On The Wire

On The Wire Episode 271 — Opportunity Knocking: AL East

Adam and Kevin take “Opportunity Knocking” to the AL East as the Rays close in on the World Series. The division’s lineups have more open questions than its rotations, especially crowded infields in Boston and New York. Kevin shares live ADP from in-progress NFBC draft-and-holds, and the hosts look at how Teruaki Sato’s posting could play out around the CBA’s December 1 expiration.

Welcome and Introduction 0:00-5:00

AL East kickoff as Tampa Bay nears a World Series berth

Boston Red Sox 5:00-25:00

Few free-agent holes, but a crowded, banged-up infield clouds playing time
Players Discussed: Sonny Gray, Garrett Whitlock, Curtis Mead, Caleb Durbin, Trevor Story, Franklin Arias, Nick Sogard, Mickey Gasper, Jarren Duran

Rotation set if Gray returns; Chapman stays the closer
Players Discussed: Garrett Crochet, Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez, Jake Bennett, Brayan Bello, Aroldis Chapman

New York Yankees 25:00-40:00

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s exit opens second base; Spencer Jones takes center field
Players Discussed: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones, José Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Luis García Jr., Ben Rice, Teruaki Sato

Bullpen rebuild starts with Bednar’s free agency; rotation stays deep
Players Discussed: David Bednar, Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Will Warren, Carlos Lagrange

Toronto Blue Jays 40:00-50:00

Five starters hit free agency, leaving two rotation spots open
Players Discussed: José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Dylan Cease, José Soriano, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, Louis Varland

Left field opens with Springer gone; Barger likely slides to the outfield
Players Discussed: George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Andrés Giménez, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger

Baltimore Orioles 50:00-1:10:00

Late-season injuries cloud the lineup; Basallo is a top-10 catcher
Players Discussed: Luis Robert Jr., Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, Blaze Alexander, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso

Rotation needs a starter; Bautista vs. Helsley for the closer job
Players Discussed: Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Cade Povich, Anthony Eyanson, Félix Bautista, Ryan Helsley

Tampa Bay Rays 1:10:00-1:30:00

Peralta departs; expect a one-year veteran signing
Players Discussed: Freddy Peralta, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Shane McClanahan, Ryan Pepiot, Bryan Baker

Late-season outfield breakouts and an Aranda leap could mean more plate appearances
Players Discussed: Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Díaz, Chandler Simpson, Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Ryan Vilade, Carson Williams

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire Episode 270 — Opportunity Knocking: NL Central

Adam and Kevin continue “Opportunity Knocking” in the NL Central. They cover second base after Brandon Lowe, Konnor Griffin’s early draft price, the Cubs’ outfield and rotation holes, St. Louis’ young core, and first base in Milwaukee if Jake Bauers leaves. Most rotations in the division could use a veteran innings eater.

Welcome and Introduction 0:00-5:00

NL Central kickoff as the Brewers close in on the World Series

Pittsburgh Pirates 5:00-35:00

Lowe’s exit leaves a power hole at second; Griffin goes at the 1-2 turn
Players Discussed: Brandon Lowe, Jacob Gonzalez, Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres, Konnor Griffin, Jake Mangum, Ryan O’Hearn

All-righty rotation returns; Mason Montgomery projects as closer
Players Discussed: Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, Mason Montgomery

Chicago Cubs 35:00-45:00

Happ and Suzuki hit free agency, opening outfield spots
Players Discussed: Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramírez, Kevin Alcantara, Alex Bregman

Rotation could lose four or five starters; Palencia likely closes
Players Discussed: Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman, Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, Cade Horton, Daniel Palencia

St. Louis Cardinals 45:00-55:00

Young core and payroll room; third base the spot for a splash
Players Discussed: Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, Joshua Báez, JJ Wetherholt, Nolan Gorman, Blaze Jordan, Bo Bichette, Rainiel Rodriguez

Young rotation needs veteran depth; O’Brien holds the closer role
Players Discussed: Kyle Leahy, Andre Pallante, Quinn Mathews, Michael McGreevy, Riley O’Brien, Liam Doyle

