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The Fantasy Six Pack Hour

Joe Bond and A.J. Applegarth·517 episodes

SportsFantasy

Join Joe Bond, A.J. Applegarth, and Corey Pieper for year-round fantasy football and fantasy baseball advice that actually wins leagues. We do the heavy lifting on the analytics, but we never forget that fantasy sports are supposed to be fun. Whether we’re debating early-round draft strategies, digging for waiver-wire sleepers, or arguing over weekly player rankings, we bring you the hard numbers you need alongside the sports debates you actually care about. Plus, for the hardcore baseball managers, this feed is also home to our spinoff show, First Cup Fantasy Baseball. Consider it your daily scouting report, serving up...

Episodes

25 min
Jul 21, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 21: Adley Rutschman to IL & Cleveland's 7-HR Offense

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to left wrist inflammation, marking his third stint on the shelf this season. Corey Pieper breaks down a frantic wave of injury updates, an incredible single-game home run barrage in Cleveland, high-leverage late-inning bullpen roles, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The transaction wire continues to move at a relentless pace across Major League Baseball. On the health front, Bobby Witt Jr. was forced to exit Monday's contest early with lingering back tightness, Miguel Andujar hits the injured list with a wrist fracture, and Max Meyer lands on the IL with a neck strain. Additionally, top catchers and outfielders are banged up as Kyle Teel manages an ankle injury, Kerry Carpenter is sidelined with a heel bruise, and Trevor McDonald was removed from his start due to an undisclosed injury. On the positive side of roster moves, Ronel Blanco has officially been activated, Ranger Suarez is set to return to the mound today, and Gleyber Torres is officially back in active lineups. On the diamond, the Cleveland offense staged an absolute power showcase by smashing seven home runs in a single game, driven by multi-homer performances from Rhys Hoskins and Petey Halpin alongside long balls from Travis Bazzana, Brayan Rocchio, and Patrick Bailey. Cal Raleigh broke his game open with a grand slam, while Yordan Alvarez, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Jeremy Peña, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Esmerlyn Valdez, Ty France, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Caleb Durbin, Cooper Pratt, Victor Robles, and Dillon Dingler all turned in big days at the plate. Pitching highlights featured sharp outings from Bryce Elder, Nick Martinez dueling Dylan Cease, Andrew Abbott facing George Kirby, and Kyle Leahy battling Jose Soriano. Conversely, several high-profile stars cratered into the duds section, with Joe Ryan, Cristopher Sanchez, Emmett Sheehan, Freddy Peralta, Jacob Misiorowski, and Jacob deGrom all taking heavy damage on the hill, while Brandon Lowe, Kyle Schwarber, Braxton Ashcraft, Ryan Weathers, and Ivan Herrera posted quiet, empty nights. Our rotating Bullpen Report zeroes in on late-inning situations around the league, breaking down Aroldis Chapman remaining in Boston, Alex Lange carving out leverage in Kansas City, the dual usage of Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge in Baltimore, a crowd of options in Chicago featuring Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, and Seranthony Dominguez, Edwin Diaz nearing a potential weekend return for the Dodgers, Mason Montgomery rising in Pittsburgh, and the unsettled hierarchy in San Francisco. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our

31 min
Jul 20, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 20: Shohei Ohtani only hitting & Waiver Wire

