On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting break down one of the busiest injury and roster movement weeks of the 2026 fantasy baseball season, covering major call-ups, closer chaos, rotation shakeups, and the top FAAB priorities heading into Week 9. The episode also dives into schedule analysis, category streaming targets, and under-the-radar opportunities across both shallow and deep leagues.
Full Episode Breakdown
0:00 – Intro / Massive Week of MLB News
Overview of the hectic injury landscape, roster churn, and why Week 9 FAAB could dramatically alter fantasy leagues.
Players Discussed: Max Muncy, Zack Gelof
7:00 – Athletics & Mets Prospect Promotions
Discussion around the MLB debuts and fantasy outlooks for young outfielders getting immediate opportunities.
Players Discussed: Henry Bolte, A.J. Ewing, Luis Robert Jr.
14:00 – Dodgers, Rotation Speculation & Depth Chart Changes
Rotation uncertainty and potential streaming options, plus Dodgers roster maneuvering.
Players Discussed: Zach Thornton, Jonah Tong, Alek Thomas, Alex Call
21:00 – Yankees Infield Questions & Playing Time Battles
Anthony Volpe’s return, New York’s shortstop situation, and how injuries are reshaping opportunities.
Players Discussed: Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, Max Schuemann
28:00 – AL East Injury Roundup & Rotation Fallout
A deeper dive into pitching injuries, replacement options, and the fantasy ramifications for multiple clubs.
Players Discussed: Eduardo Rodriguez, Tampa Bay pitchers, various AL East arms
35:00 – Mariners Platoons & Weekly Schedule Strategy
Seattle’s difficult weekly setup and how left/right splits could impact lineup decisions.
Players Discussed: Dominic Canzone, Luke Raley, Brendan Donovan, Connor Joe
43:00 – Tigers Rotation Stability & Veteran Concerns
Detroit’s rotation picture following Casey Mize’s return and what it means for the rest of the staff.
Players Discussed: Casey Mize, Justin Verlander, Ty Madden, Jack Flaherty
50:00 – Red Sox Injuries & Opportunity Openings
Trevor Story’s injury creates another opening in Boston while fantasy managers search for short-term production.
Players Discussed: Trevor Story
57:00 – Astros Playing Time Shifts & Deep League Targets
Houston’s lineup flexibility, emerging names, and speculative adds for deeper formats.
Players Discussed: Braden Shoemake, Yordan Alvarez, Cam Smith, Zach Cole
1:05:00 – Power Streamers & Weekly Home Run Targets
Discussion of hitters with favorable matchups, lineup spots, and short-term power upside for the upcoming scoring period.
Players Discussed: Zach Neto, Mike Trout, Detroit hitters
1:10:00 – Speed Streamers & Category Specialists
Focus on stolen base targets, speed-only specialists, and lineup trends that could create category advantages in weekly formats.
Players Discussed: José Caballero, Connor Joe, Dominic Canzone
1:13:00 – Weekly Schedule Breakdown & Seven-Game Teams
Analysis of the upcoming MLB schedule and which teams offer the most streaming and volume advantages.
Teams Highlighted: Yankees, Blue Jays, Guardians, Tigers, Athletics, Angels, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Rockies
1:20:00 – Starting Pitcher Streamers & Two-Start Options
Discussion of viable streaming pitchers, upside plays, and risky matchups for Week 9.
Players Discussed: Jacob Lopez, Griffin Canning
1:29:00 – Ratio Helpers, Relievers & Saves Speculation
Relievers who can help stabilize ERA/WHIP while potentially earning high-leverage roles.
Players Discussed: Brooks Raley, Justin Slaten, Erik Miller
1:37:00 – Prospect Watch & Late-Season Stashes
Additional prospect names to monitor and speculative stash discussions.
Players Discussed: Joshua Baez
1:41:00 – Breaking News: Jose Altuve Injury Reaction
Live reaction to late-breaking Jose Altuve injury news and how the Astros could adjust their lineup.
Players Discussed: Jose Altuve, Brice Matthews, Cam Smith, Zach Cole
1:45:00 – Final FAAB Thoughts & Closing Strategy Notes
Closing recommendations, roster construction thoughts, and final Week 9 FAAB priorities.
Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST
Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network
