Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates gave up one earned run on two hits in the ninth inning on Monday, taking the loss as his team fell to the Rockies, 9-8. Yanes gave up a single to Kyle Karros and a double to Jake McCarthy before the game-winning sacrifice fly from T.J. Rumfield. Yates was entering the game in a non-save situation after a wild eighth inning, in which the Rockies scored five times to take the lead, and the Angels answered with two runs to tie the game back up when Yates entered. The 39-year-old righty has a 4.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP in his nine games this season, and before Monday, he allowed just one run in his previous six appearances. He has only had a single save this season since the Angels don't present a ton of opportunities, but he'll likely remain the top closer for now in the absence of any other experienced options at the back of the bullpen.

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Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan was expected to step in as the team's fill-in closer while Kenley Jansen (pelvis) is on the injured list, but that wasn't how the script unfolded on Monday. Finnegan entered an 8-5 game in the seventh inning in a high-leverage spot against the top of the Rays' order. He allowed a single to Yandy Diaz, but struck out Jonathan Aranda, and then induced an inning-ending double play from Richie Palacios. The eighth and ninth innings didn't go smoothly for Beau Brieske and Will Vest, but the team held on for a wild 10-9 win, with Vest earning the save. Finnegan could still end up getting short-term save opportunities, especially with his effective outing on Monday, but the full-time closer job isn't going to be his alone. He's a speculative add in most leagues at this point, but he brings intriguing upside for as long as Jansen is unavailable.

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Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jacob Latz earned a save for the second day in a row on Monday night, closing out his team's 2-1 win over the Cardinals. Latz worked a clean ninth inning, picking up back-to-back strikeouts to end the game. The 30-year-old lefty has a 2.00 ERA and 0.59 WHIP in his 27 innings this season, totaling 26 strikeouts. He has picked up three saves and a win in his last four appearances and has emerged as the clear leader for save situations. He has worked back-to-back days, so his availability for Tuesday is uncertain, but if you need saves, Latz is one of the best options you can pick up from the waiver wire.

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Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out his team's 10-9 win over the Rays on Monday night, earning his first save of the season. The 30-year-old righty entered a messy situation in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and one out while his team was holding a 10-5 lead. He gave up a double and a single, allowing four runs to score, but preserved the lead. Things went much more smoothly for Vest in the 1-2-3 ninth inning, finishing with back-to-back strikeouts. He was charged with one run in his 1 2/3 innings, but he still lowered his ERA to 7.23 on the season. His 3.45 FIP and 3.35 xERA indicate he has pitched better than his elevated ERA indicates, but he is still very high-risk after his rough start to the season. Even though he's risky, he does have enough upside to consider from the waiver wire, though, since the Tigers are without closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) and saves should be available. Vest got the job done on Monday and does have potential to be a short-term source of saves for deep leagues.

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Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor smashed a solo home run to tie the game in the seventh inning of Monday's extra-inning win over the Mets, but he left the game with back spasms before the bottom of the inning. He was replaced at first base by Patrick Wisdom, and the Mariners could also use Luke Raley at the position if Naylor misses any games due to the issue. On the season, Naylor is hitting .254 with six home runs, 25 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in his 57 games. He has a .301 wOBA, which is well below his career average, but he had hit safely in seven of his last eight games with a .303 batting average and .319 wOBA before the injury. As long as he avoids the injured list, he's still worth holding in most leagues at this point, although there could be some extra value for Wisdom and Raley in the next few days if Naylor is sidelined.

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Minnesota's 2B Tristan Gray had five RBIs going 1-for-3 with a home run in a 9-6 win over the White Sox on Monday, Jun. 1.

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby has a case as the most valuable relief pitcher in baseball so far this season. Across 36 innings (26 games), Ashby has recorded a 9-0 record with a 2.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts. The 28-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.9% walk rate, but he's struck out 33.8% of the batters he's faced. Ashby also owns an impressive 56.8% ground-ball rate and has been taken deep just one time in 2026. Milwaukee appears likely to continue utilizing Ashby in a fireman role and relying on the combination of right-handers Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill in the ninth inning. Still, Ashby's high-leverage usage has allowed him to rack up wins at a prolific rate. Even if Ashby slows down from his current 25-win pace, he should provide fantasy managers with an elite strikeout rate and plenty of assistance in the ERA category. Particularly in deeper leagues, Ashby is a worthy waiver wire target.