The fantasy landscape is bracing for impact as dominant MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge remains entirely shut down from physical activity, stalling his recovery timeline indefinitely. Corey Pieper breaks down a high-stakes pitching landscape, devastating long-term prospect injuries, a seismic trade market update, and the latest FanDuel Bet of the Day. Roster managers face massive late-season fallout as Aaron Judge remains unable to resume baseball activities, Christian Walker exits early with acute hip tightness, and dynamic infielder Jeremy Pena suffers yet another frustrating physical setback. The pitching front is equally turbulent as the Chicago Cubs aggressively trade for right-hander Aaron Civale, the high-octane duo of Mick Abel and David Festa are both declared out for the season, Casey Mize exits his latest start early, and JoJo Romero lands on the injured list. Fortunately, reinforcement is on the horizon with Jameson Taillon's return imminent, Ranger Suarez tracking to be activated tomorrow, and Ronel Blanco scheduled to pitch Monday, though managers must monitor Will Smith's recurring neck issues, Samuel Basallo handling right shoulder discomfort, Shohei Ohtani being withheld from the mound, Corbin Carroll's daily status, and Blaze Alexander's long-term absence with a broken hand. An absolutely loaded performance slate features a masterclass on the bump and offensive explosions. Chris Sale fired seven dominant frames of zero-earned, two-hit ball with six strikeouts, Gerrit Cole struck out eight across six high-quality frames, and Jake Bennett, Pete Lambert, Brady Singer, Landen Roupp, Jared Jones, Brandon Pfaadt, Tarik Skubal, JT Ginn, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Paul Skenes, Shota Imanaga, Hunter Greene, and Logan Gilbert all logged stellar outings, while Troy Melton dueled Reid Detmers, Shane Bieber battled Davis Martin, Sean Burke matched up with Trey Yesavage, and Eury Perez went head-to-head with Robert Gasser. At the plate, Trea Turner and Fernando Tatis Jr. both went completely electric by blasting a home run and swiping a bag on Saturday, Jose Trevino launched two home runs, and huge performances rolled in from Junior Caminero, Sam Antonacci, Drake Baldwin, Ryan Jeffers, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Andres Chaparro, Curtis Mead, Kody Clemens, Wilyer Abreu, Shane Drohan, Spencer Torkelson, Hunter Goodman, Jackson Merrill, Nolan McLean, Austin Riley, Francisco Lindor, Esmerlyn Valdez, Ty France, and Tyler Stephenson. Conversely, Christian Walker's night was cut short, Jonathan Aranda bottomed out with an 0-for-7 doubleheader collar, and Griffin Jax, Gage Jump, Rhett Lowder, Ian Seymour, Jake Bauers, Eduardo Rodriguez, Cam Schlittler, Noah Cameron, Zebby Matthews, and Munetaka Murakami all landed in the duds column. Our weekly Waiver Wire segment delivers deep-dive evaluation on priority targets available in more than 60% of leagues, isolating the long-term roster utility of Caleb Durbin, AJ Ewing, Ryan Jeff

1 hr 15 min
Jul 17, 2026
2026 Fantasy Football Elite QB & TE Draft Strategy: Middle-Round Trap Players to Avoid

Master your 2026 fantasy football draft strategy with our definitive guide to navigating the onesie positions. In this episode, Joe Bond, A.J. Applegarth, and Corey Pieper break down the high-stakes choice between paying the early-round premium for elite quarterbacks and tight ends or waiting for late-round value. Learn how to bypass the dangerous middle-round traps, handle aggressive league runs, and adjust your board instantly for structural scoring changes. CRITICAL DRAFT DAY TOOLS Dominate your draft room with award-winning draft cheat sheets, projections, and advanced metric tools. Save 15% on All-Access with promo code F6PPODS at https://fantasysixpack.net/plans EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - QB & TE Strategy: Elite vs. Waiting 3:12 - The Elite QB Tax: Roster Sacrifices in Rounds 3 & 4 10:55 - Rushing Floors vs. 6-Point Passing TD Neutralizers 17:20 - Navigating the Flat Tiers: The Middle-Round QB Danger Zone 25:55 - Punting QB: High-Tempo & Rushing Sleeper Archetypes 32:33 - FanDuel: Quarterback Player Prop Market Angles 42:00 - Positional Scarcity: Is Paying for an Elite TE Actually Worth It? 48:45 - The TE-Premium Pivot: How 1.5x and 2.0x Scoring Warps the Board 53:30 - The Hype Tax: Avoiding Overpriced Sophomore TEs 1:00:33 - Spotting Real Late-Round Targets: TPRR vs. Empty Cardio Routes 1:04:02 - FanDuel: Tight End Player Prop Market Angles 1:09:10 - The 60-Second On-The-Clock Draft Room Checklist 1:12:00 - The ADP Threshold Fade: Where We Stop Drafting QB & TE KEY STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS The Early-Round Roster Sacrifice Pulling the trigger on an elite quarterback or tight end in the third or fourth round forces immediate sacrifices at your flex positions. We analyze historical point differentials to show why the weekly ceiling advantage from top-tier options rarely offsets the steep talent drop-off at running back and wide receiver. Scoring Setting Adjustments & Flaky Bonuses Shifting from a 4-point to a 6-point passing touchdown format alters individual player valuations rather than forcing an early position reach. We look at the data behind 300-yard passing game bonuses to prove why chasing fluky yardage marks over stable team pass volume is a critical draft mistake. The Middle-Round Panic Trap Rounds 6 through 9 represent a psychological trap where managers draft regression-prone assets out of positional panic. If you miss out on an elite rushing tier, learn why waiting until the late double-digit rounds yields identical point-per-game efficiency without burning vital roster equity. Plus, we highlight why we are fading Jordan Love at cost due to team redzone rushing usage patterns and why Cam Ward should be left for waiver wire fodder. <strong

28 min
Jul 13, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 13: Nick Kurtz IL & Waiver Wire

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen has officially been placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Corey Pieper breaks down a massive pre-All-Star break injury wave, highly anticipated star activations, the weekly Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The pre-break injury report is absolutely devastating for fantasy rosters as Kyle Harrison hits the injured list with a forearm issue prompting Robert Gasser's recall, Matt McLain lands on the shelf with a strained left calf, and Mike Yastrzemski goes to the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. Additionally, American League All-Star Nick Kurtz lands on the 10-day injured list with a right thumb capsule sprain, Nick Lodolo hits the injured list with a blister, Blaze Alexander suffers a hand fracture, and Emerson Hancock was removed from his outing after taking a line drive. Roster managers must also navigate Jacob deGrom missing his next start, Shohei Ohtani skipping a start with left knee inflammation, Bo Bichette sitting out all weekend, and Jacob Misiorowski having his start skipped for developmental inning management, though fantasy managers receive major boosts with Wyatt Langford, Jeremy Pena, Ryan Jeffers, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Munetaka Murakami all activated from the injured list, alongside Edwin Diaz launching a rehab assignment and Emiliano Teodo making his MLB debut. Daily performance metrics highlight a loaded group of standouts as Sean Burke, Hunter Greene, Tristan Peters, Esmerlyn Valdez, Jake Bauers, Gage Jump, Kyle Karros, Tyler Mahle, James Wood, Cam Schlittler, Cristopher Sanchez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., James McCann, Manny Machado, Paul Skenes, Lane Thomas, Gunnar Henderson, Alex Bregman, Zach Thornton, Joey Cantillo, Brayan Rocchio, Noah Schultz, Taj Bradley, Brandon Nimmo, Trevor McDonald, and Kevin Gausman all deliver big games, while Parker Messick battles Sandy Alcantara and Zack Wheeler duels Tarik Skubal. Conversely, a handful of prominent options flatlined, with Shea Langeliers posting a three-strikeout collar, Carson Benge going 0-for-4 with three punchouts, Otto Lopez finishing 0-for-5 with four strikeouts, and Braxton Ashcraft, Willy Adames, Freddy Peralta, Trey Yesavage, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Spencer Torkelson, Ian Seymour, and JT Ginn all struggling into the duds section. Our weekly Waiver Wire segment provides direct tactical targets to optimize your active roster heading into the midsummer break, isolating top priority free agents who can fortify your categories for the second-half push. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p

1 hr 31 min
Jul 10, 2026
2026 Fantasy Football WR Strategy, Mid-Round Breakouts, Target Metrics

