On The Wire

Author: Adam Howe, Kevin Hasting

Join Adam Howe (@EightyGrade) and Kevin Hasting (@HastingKevin) every Sunday with insights and updates on how to use your fantasy baseball FAAB before your bid deadlines hit.
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Language: en

Genres: Baseball, Fantasy Sports, Sports

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OTW 249 - FAAB #3; April 5, 2026
Sunday, 5 April, 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/Cutline0:00 – Intro and NewsHeavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topicKey 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 CastilloMickey 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 signingJohan 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 #1Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formatsAggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assetsImportance of long waterfall bidsRoster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)Targets discussed:Austin HaysJordan WalkerJoey LoperfidoRhys HoskinsLuke RaleyMark VientosFocus 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 highlightedTargets 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 situationDiamondbacks: unstable; long-term AJ Puk stashAngels: Jordan Romano vs Kirby YatesFocus 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 CommentsReminder to submit FAAB early (holiday weekend)Don’t overreact to slow starts—bench stars if needed, don’t drop themImportance of maintaining full active lineups in all formats Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin HastingSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.