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In 13 games (10 starts) so far this season, Athletics starting pitcher J.T. Ginn has recorded a 3-3 record with a 2.87 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old put together a particularly impressive performance his last time out on Saturday, holding the New York Yankees to just four hits and one unearned run across six innings of work. Ginn is averaging a career-high 94.5 miles per hour on his fastball and is holding opposing batters to just a .198 batting average. Ginn has allowed a 10.1% walk rate and is benefiting from an unusually low .234 opponent batting average on balls in play, which could both be reasons to think that regression is coming. Still, the right-hander limits hard contact and owns a 47.5% ground-ball rate. Particularly in deeper leagues, Ginn is worth a look on the waiver wire as a starting pitcher streamer ahead of his next scheduled start on Friday against the Houston Astros.

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Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (mouth) was forced to exit early from his team's game against the Detroit Tigers on Monday after being struck in the mouth by his own helmet while sliding headfirst into second base, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Topkin reports that there was a "fair amount of blood." Simpson was one-for-two in the game before being pulled and is now hitting .284/.318/.338 with zero home runs, 12 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases across 239 plate appearances so far in 2026. It seems unlikely that Simpson will be facing an extended absence, but the exact nature of his injury is currently unclear. Ryan Vilade took over for Simpson in left field on Monday and could be in line for more playing time while Simpson is sidelined.

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Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (head/neck) was scratched from his team's lineup for their game on Monday against the Colorado Rockies due to lingering symptoms of whiplash, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Neto's symptoms are a result of a collision at home plate that he was involved in during the Angels' win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. Across 274 plate appearances so far this season, Neto has hit .231/.339/.427 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. The 26-year-old does not appear to be ticketed for a trip to the injured list, but Los Angeles will want to make sure he's fully clear of any ill effects from the collision before re-inserting him in the lineup. Angels infielder Oswald Peraza took Neto's place at shortstop on Monday, and both he and infielder Nick Madrigal could be in line for more playing time while Neto is sidelined.

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (elbow) has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain and will be shut down for 10-14 days. On the bright side, his "UCL is intact," per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ober was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday due to elbow inflammation, but appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. Still, it will be at least mid-June before he resumes throwing, making a return to the Twins rotation this month unlikely. Before getting injured, Ober posted a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings (12 starts). The 30-year-old's average fastball velocity had dipped to a career-worst 89.1 miles per hour, which may have been a symptom of his elbow discomfort. Twins right-hander Mike Paredes was recalled to take Ober's place on the active roster and could be in line to take his place in the Minnesota rotation as well.

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Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith (elbow) was activated off the 60-day Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smith hasn't played since the opening series of the season after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He'll serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth during his return on Monday. The expectation is that Smith will split up time between DH and first base against right-handed pitching. He slashed. 258/.362/.434 with eight home runs and 28 RBI last season. Smith could be a potential option in deep leagues. In a corresponding move, infielder Tim Tawa has been optioned to Triple-A.

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Cincinnati Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo has been called up to make his MLB debut on Monday against the Kansas City Royals. Arroyo will join the big league roster with Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) landing on the 10-day Injured List. The rookie infielder will cover second base and bat eighth during his debut. Matt McLain will shift over to shortstop, but Arroyo could play over there as well. This season, Arroyo is slashing .323/.383/.562 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases during his time in Triple-A Louisville. He could be worth an add in most fantasy formats, with everyday playing time likely coming his way while De La Cruz is on the shelf.

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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (illness) was scratched from his scheduled start against the Kansas City Royals on Monday. Burns came down with a fever overnight and is still dealing with the symptoms. The team has elected to give Burns a few days off and move his start to Wednesday. In the meantime, Lyon Richardson will get the opening nod against the Royals on Monday. He figures to serve as the opener for what will likely be a bullpen game for the Reds. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly and expect Burns to be back in the mix on Wednesday. Burns has been stellar with a 1.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 72:20 K:BB ratio across 11 starts this season.