2026 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Draft Strategy Build a championship roster using advanced efficiency metrics, market shifts, and strategic blueprints. In this episode, we break down the ultimate 2026 fantasy football WR strategy to help you bypass deceptive middle-round trap players, capitalize on the sophomore breakout window, and secure elite targets before training camp begins. Critical Draft Day Tools Dominate your draft room with our award-winning draft cheat sheets, rankings, projections, and tools. Save 15% with promo code F6PPODS at https://fantasysixpack.net/plans. Episode Timestamps 0:00 - WR Strategy & Mistakes 2:30 - Robust-WR Strategy vs. Elite Anchor Plan 6:40 - Massive Roster Ceiling Mistake of Skipping Early WRs 12:00 - How 3-WR Starting Lineups Warp Draft Capital Value 22:55 - FanDuel: Receiving Yard Prop Market Angles 33:21 - Separating Alpha Targets From Fluke Offseason Volume 38:15 - How to Value High-Leverage Air Yards vs. Short Catches 45:38 - Scott Fish Bowl (SFB16) League Check-In 55:55 - The Mid-Round WR Goldmine: Avoiding Dead Zone Traps 1:03:48 - The Sophomore Surge: Why Year 2 is the Premier Breakout Window 1:09:30 - Elite Talents in Bad Offenses vs. Mediocre Talented Players 1:18:22 - The 60-Second Clock Wide Receiver Checklist 1:22:06 - Ultimate Mid-Round & Breakout WR Targets for 2026 Key Breakouts & Targets Discussed Jaylen Waddle: Primed for a massive volume increase following his move to Denver's high-volume passing offense. Christian Watson: A premier target to smash his 750.5-yard receiving prop if he maintains downfield target efficiency. Alec Pierce: Offering elite roster upside due to league-leading high-leverage air yards per target metrics. Deceptive Trap Players to Avoid Xavier Worthy & DK Metcalf: Deceptive middle-round options whose roles failed to match historical volume projections. Brian Thomas Jr. & Rome Odunze: Highly volatile assets dealing with structural role changes and crowded receiver rooms. Connect with the Fantasy Six Pack Crew Get more expert fantasy football advice, rankings, and strategy all summer long at https://fantasysixpack.net/. Follow the hosts on X: AJ (@AppleGarthAlgar), Joe (@F6P_Joe), and Corey (@copieps). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 min
Jul 10, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 10: Wyatt Langford back & Waiver Wire

The New York Mets suffered a crushing corner infield blow as breakout third baseman Mark Vientos was placed on the injured list with a confirmed hand fracture. Corey Pieper breaks down a seismic wave of injury updates, massive impact rookie activations, high-strikeout pitching performances, and the latest FanDuel Bet of the Day. The injury bug continues to drastically alter fantasy rosters as Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez lands on the injured list with a groin strain, Zack Gelof is managing a new knee injury, and top outfield prospect Owen Caissie is expected to miss two to four weeks with a mild right calf strain. In response to these vacancies, Ryan Waldschmidt has been recalled to the big leagues while Pavin Smith was designated for assignment. On the positive side, massive offensive reinforcements have officially arrived as the Texas Rangers activated rookie sensation Wyatt Langford, and international superstar Munetaka Murakami has been activated to make his highly anticipated impact. Roster managers are also tracking solid rehab progression as Patrick Sandoval threw 4.1 innings of one-run ball and Logan Henderson logged 5.1 frames. An electric daily slate of performances featured elite strikeout upside on the mound. Gavin Williams put together an absolute masterclass with 11 strikeouts over seven brilliant innings, matched by Jesus Luzardo racking up 11 punchouts across seven frames of two-hit ball. Nathan Eovaldi fanned ten batters over six frames, Framber Valdez fired seven innings of one-run ball with nine strikeouts, and Sean Manaea, Trevor Rogers, and Brady Singer turned in high-quality extended outings. Offensively, Tyler Tolbert's teammate Jake Mangum went 4-for-5 out of the leadoff spot, Ben Rice launched two home runs with five RBIs, and Esmerlyn Valdez and Bryan Reynolds hit back-to-back home runs, alongside long balls from Seiya Suzuki, Dominic Canzone, Brice Turang, and Jordan Walker, while Josh Naylor flashed surprising speed with two stolen bases. Conversely, Austin Riley bottomed out with a four-strikeout collar, Elly De La Cruz punched out three times in a hitless night, and starting pitchers Michael Wacha, Drew Rasmussen, Bryce Miller, and Andre Pallante were thoroughly blasted. Our weekly Waiver Wire segment provides critical target analysis for your weekend transaction runs, specifically detailing the long-term value upside of AJ Ewing and Cole Carrigg. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 min
Jul 9, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jul 9: Dylan Cease No-Hitter Bid & Rankings Movers

