Mick Abel, SP, PHI (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
Mick Abel has been on a tear at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 2.53 ERA and an impressive 51/19 K/BB rate over 46 1/3 innings. In his last four starts, he has particularly shone, racking up four consecutive wins while allowing a total of four earned runs. It has been a long and slow journey, but let’s hope that with his MLB debut today, Mick will prove to be Abel.
Drake Baldwin, C, ATL (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
When Sean Murphy returned from his IL stint on April 8, the main concern was Drake Baldwin finding enough at-bats to showcase his immense potential. April was challenging, but recently, it has not been as problematic. Over the past two weeks, Baldwin has gone 15-for-27, hitting three homers and driving in eight RBI. Should Sean Murphy and his fantasy managers now be concerned?
Moises Ballesteros, C, CHC (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
There are no questions about whether the 21-year-old Ballesteros can hit; it’s simply whether there is enough room at the Inn once Ian Happ returns from his IL stint. For that reason, bid but be cautious as the odds are high once Happ returns from the IL that playing time could prove to be a challenge.
Hayden Birdsong, SP, SFG (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
The Jordan Hicks project has been shelved, and he’s returning to the bullpen, replaced by Hayden Birdsong. Like many other young starters, the challenge will be in controlling free passes, something he has struggled with in his role as a reliever in San Francisco. He does have Kansas City, Detroit, and Miami as his first three opponents. “Two out of three ain’t bad?”
Noah Cameron, SP, KCR (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
We suggested back in the May 4th Waiver Wire to both add and hold onto Noah Cameron, even though the Royals made it clear that he’d be heading back to Triple-A. It didn’t take long for that callup as both Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans have found their way to the IL. We hope you exercised patience.
Slade Cecconi, SP, CLE (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Cecconi made his Cleveland debut yesterday and pitched a solid five innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out eight. Today is the day to grab him if he’s available; however, considering the Tigers and Dodgers are his next two opponents, he should spend those two starts on your reserve roster.
Tim Elko, 1B, CWS (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Here’s a name for those playing in AL-only leagues: Elko hit ten homers in his 112 at-bats at Triple-A Charlotte and has added two more since getting called up. If he can secure an everyday spot in the White Sox lineup, he possesses the power potential to be relevant in mixed leagues.
Logan Henderson, MIL (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
The first start back on April 20 was a good one, but he was immediately sent back down to Triple-A Nashville. He was called up again, and he didn’t disappoint, earning his second big league win in two chances. This time, he’ll be sticking around in Milwaukee.
Spencer Horwitz, 1B/2B, PIT (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)
The off-season wrist surgery delayed his start to the 2025 campaign, but he was activated off the IL this week. The Pirates hope he can build on the solid .790 batting average from his 12-for-40 half season with the Jays last year. Any offensive contribution in Steeltown is sorely needed.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 25% rostered)
It wasn’t a great 2025 debut yesterday, but once Kershaw shakes off some rust, he should be capable of providing #5 starter value. I have a hard time viewing the future Hall of Famer in that light, but we’re at that stage of the program.
Hyeseong Kim, LAD (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)
Why rush Tommy Edman back when his replacement, Hyeseong Kim, is batting .452 in his first 32 at-bats, with one home run, nine runs scored, and three stolen bases?
Matthew Lugo, OF, LAA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The concern must relate to playing time, but since receiving the call on May 8, he has slugged three home runs, driven in six runs, and has a .381 batting average. The Angels simply must find at-bats for the 24-year-old outfielder.
Zebby Matthews, SP, MIN (CBS: 45% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)
Matthews has enjoyed a great start to the season with 38 strikeouts and nine walks in 37 2/3 innings at Triple-A St. Paul. With a 1.93 ERA, he appears poised to be a successful replacement for recently demoted Simeon Woods Richardson in the Twins starting rotation.
Max Muncy, 3B, LAD (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 26% rostered)
It has been a rough start for the 34-year-old Muncy, but lately, he seems to be righting the ship. Over the last seven games, he has slugged two homers, driven in ten runs, and is sporting a .320 batting average. It’s time to check your League FA pool to see if an owner has run out of patience.
Chris Paddack, SP, MIN (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Unheralded and underappreciated, Paddack has played a key role in the Twins’ resurgence and their 13-game winning streak. His first two starts were horrid, but since then, he has put together a solid string of seven starts, during which he has allowed a total of nine earned runs, and the past two have been gems, resulting in victories. For comparison purposes, Paddack is rostered 4% less than Hayden Birdsong. Would that lead one to think there is a buying opportunity?
Dalton Rushing, C, LAD (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered)
Austin Barnes’ run as the longest tenured Dodger has come to an end as the Dodgers decided to move forward into the Dalton Rushing era. His 4-for-9 start, with four runs scored and a pair of RBIs, is a great way to introduce himself to the Dodger faithful. Between backing up Will Smith and stealing at-bats in the outfield, he should have plenty of opportunities to post solid numbers in 2025.
Rowdy Tellez, 1B, SEA (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Tellez has only four hits in his past ten games, but all four have made their way to the outfield seats. He can still hit the ball a long way when he makes contact. If you’re looking for home runs in an AL-only context, consider giving Tellez a look.
Miguel Vargas, CWS (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Miguel Vargas is heating up. In his last five games, he has gone 8-for-21 with three home runs and eight RBIs. It is a small sample size, but one that shouldn’t be ignored.
Taylor Ward, OF, LAA (CBS: 46% rostered, ESPN: 44% rostered)
Ward has now hit 11 homers this season, with five coming since May 1st. The batting average remains an issue, but for sheer power, he deserves more respect than the current 46% levels at CBS.
Closer Report
Robert Garcia, RP, TEX (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
The Rangers’ bullpen is a mess. Luke Jackson is dealing with a swollen hand, and Chris Martin missed time earlier this week due to elbow tightness. Shawn Armstrong (CBS:3% rostered) appeared to be in the driver’s seat with two quick saves this week but then followed that with a 4-run implosion yesterday in which he failed to record an out. That leaves Robert Garcia, with his single save, nine holds, and stellar 1.40 ERA, as the only consistent factor in the Rangers’ bullpen. Toss a buck or two his way and hope for the best.
Yimi Garcia, RP, TOR (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Jeff Hoffman has been a consistent model of success this year until a recent stumble in which he allowed a total of 11 earned runs in three of his last six appearances. He’s not in danger of losing the closer gig yet, but since the beginning of May, Garcia has two saves and has clearly established his credibility as the setup guy in Toronto.
Pierce Johnson, RP, ATL (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Raisel Iglesias is struggling and has allowed earned runs in four of his past five appearances. Johnson had enjoyed a streak of 11 consecutive scoreless outings before allowing an earned run last night, resulting in a loss. Johnson serves as a solid handcuff to Iglesias if he continues to struggle.
Drew Pomeranz, RP, CHC (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Ryan Pressly posted 10 consecutive scoreless appearances before being lit up on May 6 for eight earned runs. He has now pitched in three consecutive outings, albeit in low-leverage situations, and has not allowed a run. Has he temporarily lost his job? Porter Hodge has been far from brilliant this year and currently has a 5.12 ERA. Pomeranz has yet to allow an earned run in nine appearances and recorded his first save at the beginning of this week. Will there be more opportunities down the road? For a small price, I’m willing to bet on it.
Jordan Romano, RP, PHI (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)
Hot off the wire: Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games due to a PED violation, which puts Jordan Romano clearly in the driver’s seat for save opportunities in Philly. This also boosts the value of both Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering. If Romano can stay healthy and on the field, the Phillies will offer him plenty of save chances.
