Why Stashing Injured Starters Matters
In fantasy baseball, a limited bench can make the difference between a championship and a missed playoff spot. When a starter lands on the injured list, savvy managers often keep them on the roster to preserve a spot for a potential comeback, especially when the player shows signs of a quick rehab.
The strategy works best for teams with ample IL slots, but even those with tight roster constraints can benefit from a targeted approach. The key is identifying arms whose recovery timelines align with the league’s scoring periods and whose upside justifies the roster cost.
Pitchers to Watch in 2026
Right‑hander Mick Abel of the Minnesota Twins is shaking off elbow inflammation and is expected to rejoin the rotation in the coming weeks. His high‑velocity repertoire makes him a strong candidate to reclaim a mid‑rotation spot.
Hurston Waldrep, the 2023 first‑round pick of the Atlanta Braves, has completed a series of rehab outings after elbow surgery and could be ready to contribute as early as June.
Lefty DJ Herz of the Washington Nationals, who debuted in 2024, is progressing from Tommy John surgery. His recent rehab starts have shown promising command, and he could become an August addition for clubs needing depth.
Noah Schultz of the Chicago White Sox is dealing with knee tendinitis and is slated for a rehab assignment in June, a move that could fast‑track his return to the majors.
Jackson Jobe, a 23‑year‑old prospect with the Detroit Tigers, is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and may make a late‑season comeback if his recovery stays on track.
AJ Smith‑Shawver of the Atlanta Braves, another Tommy John survivor, is not expected back until August, but his eventual return could provide a boost to the bullpen.
Dean Kremer of the Baltimore Orioles is working through rehab starts and could be activated in early July, offering the team a reliable fifth starter.
Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins, a slow‑throwing righty, has struggled to keep the ball in the yard, making his fantasy value more uncertain despite a potential return.
Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics remains shut down through June, with an August debut possible if his health permits.
Jameson Taillon of the Chicago Cubs is recovering from a hamstring injury and may be an August add at best, depending on his progress.
Cristian Javier of the Houston Astros has been on a rehab assignment in June but has limited major‑league innings, suggesting a cautious approach to his workload.
Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres is playing catch and could see action in September, potentially providing a late‑season spark.
Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros is not currently rehabbing but has begun a throwing progression, a positive sign for his eventual return.
Spencer Schwellenbach, Corbin Burnes, and Justin Steele are not expected to make an impact anytime soon, meaning their stash status is low priority for most managers.
Fantasy Impact and Roster Rates
The article includes a table that details the current roster rates of these pitchers on CBS and Yahoo fantasy platforms. Managers can use this data to gauge how widely each player is owned and decide whether to allocate an IL slot or a bench spot to a particular arm.
For example, Mick Abel’s roster rate on CBS sits at a modest level, indicating a potential undervalued asset, while AJ Smith‑Shawver’s rate reflects a more speculative hold. Monitoring these percentages throughout the season can help managers make informed decisions about when to activate or drop a rehabbing pitcher.
Overall, the landscape of injured starting pitchers offers a nuanced opportunity: those with clear timelines and high upside can become valuable stash candidates, while those with uncertain returns or limited upside may not justify the roster cost.