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.

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OTW 254 - FAAB #9; May 17, 2026

Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball