 80 points above his batting average thanks to improving walk rates. The batting average may be pressured by swing-and-miss, but if the contact stabilizes, Montgomery has the tools to make an impact at the highest level.”

Max Muncy, 2B/3B, ATH (CBS: 22% rostered)

Don’t forget about the other Max Muncy. He was off to a solid start before a fractured hand caused him to spend six weeks on the IL. Everyone produces (excluding pitchers) in that bandbox in Sacramento.

Tristan Peters, OF, CWS (CBS: 7% rostered)

Tristan Peters spoiled the party yesterday, breaking up Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s no-hitter with a solo shot in the top of the ninth. A no-hitter broke up by a former Savanah Banana must be a first. A little pop and speed to go along with a back flip or two is there for the taking.

John Rave, OF, KCR (CBS: not rostered)

Nobody in that Kansas City outfield is stepping up and demonstrating that they can get the job done on a consistent basis. Why not give John Rave a shot? In 223 at-bats at Triple-A Omaha, Rave had accumulated 10 home runs and 16 stolen bases to go along with a great .395 OBP. Those numbers seem worthy of parting with a small chunk of FAAB this evening.

JR Ritchie, SP, ATL (CBS: 19% rostered)

Spencer Strider hits the IL with right elbow inflammation (gulp) and the Braves are turning to JR Ritchie to step into the rotation. He tossed five innings of two-hit shutout ball Friday with five strikeouts. A very promising sign being that Strider could be looking at an extended absence, and the 22-year-old Ritchie will be counted on to fill that void.

Samad Taylor, OF, SDP (CBS: 1% rostered)

I was a big fan of Samad Taylor a few years back when he was coming up through the Jays system. He was traded to the Royals for Whit Merrifield and proceeded to swiped 43 bases at Triple-A Omaha in 2023. 2024 and 2025 found him plying his trade as a Mariner and he proceeded to once again flash those wheels, stealing 50 and 44 bases in back-to-back seasons but never saw much of the bigs. 2026 finds him in San Diego and an opportunity for steady playing time and in his first 24 at-bats has one homer, 8 RBI, a pair of thefts and an excellent .375 BA. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, and try again.

Closer Report

Bryan Hudson, CWS (CBS: 3% rostered)

Seranthony Dominguez is Seranthony Dominguez. Grant Taylor is eventually going to transition into the starting rotation. Is Bryan Hudson a potential long-term ninth inning answer for the White Sox? The 6’8” southpaw is now up to three saves to go along with a great 2.25 ERA. A small bid and stash is in order.

Caleb Kilian, SFG (CBS: 22% rostered)

The Giants have at least for now abandoned their closer-by committee approach, naming Caleb Kilian as the team’s closer. If you want to toss darts at those elusive saves, he is currently 4-for-5 working the ninth inning and has the job.

Garrett Whitlock, RP, BOS (CBS: 14% rostered)

What are the odds that Aroldis Chapman is pitching for the Red Sox in the second half of 2026? I’d have to think those odds are somewhere between slim and none. Who is the probable replacement if Chapman is on the move? Garrett Whitlock would be that guy and right now makes for a fine speculative grab.

Edwin Arroyo, CIN (CBS: 22% rostered)

Last Sunday we said, “It’s only a matter of time before he gets the call — and that time is drawing near.” Well, Elly De La Cruz’s hamstring sped up the timeline, and here we are. Arroyo has arrived. For now, he’s playing second with Matt McLain sliding over to short, but once Elly returns, that Reds infield is going to get crowded fast. Arroyo needs to do better than 2‑for‑10 if he wants to stick.

Jake Bennett, SP, BOS (CBS: 4% rostered)

Someone has to replace the struggling Bryan Bello, and it appears Wednesday against the Rays will mark Jake Bennett’s return. We saw two starts from him in early May—mixed results, but nothing alarming. Since returning to Triple‑A, he’s allowed five earned runs in four starts (18.1 IP), highlighted by an 11‑strikeout outing on May 20. Bid small tonight, but bid.

Blake Dunn, OF, CIN (CBS: 5% rostered)

The Reds are still trying to solve their outfield puzzle, and Blake Dunn might be the missing piece. His steady play has earned him the full‑time gig in center and the leadoff spot. The power is minimal, but that 98th‑percentile sprint speed is absolutely worth chasing.

Luis García, 1B/2B, WAS (CBS: 48% rostered)

Four homers, 15 RBI, and a .297 average over the past two weeks. Mid‑teens power, a bit of speed, and a .260ish batting average is more than enough to slide into your MI spot in 12‑team mixed leagues.

Nick Gonzales, 2B/SS/3B, PIT (CBS: 39% rostered)

Is this finally the Nick Gonzales we were promised? He’s spraying the ball everywhere, scoring runs (34), driving in runs (31), and hitting .315. His xBA sits at .307—99th percentile. That’s a whole lot to like from a middle infielder available in 61% of CBS leagues.

LuJames Groover, 3B, ARZ (CBS: 3% rostered)

The D‑backs called up their No. 4 prospect, LuJames Groover, sending José Fernández back to Triple‑A for more seasoning. Rich Wilson weighs in:

“For fantasy, Groover projects as a batting‑average asset with latent power and multi‑positional eligibility. If the power clicks, he could push toward Top‑15 third base status. Dynasty managers should be patient—there’s enough here to justify a hold, and his proximity to the majors makes him a candidate for early 2026 impact.”

David Hamilton, 2B/SS/3B, MIL (CBS: 11% rostered)

Four steals this week? Not surprising. Two homers in the past three games? Very surprising. His steady play has earned him everyday reps at third base. Take advantage while the Brewers are giving him runway.

Royce Lewis, 3B, MIN (CBS: 33% rostered)

How many homers does a guy need to hit after a demotion to get the Twins’ attention? Apparently eight in 13 games. We’ve seen Royce Lewis go on these heaters before. A small bid gives you a chance to see if he’s doing it again.

Noelvi Marte, 3B/OF, CIN (CBS: 51% rostered)

The Reds finally ran out of patience with TJ Friedl and sent him to Triple‑A. Enter Noelvi Marte, who was raking on the farm. The question now: where does he play? Dunn, Bleday, Steer, Benson, and Myers are all on the roster. That’s a lot of mouths to feed. Bid accordingly.

Dustin May, SP, STL (CBS: 54% rostered)

“Ours is not to reason why.” Ours is simply to look at the five quality starts in his past seven outings and the 25 strikeouts in his past three and decide if that’s worth a chunk of FAAB. It is.

Karson Milbrandt, SP, MIA (CBS: 13% rostered)

The Marlins are in rough shape. They’re down to two starters—Sandy Alcantara and Max Meyer—and bullpen games are piling up. Losing top prospect Thomas White for the season only makes things worse. Enter Karson Milbrandt, promoted to Triple‑A on June 1. In nine Double‑A starts (47 IP), he posted a 1.34 ERA with 70 strikeouts. His Triple‑A debut? Six innings, two hits, zero runs. It’s only a matter of time before Miami calls, and given the need, that time is soon.

Lars Nootbaar, OF, STL (CBS: 11% rostered)

We finally have a Nootbaar sighting! He debuted Friday after missing two months recovering from surgery on both heels. When healthy, he’s an everyday player with across‑the‑board skills. A 3‑for‑7 start with a homer and three RBI is a nice reminder of what he can do.

Brandon Young, SP, BAL (CBS: 10% rostered)

Young walks a few too many and doesn’t miss as many bats as we’d like, but for a No. 5 starter, he’s getting the job done. A 3.47 ERA, four wins, and three straight quality starts? That plays as a back‑end fantasy arm.

Closer Report

Alex Lange, KCR (CBS: 10% rostered)

The Royals finally tired of Lucas Erceg’s struggles and handed the ninth inning to Alex Lange. So far, so good: three straight saves and eight consecutive scoreless outings. It’s great to see him healthy again after two injury‑marred seasons. He looks a lot like the pitcher who saved 26 games for Detroit in 2023.

Edwin Arroyo, SS, CIN (CBS: 15% rostered)
The 22‑year‑old Arroyo is off to a great start down on the farm, slugging 11 homers with nine stolen bases and posting a sweet .323 BA in 217 at‑bats. He’s also getting some reps at third base. It’s only a matter of time before he gets the call — and that time is drawing near.

J.P. Crawford, SS, SEA (CBS: 22% rostered)
J.P. Crawford is up to nine homers and on pace to shatter his career high of 19 set back in 2023. Another “ride the hot streak while it lasts” special. If only his fellow Mariners could chip in a run or two, we’d really be cooking.

Tatsuya Imai, SP, HOU (CBS: 44% rostered)
What do you do with a pitcher who’s struggled mightily to begin his MLB career… and then goes out and tosses six innings of a combined no‑hitter? You remember that in the four years before arriving in Houston, his worst ERA was 2.45. The talent is there — patience required.

Gage Jump, SP, LAA (CBS: 28% rostered)
Gage Jump got the call and pitched… okay. And honestly, okay might have to be good enough when half your games are in the Sacramento bandbox. He kept the ball in the yard and flashed that big strikeout upside while allowing four earned over five innings. Expect more “okay,” which is still useful.

Jacob Gonzalez, 2B, CWS (CBS: 13% rostered)
Gonzalez got the call Saturday after absolutely torching Triple‑A: 18 homers and 59 RBI in 199 at‑bats. His previous season high was eight homers in 2025. You love the power breakout — but don’t forget where a good chunk of that pop came from the hitter-friendly ballpark in Charlotte (15 of 18 home runs were hit at home).

Vaughn Grissom, 1B/2B/3B, LAA (CBS: 6% rostered)
Grissom had a monster six‑RBI game on May 26, and it wasn’t a one‑off — he’s added five more RBI in the four games since. Likely a short‑term play, but with Nolan Schanuel on the IL with ankle tendinitis and no timetable, you take the production and run.

Eric Lauer, SP, LAD (CBS: 8% rostered)
In 2023, Lauer posted a 3.69 ERA with 157 strikeouts. In 2025, he was a key part of a Jays rotation that came one win shy of a World Series title. Things went sideways this year, seven weeks of public grumbling later, and Toronto moved on. The Dodgers scooped him up for cash — something they have lying around in the couch cushions — and he rewarded them with six innings of one‑run ball in his debut. You can never have enough pitching, and the Dodgers know that better than anyone. A small bid makes sense.

Chase Meidroth, 2B/SS, CWS (CBS: 29% rostered)
Meidroth is tied for 32nd in baseball with 35 runs scored. Add in a handful of homers and strong BA/OBP skills, and 29% rostered feels a bit light.

Jake McCarthy, OF, COL (CBS: 22% rostered)
McCarthy is on a heater, posting a .942 OPS over the past week and spending plenty of time near the top of the order. If you need speed and runs, a small bid should get it done.

Curtis Mead, 1B/2B/3B, WAS (CBS: 25% rostered)
Curtis Mead is scorching hot: four homers, 10 RBI, and a 1.099 OPS over the past two weeks. He’s played in 9 of the last 10 games. Suddenly, Brady House’s demotion makes a whole lot more sense.

Spencer Miles, SP/RP, TOR (CBS: 18% rostered)
Miles has thrown a grand total of 14⅔ innings of minor‑league ball. That’s it. That’s the list.
2023: back surgery.
2024: Tommy John.
2025: recovery.
The Jays grabbed him in the Rule 5 draft, and all he’s done in 2026 is post a 2.16 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts in 33⅓ innings as the #4 starter in an injury‑ravaged rotation. Hard to believe — but seeing is believing. Time to give Miles some love and a slice of your FAAB pie.

Joc Pederson, UT, TEX (CBS: 4% rostered)
Just when we thought the end of the road was near, Joc goes full Joc: five homers in the past week and an .875 SLG. If you need cheap power, it’s currently on display in Arlington.

River Ryan, SP, LAD (CBS: 22% rostered)
Since returning from the IL on May 15, Ryan has made three starts (15 IP) at Triple‑A, allowing just one earned run with a strikeout per inning. His workload is up to six innings. Spend a penny now or pay the piper later — he will get the call.

David Sandlin, RP, CWS (CBS: 18% rostered)
Sandlin was originally a Red Sox starter, moved to the bullpen, then traded to the White Sox, who moved him back to starting. His debut? Six innings of one‑hit, no‑walk dominance. He’ll show off that 97 mph heater again this week against the Twins. He’s my #1 SP target.

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, COL (CBS: 28% rostered)
The past two years have been rough. After a strong start to his career, injuries derailed 2025 and 2026 started slow. But over the past three weeks, he’s showing signs of life: three homers, 10 RBI, and a .290 average. Time to check the FA pool.

Closer Report

Drew Anderson, RP, DET (CBS: 4% rostered)
With Kenley Jansen out, the Tigers’ bullpen is in chaos. Kyle Finnegan has the ERA advantage, but beneath that shiny 2.03 ERA sits a 1.58 WHIP and four blown saves. It’ll likely be a committee, but if I’m choosing sides, I’m leaning Anderson.

Kyle Hurt, RP, LAD (CBS: 4% rostered)
Tanner Scott is the current favourite for saves, but after Saturday’s meltdown, the leash isn’t long. Hurt’s 21/4 K/BB in 18 innings speaks volumes, and he earned his first save on May 27. Keep an eye on this one.

Daniel Lynch, RP, KCR (CBS: 6% rostered)
Lucas Erceg is in a full‑blown tailspin: eight earned runs in his past three outings, back‑to‑back blown saves, ERA ballooning from 3.26 to 6.33. Lynch, meanwhile, has a 1.93 ERA, one save, seven holds, and 27 strikeouts in 23⅓ innings. A shared ninth‑inning role seems inevitable.

An update has been made to our Closer Report.  It can be found here.

Kevin Alcantara, OF, CHC (CBS: 9% rostered)
Kevin Alcantara got the call yesterday, giving us a good‑news/bad‑news scenario. The good news: he’s launched 15 homers in his first 157 Triple‑A at‑bats. The bad news: he’s struck out 60 times in those same 157 at‑bats. That’s a whole lot of swing‑and‑miss, but the power is undeniably enticing. A small bid is warranted in deeper formats.