Milwaukee Brewers 55:00-1:10:00

Pratt settles in at short; first base opens if Bauers walks
Players Discussed: Cooper Pratt, Joey Ortiz, David Hamilton, Jake Bauers, Josh Bell, Jackson Chourio, Luis Lara

Rotation needs a veteran as Woodruff likely departs
Players Discussed: Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Kyle Harrison, Brandon Woodruff, Trevor Megill, Tyler Mahle

Cincinnati Reds 1:10:00-1:30:00

Steer is the swing piece; Duno or Trevino behind the plate
Players Discussed: Sal Stewart, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Héctor Rodríguez, JJ Bleday, Alfredo Duno, Jose Trevino

Lodolo is a question mark and Pagán’s option decides the closer picture
Players Discussed: Chase Burns, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, Emilio Pagán, TJ Antone, Adrian Morejon

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On The Wire Episode 269 — Opportunity Knocking: AL Central

Adam and Kevin launch “Opportunity Knocking,” a six-episode offseason series going division by division to find roster holes and playing-time openings for early draft-and-holds. They start with the AL Central, using the final six weeks of stats to spot players who finished stronger than their season lines. Kevin also makes the case for waiting on first base in 2027 drafts.

Welcome and Introduction 0:00-10:00

Series launch, ALCS recap, and early mock draft trends

Minnesota Twins 10:00-30:00

Josh Bell’s exit opens DH at-bats for a young core; Royce Lewis moves to first base
Players Discussed: Josh Bell, Royce Lewis, Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kaelen Culpepper, Byron Buxton, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins

Joe Ryan likely gone as internal options fill the rotation
Players Discussed: Joe Ryan, Pablo López, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, Dean Kremer, Connor Prielipp

Kansas City Royals 30:00-45:00

Left field is the biggest hole; Pasquantino is a value after a strong finish
Players Discussed: Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, Salvador Perez, Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, Taylor Ward, Randal Grichuk, Carson Roccaforte

Kevin was wrong on Carter Jensen; Massey projects as an everyday second baseman
Players Discussed: Carter Jensen, Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo

Cleveland Guardians 45:00-55:00

First base is the biggest gap if Nathaniel Lowe walks
Players Discussed: Nathaniel Lowe, Ralphy Velazquez, Kyle Manzardo, Jo Adell, Jake Bauers, Cooper Ingle

Back-end rotation depth expected; Cade Smith’s workload isn’t a concern yet
Players Discussed: Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Cade Smith

Chicago White Sox 55:00-1:10:00

Kyle Teel catches, Colson Montgomery holds shortstop, young outfield surges
Players Discussed: Kyle Teel, Joey Bart, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, Miguel Vargas, Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci, Braden Montgomery

Veteran rotation help needed; Grant Taylor is a starter-or-closer wild card
Players Discussed: Luis Castillo, Shane Smith, Noah Schultz, Trevor Rogers, Tyler Mahle, Grant Taylor

Detroit Tigers 1:10:00-1:29:00

Hao-Yu Lee steps in at second base; River Ryan joins the rotation
Players Discussed: Gleyber Torres, Hao-Yu Lee, Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, Troy Melton, Framber Valdez, Jackson Jobe

Jansen likely returns to close; wait on first base in 2027 drafts
Players Discussed: Kenley Jansen, Spencer Torkelson, Salvador Perez

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On The Wire Episode 268 — Final FAAB (Sunday, September 20, 2026)

Adam and Kevin close out the 2026 FAAB season with their traditionally shortest show, covering IL moves for Aaron Judge, Jackson Holliday and Logan Webb, Félix Bautista's return in Baltimore, Pete Fairbanks' season-ending surgery in Miami, and how playoff-bound clubs like the Dodgers, Red Sox and Phillies are managing their pitchers before October. The back half leans on last-week power, speed, and win chasers, plus a sprawling closer-by-committee picture, while Kevin urges listeners to load benches with hitters and spend extra time on Friday lineups, then signs off with a lighthearted reminder to thank your significant other.

Welcome and News 0:00-30:00

Aaron Judge hits the IL again and hopes to return for the playoffs; Spencer Jones misses Saturday's game
Players Discussed: Aaron Judge, Spencer Jones, José Caballero, Anthony Volpe, George Lombard Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon

Orioles place Jackson Holliday on the IL, send down Heston Kjerstad and Cade Povich, and activate Félix Bautista
Players Discussed: Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, Cade Povich, Félix Bautista, Rico García, Andrew Kittredge, Ryan Helsley, Jeremiah Jackson

Relievers with clean ratios gain value as teams lean on bullpens in the final week
Players Discussed: Abner Uribe

Logan Webb hits the IL, ending his season
Players Discussed: Logan Webb

Marlins' Pete Fairbanks has thoracic outlet surgery, leaving Calvin Faucher and Michael Petersen in the saves mix
Players Discussed: Pete Fairbanks, Calvin Faucher, Michael Petersen

Dodgers get Edwin Díaz back and expect Roki Sasaki Sunday, with Justin Wrobleski in line for multiple innings
Players Discussed: Edwin Díaz, Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal

Dodgers could retroactively IL Blake Snell, opening a spot for Emmet Sheehan or Landon Knack
Players Discussed: Blake Snell, Emmet Sheehan, Landon Knack, Kris Bubic

Tommy Pham gets called up by the White Sox and is a deep-league power option
Players Discussed: Tommy Pham

Twins place Kaelen Culpepper on the IL, recall Ben Ross for everyday shortstop duty
Players Discussed: Kaelen Culpepper, Ben Ross

Red Sox scramble rotation: Payton Tolle skipped and Patrick Sandoval's start pulled
Players Discussed: Jonny DeLuca, Payton Tolle, Patrick Sandoval

Connelly Early announced for his Nationals debut next Saturday
Players Discussed: Connelly Early

White Sox move Luis Castillo to the bullpen, Phillies claim José Urquidy
Players Discussed: Luis Castillo, José Urquidy

Playoff teams manage pitchers: Phillies expect bullpen days for Crristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler, Red Sox line up Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez and Tolle
Players Discussed: Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle, Jacob Misiorowski, Tarik Skubal

Jared Jones lines up for two starts despite innings concerns; Sandy Alcantara notches a save
Players Discussed: Jared Jones, Aaron Ashby, Sandy Alcantara

Red Sox lose Aroldis Chapman to a lat issue, with Garrett Whitlock and Erik Miller picking up saves
Players Discussed: Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Erik Miller

FAAB Recommendations, Hitters 30:00-45:00

Power (RBI, HR)
Players Discussed: Mark Vientos, Jared Young, Brett Baty, Dansby Swanson

Speed (R, SB)
Players Discussed: Jonah Cox, Maikel Garcia, Carlos Jorge

Opportunity (AB, AVG)
Players Discussed: Javier Sanoja, Donovan Walton, Jahmai Jones, Adley Rutschman, Roman Anthony, Trevor Story

FAAB Recommendations, Pitchers 45:00-50:00

Volume (W, K)
Players Discussed: Anthony Kay

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Players Discussed: Jack Flaherty, Ryan Zeferjahn, Tyler Holton

Closers (Saves)
Players Discussed: Bryan Hudson, Grant Taylor, Nate Pearson, Steven Cruz, Calvin Faucher, Michael Petersen, Edwin Díaz, Garrett Whitlock, Erik Miller, Jeff Hoffman, Yoendrys Gómez, Dylan Smith, Trent Harris

Wild Card and Closing Advice 50:00-1:00:00

Tommy Pham as a deep-league stash for the White Sox' final weekend
Players Discussed: Tommy Pham

Thank your significant other

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On The Wire Episode 267 — FAAB 26 (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Adam and Kevin work through a lighter news day headlined by Shohei Ohtani's bicep injury and the MLB debut of Dodgers phenom Josue De Paula, plus rotation shuffling in Los Angeles and Arizona ahead of the postseason and a handful of smaller moves around the league. With only two FAAB periods left, the back half leans on stat-category streaming for both hitters (Coors Field- and heat-fueled power bats, stolen-base burglars) and pitchers (matchup-based volume plays, short-outing ratio helpers, and a crowded, unsettled closer picture). Kevin closes by reminding listeners to get their bids in early with football kicking off Sunday.

Welcome and News 0:00-30:00

Dodgers place Shohei Ohtani on the IL with a bicep injury, call up top prospect Josue De Paula to replace him
Players Discussed: Shohei Ohtani, Josue De Paula

Freddie Freeman deals with a sore knee (not on the IL) as the Dodgers name De Paula their primary DH in the meantime
Players Discussed: Freddie Freeman, Josue De Paula

Roki Sasaki rejoins the Dodgers rotation Sunday and Emmet Sheehan gets a two-start week as the club sticks with a six-man rotation, with Edwin Díaz needing one more rehab outing before he's bullpen-eligible
Players Discussed: Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Edwin Díaz, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Dodgers could give Díaz a save chance before the postseason, continuing their history of testing shaky closers late in the year
Players Discussed: Edwin Díaz, Kenley Jansen

Blue Jays DFA Jesús Sánchez and activate 30-year-old rookie Rudy Martin Jr. Jr. for his long-awaited MLB debut
Players Discussed: Jesús Sánchez, Rudy Martin Jr.

Pirates lose Braxton Ashcraft to the IL with right arm discomfort, likely ending his season, as Khristian Curtis lines up for an opener-type start Tuesday
Players Discussed: Braxton Ashcraft, Khristian Curtis

Yankees get Aaron Judge back but lose Jazz Chisholm Jr. Jr. to the IL with a sprained right thumb, and Anthony Volpe outslugs José Caballero for second-base at-bats in the meantime
Players Discussed: Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, José Caballero

Diamondbacks get Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka back and are expected to split them into separate starts now that Corbin Burnes has also returned to the rotation
Players Discussed: Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka, Corbin Burnes

Shea Langeliers nears the end of his rehab stint and could be active for the Athletics' season-ending homestand
Players Discussed: Shea Langeliers

Marlins get closer Pete Fairbanks back from a recurring nerve issue
Players Discussed: Pete Fairbanks

River Ryan looks sharp in a Triple-A rehab outing working back from Tommy John surgery, a stash Adam has carried all year in his home dynasty league
Players Discussed: River Ryan

FAAB Recommendations, Hitters 30:00-45:00

Power (RBI, HR)
Players Discussed: Josue De Paula, Randal Grichuk, Christian Koss, Mickey Gasper, Luis Campusano, Christian Moore, Hao-Yu Lee, Adael Amador

Speed (R, SB)
Players Discussed: Jorge Mateo, John Peck, Turner Hill, Eli White

Opportunity (AVG, AB)
Players Discussed: J.P. Crawford, Luis Campusano, Josue De Paula, Adael Amador, Jonny DeLuca, Ryan Vilade, Nick Madrigal, Richie Palacios, Liam Hicks, Nick Fortés, Jonathan Aranda, Dustin Harris

FAAB Recommendations, Pitchers 45:00-55:00

Volume (W, K)
Players Discussed: Emmet Sheehan, Drew Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Brady Basso, Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka, Ethan Pecko, Kyle Leahy

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Players Discussed: Corbin Burnes, Khristian Curtis

Closers (Saves)
Players Discussed: Pete Fairbanks, Steven Cruz, Nate Pearson, Justin Martinez, Craig Kimbrel, Edwin Díaz, Tanner Scott, Edgardo Henríquez, Evan Phillips

Wild Card and Closing Advice 55:00-1:00:00

Wild card stash: Shea Langeliers as a stash-and-hold for next week's Athletics homestand
Players Discussed: Shea Langeliers

Get your FAAB bids in early

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire Episode 266 — FAAB 25 (Sunday, September 6, 2026)

Adam and Kevin work through a roster-expansion-heavy news day — IL moves, call-ups, and DFAs across the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Pirates, Cubs, Angels, Mets, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres, Nationals, and Mariners — before getting into hitters (power, speed, opportunity) and pitchers (volume, ratios, saves) with only three FAAB periods left in the season. A recurring theme is stat-category tunnel vision down the stretch: drop anyone you can't use this week, target cellar-dwelling offenses like the Angels for pitching streams, and pick your spots by ballpark and schedule rather than name value. Kevin closes with a reminder to map out matchups two to three weeks ahead and start trimming bench pitchers you won't actually use.

Welcome and News 0:00-15:00

Yankees place Trent Grisham on the IL with a hamstring injury, call up Jasson Domínguez, as Aaron Judge nears a return next week
Players Discussed: Trent Grisham, Jasson Domínguez, Aaron Judge, Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr.

Yankees keep rolling three catchers with no clear timeshare change
Players Discussed: Austin Wells, Alí Sánchez, Ben Rice

Red Sox activate Trevor Story and Roman Anthony, option Anthony Seigler and Mickey Gasper, then bring Gasper right back up when Wilson Contreras hits the IL
Players Discussed: Trevor Story, Roman Anthony, Anthony Seigler, Mickey Gasper, Willson Contreras

Rays lose Shane McClanahan to the IL again with forearm tightness, and closer Bryan Baker exits Friday's outing with an illness scare as Tyler Wells covers the save
Players Discussed: Shane McClanahan, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells

Pirates activate rookie Konnor Griffin, DFA Christian Bethancourt to make room
Players Discussed: Konnor Griffin, Christian Bethancourt

Cubs lose Ben Brown for the rest of the season with a neck injury, with Edward Cabrera nearing a return for bullpen duty
Players Discussed: Ben Brown, Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, Kevin Gausman, Jameson Taillon, Clay Holmes, Jacob Webb, Daniel Palencia

Angels' Luis Rengifo out for the season with an ACL tear and MCL sprain
Players Discussed: Luis Rengifo

Mets tentatively hoping Jonah Tong returns for a rotation spot start next week, with a possible two-start week to follow
Players Discussed: Jonah Tong

More News 15:00-35:00

Dodgers get healthy all at once — call up Alex Freeland, activate Will Smith, Justin Wrobleski, and Dalton Rushing off the IL, and DFA Alek Thomas and Ben Rortvedt
Players Discussed: Alex Freeland, Will Smith, Justin Wrobleski, Dalton Rushing, Alek Thomas, Ben Rortvedt

Shohei Ohtani working back from a few days off as Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland's emergence lets Tommy Edman slide to the outfield, and Hunter Feduccia (not Rushing) backs up Will Smith
Players Discussed: Shohei Ohtani, Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, Tommy Edman, Hunter Feduccia, Will Smith, Dalton Rushing, Enrique Hernández

Orioles claim Luis Robert Jr. Jr. off waivers from the Mets and add Heston Kjerstad, crowding an already deep outfield
Players Discussed: Luis Robert Jr., Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers

Padres call up catching phenom Ethan Salas as part of their roster expansion
Players Discussed: Ethan Salas, Freddy Fermin, Luis Campusano

Nationals call up power-hitting prospect Yohandy Morales, muddying the first base/DH picture
Players Discussed: Yohandy Morales, Abimelec Ortiz, Andrés Chaparro

Mariners finally call up top prospect Lazaro Montes as rosters expand
Players Discussed: Lazaro Montes

Emerson Hancock hits the IL, Nick Davila is recalled to the bullpen, and Bryce Miller gets another rotation look over Ryan Sloan
Players Discussed: Emerson Hancock, Nick Davila, Bryce Miller, Ryan Sloan

Montes has started three of his first five games and appears to be pushing Taylor Ward into the short side of a platoon
Players Discussed: Lazaro Montes, Taylor Ward

FAAB Recommendations, Hitters 35:00-45:00

Power (RBI, HR)
Players Discussed: Lazaro Montes, Mickey Gasper, Sean Murphy, Andy Ibáñez, Shay Whitcomb

