On The Wire - A jam-packed early-season episode breaks down a wave of MLB injuries and their fantasy ripple effects, with a heavy focus on actionable FAAB targets. The hosts analyze playing time shifts, category-specific pickups, and strategy for both standard leagues and special formats like Razzslam/Cutline
Heavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topic
Key players discussed:
Mookie Betts (injury, Dodgers replacements: Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland)
Juan Soto (calf injury; Mets fill-ins: Tyrone Taylor, Jared Young)
Alejandro Kirk (thumb fracture; catching fallout)
Byron Buxton (minor injury update)
Sal Frelick (Brewers OF shuffle: Luis Matos, Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge)
Jordan Lawlar (fractured wrist)
Pavin Smith (IL) → opens door for José Fernández, Adrian Del Castillo
Mickey Moniak return (Rockies playing time outlook)
Justin Verlander (IL; Tigers rotation implications)
Cade Horton (IL; Cubs replacement candidates: Colin Rea, Ben Brown)
Cody Ponce (ACL) + Patrick Corbin signing
Johan Oviedo (IL; drop discussion)
Zach Eflin (elbow concern; Dean Kremer vs Cade Povich speculation)
José Buttó (IL; Blade Tidwell opportunity)
Prospect extensions/debuts: Konnor Griffin, Colt Emerson, Cooper Pratt
~33:00 – Razzslam / Cutline FAAB #1
Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formats
Aggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)
Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assets
Importance of long waterfall bids
Roster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)
Austin Hays
Jordan Walker
Joey Loperfido
Rhys Hoskins
Luke Raley
Mark VientosFocus on platoon advantages and favorable weekly matchups
~54:00 – Speed Categories (R, SB)
Troy Johnston (leadoff opportunity emerging)
Mickey Moniak (volume + Coors effect)Emphasis on lineup position + matchup-based streaming
~59:00 – Opportunity (AB, AVG)
Teams with 7-game weeks highlighted
Lenyn Sosa (White Sox vs LHP-heavy schedule)
Jerar Encarnacion (Giants 1B opportunity)
José Fernández / Alex Freeland (injury-driven playing time)~1:05:00 – Pitching Volume (W, K)
Dean Kremer / Cade Povich (Orioles rotation opening)
Martín Pérez (matchup-based streamer)
Jansen Junk (two-start week)
Colin Rea (Cubs replacement option)~1:10:00 – Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Keaton Winn (Giants high-leverage reliever, ratios + upside)Strategy: early-season ratio stabilization via relievers
~1:12:00 – Closers (Saves)
Royals: Lucas Erceg, Matt Strahm, John Schreiber (Carlos Estévez injury context)
Rays: Brian Baker vs Griffin Jax situation
Diamondbacks: unstable; long-term AJ Puk stash
Angels: Jordan Romano vs Kirby YatesFocus on role clarity, usage patterns, and speculative adds
~1:18:00 – Wild Card (Stashes)
Max Muncy (Athletics everyday role, balanced production)
Leo De Vries (future stash; elite prospect watch)Additional discussion: Dodgers pitching usage (six-man rotation, spot starts)
~1:22:00 – Closing Comments
Reminder to submit FAAB early (holiday weekend)
Don’t overreact to slow starts—bench stars if needed, don’t drop them
Importance of maintaining full active lineups in all formatsJoin Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST
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