Dylan Cease dominated the headlines after striking out 11 batters and carrying a spectacular no-hitter bid deep into the ninth inning. Join Joe Bond as he breaks down the latest stock fluctuations in our weekly Rankings Movers segment and analyzes the FanDuel Bet of the Day featuring Mitch Keller. The injury landscape grew more complicated as Kyle Harrison is battling elbow soreness, Brandon Woodruff is seeking a second opinion, Willson Contreras left with a foot injury, and Nick Kurtz, Dillon Dingler, and Owen Caissie all exited early while Hunter Goodman sat out again. Top performances from Pete Crow-Armstrong, Tyler O'Neill, Jo Adell, Sal Stewart, Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Foster Griffin, Dylan Cease, Shane McClanahan, Michael King, and Jared Jones anchored the day, while Pedro Pages, Eugenio Suarez, Colson Montgomery, Henry Bolte, Jackson Chourio, Paul Goldschmidt, Jeffrey Springs, MacKenzie Gore, Spencer Arrighetti, and Chase Burns put up duds. Our weekly movement evaluation features stock up indicators for Ketel Marte, Sal Stewart, Nick Lodolo, and Taj Bradley, while Cody Bellinger, Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes, Landen Roupp, and Freddy Peralta are sliding down rest-of-season tables. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 min
Jul 8, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jul 8: Konnor Griffin Injury & Drops of the Week

Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin is headed to the injured list for 8-to-10 weeks with a torn finger tendon. Joe Bond breaks down the latest news, details the Drops of the Week, and shares the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Injury updates cover Byron Buxton landing on the IL with a hip injury, Ryan Helsley seeking a second opinion, and Oneil Cruz resuming swinging. Pitching standouts include Zack Wheeler fanning 14 and Ian Seymour striking out 12, while Trevor McDonald struggled heavily allowing 8 earned runs. The drop segment focuses on cold bats and arms, analyzing the recent struggles of Paul Goldschmidt, JJ Bleday, and Walker Buehler. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

16 min
Jul 7, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 7: Carlos Rodón Shelved & Cade Cavalli Suspension Reduced

The New York Yankees rotation took a massive hit as left-hander Carlos Rodón was placed on the injured list with severe elbow inflammation, projecting an absence that will stretch into mid-August. Corey Pieper breaks down a devastating AL East injury timeline, shifting league discipline, crucial backend bullpen targets, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The transaction wire is hyperactive heading into the All-Star break as Cade Cavalli’s suspension has officially been reduced to 5 games on appeal, allowing him to begin serving his time immediately. Meanwhile, Patrick Sandoval has been fully reinstated from the injured list, and George Springer has returned to the team from family medical leave, though he remained out of the starting lineup in his first game back. Roster managers must track a highly volatile day of performances that featured Tyler Tolbert exploding for a perfect 5-for-5 game with a home run, while modern juggernauts Shohei Ohtani and Matt Olson continued their steady power surges, alongside dynamic offensive showings from James Wood, Curtis Mead, CJ Abrams, Jose Caballero, Juan Soto, and Heliot Ramos. On the mound, Cam Schlittler delivered a masterful 8-inning, 8-strikeout gem, Landen Roupp turned in an 8-inning showcase of his own, and Brandon Pfaadt tossed 5 scoreless frames. Conversely, it was a historical implosion for frontline starters: Cristopher Sanchez collapsed for 9 earned runs in just 3.1 innings, Mike Burrows surrendered 10 total runs, and veteran arms Kevin Gausman and Walker Buehler were hammered for a combined 11 earned runs. Offensively, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Jonathan Aranda bottomed out with matching, empty 0-for-4, 3-strikeout nights. The Bullpen Report provides essential waiver-wire clarity, highlighting Tyler Wells ramping up in Baltimore, Jacob Webb securing the most recent save for the Cubs, and Emilio Pagan making his return to Cincinnati. We also review a rough outing for Raisel Iglesias and why Yankees high-leverage option Luke Weaver needs to be universally owned right now. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 min
Jul 3, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: July 3: Cole Ragans Out 10-12 Months & Suspensions