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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day Injured List on Monday. De La Cruz will head to the shelf for the first time during his MLB career. Reds manager Terry Francona said that De La Cruz is looking at missing 2-4 weeks of action due to a Grade 1-2 hamstring strain. The best-case scenario is that De La Cruz is back in the mix by mid-June, but hamstring injuries can be tricky. Matt McCain will take over at shortstop on Monday, with Edwin Arroyo making his MLB debut at second base. The expectation is that these two will split up most of the playing time at shortstop while De La Cruz is out. Fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates on De La Cruz as he progresses.

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Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax got off to a rough start to the 2026 season, allowing eight runs across his first two innings (four games) of the year. However, Jax has been significantly better since Tampa Bay shifted him from the bullpen to the starting rotation in late April. Across 21 innings (six starts) since the role shift, Jax has recorded a 1.71 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 17 strikeouts. The 31-year-old also worked five innings in two consecutive starts before being limited to two innings after getting hit in the back by a comebacker in his most recent outing. Now that Jax should be built up close to a regular starter's workload, the right-hander carries significant waiver wire appeal across most fantasy league formats.

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Across 162 plate appearances since being promoted to the big leagues in mid-April, Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci is hitting .275/.369/.362 with one home run, 13 RBI, 23 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. The 23-year-old hit just five home runs across 519 minor league plate appearances in 2025, so he appears unlikely to provide fantasy managers with much power any time soon. However, Antonacci has consistently shown an ability to put the ball in play and has spent considerable time in the leadoff spot for Chicago since making his MLB debut. Antonacci stole 48 bases in the minors in 2025, so he may just be scratching the surface of his speed potential in the big leagues. As long as he can continue to get on base at a solid clip, Antonacci should rack up runs and stolen bases for fantasy managers and is worth a look on the waiver wire.

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Across 68 innings (12 starts) so far this season, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers has recorded a 2-5 record with a 4.63 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts. While Detmers' inflated ERA is tough to swallow for fantasy managers, a look under the hood at his numbers suggests the 26-year-old may be on the verge of a breakout. Detmers currently owns excellent strikeout (28.5%) and K-BB (20.8%) rates, which are reflected in his 2.96 FIP. The left-hander has been victimized by a brutal 60.9% strand rate, well below his career mark of 69.2%. Detmers is already providing value in the WHIP and strikeout categories for fantasy managers. If his ERA falls in line with his underlying metrics over the course of a larger sample size of innings, Detmers could wind up as one of the waiver-wire steals of the summer for fantasy managers.

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Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) "might be (on track) for an August or September return," per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Schwellenbach has yet to pitch in 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery in mid-February. However, he received clearance to begin throwing in mid-May, leading to optimism that the hard-throwing right-hander could be progressing towards a rehab assignment. This latest report from Bowman seems to indicate that although Schwellenbach is making progress, he remains a long way away from returning to Atlanta's rotation. Before having his 2025 season ended by an elbow fracture, Schwellenbach recorded a 7-4 record with a 3.09 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts across 110 2/3 innings (17 starts). The 26-year-old remains a high-upside fantasy starter when healthy, but fantasy managers may want to wait until later this summer to consider stashing him off the waiver wire.

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Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins was effective in his first relief outing of the year on Sunday. After starting each of his first 60 minor league appearances, Hopkins worked out of the bullpen this past weekend, giving the Durham Bulls five innings of relief work. He threw five scoreless and hitless innings, allowing one walk while striking out nine batters. So far this year, he owns a 3.56 ERA, 10.31 K/9, and 0.56 HR/9 over 11 outings. The bad news is that his FIP is significantly higher at 4.98, and his walk rate has ballooned to an outrageous 8.06 BB/9 clip. Hopkins isn't ready for the majors yet, but if he can cut down on walks, then his FIP will naturally come down, and his strikeout rate will allow him to be successful. When that happens, he'll be a candidate to make his MLB debut as a piece of the Rays' rotation. In turn, that would put him on the fantasy baseball radar. For now, he's a solid speculative stash in deep redraft leagues.

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