Speed (R, SB)
Players Discussed: Dustin Harris, Richie Palacios, Tyler Tolbert

Opportunity (AB, AVG)
Players Discussed: Dane Myers, Carlos Cortes, Denzel Clarke, Jeff McNeil

FAAB Recommendations, Pitchers 45:00-1:00:00

Volume (W, K)
Players Discussed: Cade Cavalli, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Quinn Mathews, Connor Prielipp, Grayson Rodriguez, Jack Kochanowicz, Andre Pallante

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Players Discussed: Nate Lavender, Brooks Raley, Brock Stewart, Edgardo Henriquez

Closers (Saves)
Players Discussed: Calvin Faucher, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Kenley Jansen, Justin Martinez, Juan Morillo, Brandyn Garcia

Wild Card and Closing Advice 1:00:00-1:05:00

Wild card stash: Adael Amador's shortened, more compact swing in Colorado's ten-game homestand
Players Discussed: Lazaro Montes, Adael Amador

Map out schedules two weeks ahead

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On The Wire Episode 265 — FAAB 24 (Sunday, August 30, 2026)

Adam and Kevin work through a news-heavy show with just four FAAB periods left in the regular season, touching a wave of IL moves and call-ups across a dozen teams (Angels, Twins, Reds, Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Mariners, Giants, Marlins, Blue Jays, Cardinals). The back half leans on stretch-run power and speed streamers (Tristan Peters, Mickey Gasper, Connor Norby, Turner Hill) and pitching matchups exploiting lefty-mashing-averse lineups, before Kevin closes with advice to actually spend down remaining FAAB budgets before the season ends.

Welcome and News 0:00-25:00

Angels place Nolan Schanuel on IL, recall Christian Moore; Wade Meckler returns to left field

Twins call up Walker Jenkins for his MLB debut as Byron Buxton's hip injury lingers

Reds place Ke’Bryan Hayes on IL with a groin strain, recall Edwin Arroyo; Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl go unclaimed on waivers

Red Sox set to get back Roman Anthony, Trevor Story and Garrett Whitlock this weekend

Yankees lose Fernando Cruz to IL with elbow discomfort, recall Elmer Rodríguez as Max Fried returns to the rotation

Cubs activate Matt Shaw as a short-side platoon outfielder for Ian Happ

More News 25:00-45:00

Dodgers place Roki Sasaki on IL with a blister, turn to Eric Lauer with an eye on backing up Shohei Ohtani Tuesday

Mariners move Bryce Miller to the bullpen as Kade Anderson joins the rotation; Ryan Sloan next up if needed

Giants lose Adrian Houser to IL with a forearm strain, turn to Matt Wilkinson; Carson Whisenhunt needs UCL surgery

Giants also lose Willy Adames to IL with a UCL sprain; Shay Whitcomb and Christian Koss soak up the infield reps

Marlins place Pete Fairbanks on IL, recall Dax Fulton; Calvin Faucher takes over closing duties

Blue Jays lose Shane Bieber to IL with forearm inflammation, expect Jameson Taillon back Thursday

Cardinals lose Masyn Winn to IL, recall Nolan Gorman; Ramón Urías and José Fermín complicate the infield picture

Juan Soto says he won't need a rehab assignment and could be back with the Mets any day

FAAB Recommendations, Hitters 45:00-55:00

Power (RBI, HR)

Speed (R, SB)

Opportunity (AB, AVG)

FAAB Recommendations, Pitchers 55:00-1:05:00

Volume (W, K)

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)

Closers (Saves)

Wild Card and Closing Advice 1:05:00-1:10:00

Shay Whitcomb flagged as a September stash if his everyday third-base role at San Francisco holds

Spend your remaining FAAB dollars

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On The Wire

Adam Howe and Kevin Hastings return after a three-week hiatus to catch up on a backlog of injuries and roster moves across the league, headlined by Kade Anderson's MLB debut for Seattle. The bulk of the episode covers hitter and pitcher FAAB targets by category, with an especially long look at closer/bullpen chaos in Kansas City, Chicago, Arizona, and beyond. Kevin closes with a stretch-run pep talk: with five weeks left, it's time to take on more risk if you're chasing, and to protect ratios if you're not.