Shane Bieber, SP, TOR (CBS: 56% rostered)
Starting pitching is always in short supply, and with that in mind, Shane Bieber is about to begin his minor‑league rehab assignment. When healthy, the skills make him worth an early buy‑in. Let’s hope he returns to the Jays’ rotation on schedule in mid‑June.

Alec Bohm, 1B, PHI (CBS: 52% rostered)
A funny thing happened in mid‑May: Alec actually started hitting bohms, making a soothsayer out of Don Mattingly. He’s gone 7‑for‑20 with two homers over the past week. Take advantage of the hot streak and slot him into your CI or DH spot.

Dylan Crews, OF, WAS (CBS: 39% rostered)
The big news is that Dylan Crews hit a home run on Saturday. The even bigger news is that it wasn’t at Triple‑A Rochester. Could this be the beginning of the “love” portion of our love/hate relationship with Crews?

Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, PIT (CBS: 11% rostered)
A Jhostynxon Garcia and Mike Yastrzemski mention in the same week has both me and spellcheck working overtime, but here we are. Garcia got the call on May 18 and has gone 5‑for‑16 with an RBI. A three‑homer game on May 12 against Triple‑A Louisville is a strong indicator that the power will come.

Spencer Horwitz, 1B, PIT (CBS: 25% rostered)
One homer, nine RBI, and a .320 average over the past three weeks — plus at‑bats on the strong side of a platoon — make Spencer Horwitz a solid CI option in deeper formats. Make that two homers, as he tagged Dylan Cease with a first‑inning solo shot today.

Steven Matz, SP, TBR (CBS: 46% rostered)
Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich, very reluctantly: Who’s there?
Tim: Door.
Rich, with a long pause: Okay, I’ll play along. Door who?
Tim: Door matz, something that Steven hasn’t been over his past three appearances.
Rich: Last seen shaking his head and pounding on the 0.0 button.

My AI Assistance alternative Knock, Knock Jokes:

Option 1: The “ERA” Special

Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich: …who’s there.
Tim: E.R.A.
Rich: E.R.A. who.
Tim: E.R.A. little high lately, but Matz is working on it.
Rich: audible groan, reaches for the 0.0 button.

Option 2: The “Matz Problem”

Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich: Who’s there.
Tim: Algebra.
Rich: Algebra who.
Tim: Algebra you a hint — Steven Matz is solving his problems.
Rich: stares into camera like he’s on The Office.

Option 3: The “Ground Ball” Classic

Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich: Who’s there.
Tim: Ground.
Rich: Ground who.
Tim: Ground matz… which is what hitters should be doing more often.
Rich: throws hands up, muttering something about dad jokes.

Option 4: The “Tampa Bay” Twist

Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich: Who’s there.
Tim: Ray.
Rich: Ray who.
Tim: Ray‑member when Steven Matz was struggling? Not lately.
Rich: long sigh, reaches for coffee.

Option 5: The “Pitch Clock” Special

Tim: Knock, knock.
Rich: Who’s there.
Tim: Clock.
Rich: Clock who.
Tim: Clocked another good outing — Matz might be back.
Rich: presses imaginary eject button.

Wade Meckler, OF, LAA (CBS: 1% rostered)
The Angels’ offense has been struggling in May, so they called up 26‑year‑old Wade Meckler — and in his first big‑league at‑bat, he lifted a Jacob deGrom offering into the bleachers. Could he be the spark the Halos need? A small bid lets you find out.

Troy Melton, SP, DET (CBS: 18% rostered)
After four rehab appearances, Troy Melton is on the cusp of returning to the Tigers and looks ready to roll. Across 11 2/3 innings, he’s allowed only two earned runs and struck out 16. The fastball is sitting in the mid‑to‑high 90s. With the Angels and White Sox next on the schedule, there’s plenty to like — start him immediately.

Nick Morabito, OF, NYM (CBS: 2% rostered)
There’s no doubting Morabito’s speed — he’s stolen 59 and 48 bases the past two seasons. The question is whether the hit tool is ready. So far, he’s off to a slow start, going 0‑for‑7 in his first week with the Mets. Hopefully they show patience and let him unlock that elite speed.

Pedro Ramirez, 2B, CHC (CBS: 10% rostered)
Let’s turn this one over to Rich Wilson, who ranked Ramirez #10 in his Cubs system review:
“Fantasy managers should treat Ramirez as a speculative add in deeper formats. He may not be a future star, but the contact, speed, and underlying power give him a path to fantasy relevance as a middle infielder with upside — especially if he learns to lift the ball and tighten his zone discipline.”
This year at Triple‑A Iowa, Ramirez has hit nine homers, stolen 19 bases, and posted a .312 average in 170 at‑bats. It appears he’s added that missing loft.

