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.