Cardinals lose two more starters to the IL as Hunter Dobbins and Andre Pallante both hit injured list

Kyle Leahy could see shortened outings and skipped starts down the stretch as innings are managed

Yankees get Carlos Rodón back, but Max Fried hits IL and Ryan Weathers deals with forearm discomfort ahead of doubleheader

Ryan McMahon hits IL with thumb sprain, Max Schuemann recalled as José Caballero sees increased playing time

Giancarlo Stanton suffers rehab setback and is likely done for the season, Aaron Judge unlikely to have fantasy impact in 2026

Dodgers lose Andy Pages for the rest of the season, recall Alek Thomas to fill in at center field

Athletics lose Jacob Wilson to the IL again, Donovan Walton and Carlos Cortes set to benefit from a soft home schedule

Diamondbacks place Ketel Marte on the IL with knee inflammation after a bizarre restricted-list saga, Ildemaro Vargas picking up playing time

Jordan Lawlar playing everyday in center field for Arizona since returning from the IL, though a Saturday benching raises a flag

Kade Anderson makes his MLB debut for the Mariners and is expected to stick for the rest of the season

Orioles get Samuel Basallo back from the IL, but Carlos Narváez still holding down the majority of catching duties versus lefties

Jorge Polanco to have season-ending ankle surgery for the Mets

Maikel Garcia hits the IL again with a hamstring injury just days after returning, Nick Loftin continues to benefit

Salvador Perez rarely catching these days as Carter Jensen takes over behind the plate, Luke Maile and Vinnie Pasquantino also in the mix

Royals bullpen shuffle as Lucas Erceg is optioned, Craig Kimbrel ties the all-time saves-with-teams record, but Steven Cruz remains the preferred arm

Power (RBI, HR)

Speed (R, SB)

Opportunity (AB, AVG)

Volume (W, K)

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)

Closers (Saves)

Closer spec-adds are the play since most stash spots are already full

Time to embrace risk if you're chasing

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On The Wire

With the August 3rd MLB trade deadline bearing down, Adam and Kevin work through an unusually heavy injury news day. The back half is built around FAAB strategy for the stretch run: where to spend on power, speed, and volume/ratio pitching with only eight FAAB Sundays left, plus a reminder to raise your risk tolerance the further back you are in the standings.

Cody Bellinger exits Saturday's game with an apparent leg injury sliding into second base

Dodgers expect Enrique Hernández and Edwin Díaz back from the IL this week

Connor Prielipp rejoins the Twins rotation for Sunday's start

Rangers place Josh Jung on the IL, recall Josh Smith

Astros lose Spencer Arrighetti to the IL, call up Bryan King

Mets place Juan Soto on the IL with a calf strain

Rays activate Steven Matz, option Chris Roycroft to Triple-A

Addison Barger done for the season after elbow surgery

Cody Bellinger's injury confirmed as a hamstring strain

Matt McLain heads out on a rehab assignment for the Reds

Brewers get David Hamilton back, muddying the infield timeshare

Orioles' catching situation worsens as Samuel Basallo joins Rutschman on the IL

Athletics lose J.T. Ginn to the IL, recall Mason Barnett

José Ramírez activated, Khalil Watson optioned back to Triple-A

Wyatt Langford exits Saturday's game, awaiting X-ray results

Atlanta gets Martín Pérez back, options JR Ritchie

Royals trade for Nate Pearson, place Bobby Witt Jr.. on the IL

Tigers place Jack Flaherty on the IL, recall Ty Madden

Power (RBI, HR)

Speed (SB, R)

Opportunity (AB, AVG)

Volume (Wins, Ks)

Ratios (ERA, WHIP)

Closers (Saves)

Joshua Baez headlines the stash watch list as the trade deadline nears, with Pedro Ramirez already cutting into playing time in Chicago

Spend FAAB, raise risk

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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