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.
