OTW 249 - FAAB #3; April 5, 2026

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

0:00 – Intro and News

• 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)
Targets discussed:

• Austin Hays
• Jordan Walker
• Joey Loperfido
• Rhys Hoskins
• Luke Raley
• Mark Vientos

Focus on platoon advantages and favorable weekly matchups

~54:00 – Speed Categories (R, SB)
Targets discussed:

• 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
Targets discussed:

• 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)
Targets discussed:

• 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)
Targets discussed:

• Keaton Winn (Giants high-leverage reliever, ratios + upside)

Strategy: early-season ratio stabilization via relievers

~1:12:00 – Closers (Saves)
Bullpens discussed:

• 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 Yates

Focus on role clarity, usage patterns, and speculative adds

~1:18:00 – Wild Card (Stashes)
Targets discussed:

• 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 formats

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