Kai‑Wei Teng, SP, HOU (CBS: 6% rostered)
We mentioned Teng last week as a starter we liked heading into his matchup with the Cubs, and he didn’t disappoint — six shutout innings, two hits, three walks, and six strikeouts. The train is leaving the station. All aboard.

Bryan Torres, OF, STL (CBS: 1% rostered)
After 3,182 minor‑league at‑bats over 11 seasons, the 28‑year‑old finally got the call and made the most of it, going 3‑for‑8 with a homer, two RBI, and two walks in yesterday’s doubleheader debut. He brings a little pop, a bit more speed, and a career 461/480 K/BB ratio. In Fantrax leagues, he also brings catcher eligibility — something managers of Drake Baldwin and Ryan Jeffers will be hunting for this weekend.

Tommy Troy, 2B, ARZ (CBS: 5% rostered)
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has landed on the IL with a hamstring strain, and the D‑Backs have turned to #3 prospect Tommy Troy. The upside is intriguing, as Rich Wilson explains below — just be careful with your spending, as this could be a short stay depending on Gurriel’s recovery.
“For fantasy, Troy is trending toward everyday relevance with multi‑category appeal. A .270–.280 average, 10–15 HR power, and solid OBP skills make him viable in deeper formats, especially if he earns a prominent lineup spot. If the swing path continues to evolve, he could push into 15–20 HR territory and become a mixed‑league asset. Dynasty managers should treat him as a hold with upward mobility — he’s a strong breakout candidate for 2026 and could be a top‑10 second base option within two years.”

Mike Yastrzemski, OF, ATL (CBS: 7% rostered)
The Jurickson Profar suspension opened the door for everyday at‑bats, and after a slow start, Yaz has picked up the pace — three homers, eight RBI, and a 1.324 OPS over the past two weeks. It’s time he found his way onto fantasy rosters.

Closer Report

Grant Taylor, CWS (CBS: 24% rostered)
It’s hard to ignore 38 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings — and even harder to ignore that he hasn’t allowed an earned run in ten straight appearances, dating back to April 19. The occasional save, strong peripherals, and potential for more if Seranthony Domínguez falters make Taylor roster‑worthy in all formats.

Kirby Yates, LAA (CBS: 19% rostered)
Nobody has seized the Angels’ ninth‑inning role, and after Saturday’s save against the Rangers, betting on veteran Kirby Yates to get the next opportunity seems reasonable. He did save 33 games for Texas in 2024.

Kade Anderson, SP, SEA (CBS: 40% rostered)

Is Kade Anderson the most exciting young pitching prospect not named Hernandez? I believe so, and his Double‑A numbers back it up. He’s carrying a 1.85 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 24 IP — and that includes a rough last outing where he allowed five earned runs. The 21‑year‑old has issued only five walks in his first seven starts. That’s good, right? It also might be good enough to spark a Mariners team that sorely needs one.

Franklin Arias, BOS (CBS: 15% rostered )

The 20‑year‑old Arias is the third‑youngest hitter at Double‑A, trailing only Jesús Made and Leo De Vries. He already has eight home runs and four steals, along with a .343 BA, .429 OBP, and .639 SLG at Portland. Trevor Story is on the IL with a sports hernia that could sideline him up to 10 weeks if surgery is required. The Red Sox aren’t contending in 2026, so why not give the future an early look?

Aaron Ashby, RP, MIL (CBS: 47% rostered)

Okay, who had Aaron Ashby leading baseball with eight wins heading into the third week of May? Nobody, right? Yet here we are. He’s also sporting a 2.17 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 29 IP. Go get him — and let memories of Scot Shields and those 25 wins from 2004–2006 dance in your head.

Henry Bolte, OF, ATH (CBS: 43% rostered)

Twelve homers, 17 steals, and a 1.076 OPS are grounds for a promotion — even in hitter‑friendly Vegas. But isn’t Sacramento much the same? In his first week with the A’s, he’s gone 5‑for‑13 with a stolen base. The power and speed are enticing, but that outfield is crowded. Let’s hope the A’s show patience with the 22‑year‑old and keep him up for the long haul.

Ben Brown, SP/RP, CHC (CBS: 41% rostered)

Reliever, starter, swingman — Ben Brown has done a bit of everything this year. Injuries to Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton have forced the Cubs’ hand, and in his last start against the Braves, Brown got up to 65 pitches over four shutout innings of one‑hit, seven‑strikeout ball. So far, so very good.

A.J. Ewing, OF, NYM (CBS: 58% rostered)

The Mets are going all‑in on the kids, promoting A.J. Ewing this past week. His 17 stolen bases in his first 109 at‑bats between Double‑ and Triple‑A reinforce the high‑end speed, and the contact skills won’t disappoint. If you need speed, spend big or go home.

