OTW 254 – FAAB #9; May 17, 2026

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.