Devin Fitz‑Gerald, SS, WAS (CBS: 3% rostered)

Breakout alert! Fitz‑Gerald is tearing up High‑A, showing a well‑rounded, fantasy‑friendly skill set that should be on every Dynasty manager’s radar. He’s now up to 11 homers and 11 steals with a 1.096 OPS in 135 at‑bats. Double‑A, here we come!
Let’s see what our fearless leader, Rich Wilson, has to say about the 20‑year‑old:

“I’ve highlighted Fitz‑Gerald’s breakout several times this season, and he just keeps producing. He’s now up to nine home runs and ten stolen bases, and while he has only 38 games above the Complex League, I don’t expect him to stay in High‑A much longer. And if he’s still sitting on your waiver wire, stop reading and go pick him up — seriously.”

Griffin Jax, SP/RP, TBR (CBS: 22% rostered)

What looked like a bullpen failure earlier in the season is quickly turning into a rotation success story. The Rays are stretching him out, and in his last outing against the Jays, he made it through five innings and 66 pitches. A successful transition would help ease the pain of losing Ryan Pepiot for the year.

Zebby Matthews, SP, MIN (CBS: 19% rostered)

In his last five starts at Triple‑A St. Paul, Matthews looked great. He got the call and promptly shut down the Marlins on four hits and one walk, striking out five over seven innings. Yes, it was against an anemic offense, but he got the job done and earned his first win of 2026. We’ve seen plenty of ups and downs — more downs than ups — but a small bid could land you a starter with decent upside. I’m tepidly all‑in.

Yohendrick Pinango, OF, TOR (CBS: 2% rostered)

Injuries to Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger gave him his first shot, and he hit well. Barger’s second IL stint gave him another opportunity, and he continues to hit — including his first home run yesterday against the Tigers. It’s time for the Jays to find a way to get that bat into the everyday lineup.

Keibert Ruiz, C, WAS (CBS: 6% rostered)

It feels like ages ago when Harry Ford was expected to rule the roost in Washington. He still might, but right now Keibert Ruiz is the catcher of choice. With three homers, 11 RBI, and a .321 average over the past two weeks, he deserves far more love than his current 6% roster rate.

Gavin Sheets, SDP (CBS: 14% rostered)

Gavin Sheets is on a heater. Over the past week, he’s gone 7‑for‑16 with two homers and even tossed in a stolen base for good measure. He’s now up to seven homers — which, for those counting, is seven more than Fernando Tatis Jr. Find a home for Sheets and ride the hot streak.

Kai‑Wei Teng, SP/RP, HOU (CBS: 3% rostered)

The Astros’ rotation has been both injured and ineffective. Could Teng provide some relief? In his last outing, he tossed five shutout innings of two‑hit ball. On the season, he has a 2.61 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a strikeout per inning. Injuries have forced teams to convert long men into starters, and along with Ben Brown and Griffin Jax, Teng joins that exclusive club this week.

Jack Wenninger, SP, NYM (CBS: 10% rostered)

I know Wenninger isn’t on the 40‑man roster and doesn’t have Jonah Tong’s prospect pedigree, but between the two pitchers vying for a call‑up, Wenninger is my preferred option. Tong has issued 24 walks in 38 IP and allowed eight home runs. Wenninger is also walking too many, but he’s allowed only one homer — at least he’s keeping the ball in the yard. Let the mob chase Tong; I’ll try to sneak in with a cheap bid on Wenninger.

Closer Report

Richard Lovelady, WAS (CBS: not rostered)

It’s definitely a committee in Washington, but Richard Lovelady is emerging as a challenger to Gus Varland for ninth‑inning duties. With two saves in his last five appearances, he’s walking the walk — literally — but he’s also sporting a 1.96 ERA and hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 17. Time to toss a small dart and hope for a bullseye.

Joe Boyle, SP, TBR (CBS: 12% rostered)
The first rehab start is in the books, and it was a success. The Rays will keep building up his arm strength with a tentative return penciled in for the end of the month. Buying in a bit early could save you some of that precious FAAB for later in the season.

Zach Cole, OF, HOU (CBS: 11% rostered)
Cole is off to a great start since his recall on May 3. In 13 at‑bats he’s slugged two homers with five RBI, and with his speed, the stolen bases will follow. He had that solid run last fall—four homers and three steals in 47 at‑bats—and at the very least should be on the strong side of a platoon, possibly more, in the injury‑depleted Houston outfield.

Ezequiel Duran, 1B/2B/SS/3B/OF, TEX (CBS: 14% rostered)
With Josh Smith sidelined, super‑sub Ezequiel Duran has quietly stepped into a prominent role in Texas. A little power, a little speed, a decent batting average, and eligibility everywhere except catcher—what’s not to like?

Bryce Eldridge, UT, SFG (CBS: 55% rostered)
Bryce Eldridge got that first big fly out of the way yesterday. There will likely be more to come—just temper expectations on the batting average. At 6’7″, he presents a seriously big strike zone. No ladder required.

Zack Gelof, 2B/OF, LAA (CBS: 13% rostered)
Gelof is off to a solid start with three homers, two steals, and a .276 average. His 2024 résumé—17 homers and 25 steals—reminds us there’s upside here. Any return to form could mean sneaky value sitting in your FA pool.

Jared Jones, SP, PIT (CBS: 55% rostered)
A return to the Pirates’ rotation is getting closer. In his second rehab start at Triple‑A Indianapolis, Jones went three innings, allowed one run, and sat 98.8 mph with the heater. He’ll need a few more outings, but the progress has been excellent. It’s time to find him a home in all formats.

Spencer Jones, OF, NYY (CBS: 58% rostered)
Spencer Jones was the big news this week—until the Diamondbacks called up Ryan Waldschmidt. Jones’ fantasy‑friendly tools are offset by a ton of swing‑and‑miss. High risk, high reward. Rich summed it up perfectly:
“Fantasy managers should treat Jones as a volatile but potentially elite contributor… The floor is low, but the ceiling is worth chasing—especially if you build around him strategically.”

Joe Mack, C, MIA (CBS: 14% rostered)
The glove will keep him on the field while the bat continues to develop. Mack has slugged 24 and 21 homers the past two seasons—a strong indicator that he’s more than worthy of investment as a No. 2 catcher.

Noelvi Marte, 3B/OF, CIN (CBS: 31% rostered)
TJ Friedl is struggling, posting a .565 OPS over the past two weeks. That’s not enough to hold down a top‑of‑the‑order spot. Meanwhile, Noelvi Marte is quietly producing on the farm—three homers, eight steals, and a 1.019 OPS over the past three weeks. A small bid is in order in case change is coming in Cincinnati.

Trevor McDonald, SP, SFG (CBS: 6% rostered)
McDonald is a two‑pitch pitcher—sinker and slider accounted for 93.9% of his pitches in his first successful start of the year. He held the Padres to two hits and struck out eight over seven innings. The Giants face the Dodgers and A’s on the road next, so a small bid might land him, but your bench is the best place to stash him until those matchups are behind him.

Luke Raley, 1B/OF, SEA (CBS: 27% rostered)
Luke Raley is on fire. Over his past three games, he’s gone 8‑for‑10 with three homers and ten RBI. Bid small and hope the streak keeps cooking.

Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, ARZ (CBS: 38% rostered)
The D‑Backs DFA’d Alek Thomas this week, opening the door for top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. Last year, across High‑A and Double‑A, he posted 18 homers, 78 RBI, 114 runs, 29 steals, 106 strikeouts, and 96 walks. This isn’t a short‑term opportunity—treat it accordingly when planning your FAAB bid.

Closer Report

Pierce Johnson, CIN (CBS: 1% rostered)
Tony Santillan was the clear favorite for ninth‑inning duties until Emilio Pagán returns from his 4–8 week IL stint. The key word is “was.” After a total implosion Friday—four earned runs without recording an out—Pierce Johnson got the next save chance and tossed a perfect ninth. He now has the edge. The closer carousel spins again.

Caleb Kilian, SFG (CBS: 11% rostered)
Every time it looks like Ryan Walker has turned a corner, he turns it into a dead end. With Walker now demoted to Triple‑A Sacramento, it’s time to look elsewhere for saves. Caleb Kilian is the current favorite. The strikeouts are enticing with that 96.7 mph fastball; the walks… not so much. I’m still intrigued by Joel Peguero sneaking into the mix, but for now the edge goes to Kilian. Spend a little and hope for a lot.

Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE (CBS: 66% rostered)
The young Aussie got the call last week, and while he won’t give you a ton of either power or speed, he’ll offer a nice balance of both with the potential for a solid BA/OBP. That .422 OBP at Triple-A this year tells you everything you need to know about the hit tool.

Jake Bennett, SP, BOS (CBS: 9% rostered)
Bennett made his debut this week and earned the win, tossing five solid innings against the Astros. Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray are both hurting and on the IL, and Brayan Bello is pitching like he wants a vacation in Worcester. Any success from the 25-year-old southpaw could turn this into a lengthy stay in Boston. Worth a small bid to find out.

Elmer Rodriguez, SP, NYY (CBS: 26% rostered)
Elmer Rodriguez (without the “C”), the No. 2 Yankees prospect, got the call this week, replacing the struggling Luis Gil. Let’s turn to Rich Wilson for his thoughts:
“Fantasy managers should treat ERC as a high-upside arm with starter traits and bullpen fallback. If the command holds and the splitter emerges, he could pitch near the top of a rotation. If not, the sinker–curve combo gives him a path to late-inning impact. Either way, it’s a great arm to track in dynasty formats.”
Even in a crowded workplace, the Yankees will make room for ER (still without the “C”) if he proves capable of living up to even a fraction of that sky‑high potential.

Jasson Dominguez, OF, NYY (CBS: 48% rostered)
Giancarlo Stanton found his way to the IL with a strained calf. Who could’ve possibly predicted this? The Yankees called up Jasson Dominguez, and with his power/speed blend — plus Stanton’s ongoing health adventures — he deserves both short‑ and long‑term attention.

Nolan Gorman, 2B/3B, STL (CBS: 20% rostered)
If you’re looking for MI or CI help, give Nolan Gorman a look. The batting average will always be a bit of an adventure, but the 21 RBI (tied for 27th overall) could come in handy.

Logan Henderson, SP, MIL (CBS: 32% rostered)
Brandon Woodruff hit the IL after an alarming velocity dip in his last outing, giving Logan Henderson yet another opportunity as he takes the hill today against the Nationals. Maybe — just maybe — he’ll finally carve out a permanent role in the Brewers’ rotation.

Griffin Jax, RP, TBR (CBS: 23% rostered)
Jax was the early favourite for saves in Tampa Bay, but that didn’t go according to plan. The Rays are now stretching him out in multi‑inning stints, hoping to strike gold as a starter. In 20‑team and AL‑only formats, toss in a buck and see where this experiment goes.

Ha‑Seong Kim, SS, ATL (CBS: 9% rostered)
Kim is still likely a couple of weeks away from returning to the Braves lineup, but now’s the time to sneak in a small bid. Fifteen to twenty steals over the rest of the season is well within reach.

Nate Lowe, 1B, CIN (CBS: 16% rostered)
Playing time could get tight once Eugenio Suárez returns from the IL, but as a short‑term play, Lowe is scorching — five homers in the past two weeks. Bid small and enjoy the heater.

Austin Martin, OF, MIN (CBS: 6% rostered)
If you’re one of the many dealing with outfield injuries, give Austin Martin a look. Over the past three weeks he’s gone 14‑for‑39 with a homer and two steals. The counting stats won’t wow you, but he won’t hurt you in BA or OBP.

Davis Martin, SP, CWS (CBS: 57% rostered)
Martin is keeping the walks down, the ball in the yard, and has four wins with a 1.95 ERA. Is it sustainable? Probably not — the 4.55 xERA says a correction is coming — but ride the hot streak while it lasts.

Gabriel Moreno, C, ARZ (CBS: 39% rostered)
Tired of Bo Naylor and Logan O’Hoppe dragging down your batting average? Give Gabriel Moreno a look. Fresh off the IL, he brings a career .280 BA and low double‑digit pop.

Michael McGreevy, SP, STL (CBS: 35% rostered)
McGreevy has four quality starts in his first seven outings and a shiny 2.52 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP. The 5.80 xERA screams regression, but until that day arrives, a small bid lets you enjoy the ride.

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, MIL (CBS: 34% rostered)
Vaughn appears on track to return Monday from the left‑hand fracture that’s kept him out since late March. Don’t forget how strong he looked in the second half after the trade from the White Sox.

Closer Report

The closer carousel is spinning like a top. We’ve now made 13 bullpen recommendations in the past two weeks — plus another five today. There are only 30 teams in MLB… right?

Sam Bachman, LAA (CBS: 2% rostered)
The Jordan Romano experiment has officially ended with his release. The Halos are thin in the bullpen, and Bachman — with that 98 mph heater — looks like the favourite for ninth‑inning work. If he stumbles, Chase Silseth is Plan B.

Andrew Kittredge, BAL (CBS: 5% rostered)
Kittredge just returned from the IL and immediately finds himself in the saves mix with Ryan Helsley sidelined by elbow inflammation. Next‑in‑line could be Anthony Nunez (CBS: 6% rostered), who’s riding a ridiculous 52.8% whiff rate on his sweeper.

Gus Varland, WAS (CBS: 15% rostered)
If he pitches half as well as his younger brother Louie, he’ll lock down the job and keep it. Worth a small bid to see how the story unfolds.

Jack Perkins, ATH (CBS: 27% rostered)
Joel Kuhnel rattled off three saves in four outings, had one rough appearance, and suddenly Jack Perkins has three saves in his past four. It’s a true committee in Sacramento, so ride the hot hand and hope for the best.

Tyler Phillips, MIA (CBS: 7% rostered)
We mentioned Phillips in the April 19 WW article, and he deserves another nod with Pete Fairbanks on the IL due to nerve irritation in his right hand. Phillips has a 1.47 ERA, a strikeout per inning, and just shut down the Dodgers for his second save of 2026. That’s enough to earn a solid chunk of my FAAB tonight.

An update has been made to our Closer Report.  It can be found here.