The fantasy baseball community received brutal news as Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans underwent a UCL repair surgery that will sideline him for the next 10 to 12 months. Corey Pieper breaks down a devastating injury wave, sweeping league suspensions, a major lineup shakeup in Houston, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. A volatile day on the medical and disciplinary fronts sees Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli hit with 7-game suspensions, while Miles Mikolas receives a 5-game suspension. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have moved Cristian Javier to the bullpen, Matt McLain is beginning to see reps in center field, and Brandon Nimmo continues to sit out with a lingering shoulder injury. Roster managers must also adjust for Jason Adam landing on the injured list with a shoulder strain, Dustin May getting forced out after just two outs by a dangerous comebacker, and Kenley Jansen curiously being brought into the 7th inning of a blowout loss. On the positive side, dynamic starter Hunter Greene is officially locked in to return to the mound. Daily performance highlights feature a spectacular pitching duel where Jacob Misiorowski racked up ten strikeouts over five dominant frames against Chase Burns. Nathan Eovaldi fanned nine over five innings, Ian Seymour struck out nine across six one-hit frames, and Walbert Urena battled Bryce Miller in a stellar pitching showcase. Offensively, Brandon Marsh and Mickey Moniak triggered heavy production, Jake McCarthy shined as Colorado erupted for 14 runs, and Sal Stewart, Jordan Walker, and Carter Jensen all launched home runs alongside foundational standouts Dalton Rushing and Kyle Tucker. On the negative side, Framber Valdez collapsed for five earned runs with just a single strikeout, Davis Martin struggled heavily through 3.1 frames, Junior Caminero turned in an empty 0-for-5 day, and Roki Sasaki suffered a brutal daily regression. The Pitching Planner segment lays out direct tactical management strategies for the weekend, specifically profiling Logan Gilbert’s upcoming start with Emerson Hancock scheduled to follow him out of the bullpen on Saturday. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 hr 17 min
Jul 2, 2026
RB Dead Zone Strategy, 2026 Mid-Round Targets, Advanced Efficiency Metrics

Surgically Navigate the 2026 Running Back Dead Zone Are mid-round running backs destroying your fantasy roster, or are you just missing the analytical signals to find the real league-winners? In this episode, The Fantasy Six Pack Hour tackles one of the biggest draft-day puzzles in fantasy sports: navigating the notorious RB Dead Zone in rounds 4 through 7. Joe Bond, A.J. Applegarth, and Corey Pieper look past standard depth charts to reveal the underlying efficiency metrics, market shifts, and strategic blueprints you need to crush your opponents before training camp chaos begins. CRITICAL DRAFT DAY TOOLS Dominate your draft room with the award-winning F6P Draft Cheat Sheet & Rankings. Save 15% with promo code F6PPODS at https://fantasysixpack.net/plans EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - RB Dead Zone Strategy 2:20 - First-Round Target vs. Macro Roster Plan 6:33 - Ideal Total Running Back Roster Target 11:45 - How Scoring Formats Alter Baseline Strategy 15:30 - FanDuel: Rushing Yard Prop Market Angles 22:13 - Defining Parameters of the Round 4-7 Landmines 30:00 - Offense Mediocrity vs. Guaranteed Touches Trap 36:12 - High-Upside Overlooked Traits in Mid-Tier RBs 40:30 - Scouting True Roles Beyond Basic Depth Charts 43:02 - Efficiency Metrics to Prioritize: TPRR & Yards Created 49:10 - Evaluating High-Profile Free Agency & Coaching Shifts 54:15 - Why Mid-Round Rookie RBs Historically Break the Rules 1:01:12 - The 60-Second Clock Backfield Checklist 1:05:38 - Ultimate Mid-Round RB Targets for 2026 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Elite Anchor Mapping: How securing a true workhorse asset in the opening rounds completely dictates your remaining draft capital distribution, and how to comfortably pivot if you punt the position early. The RB Dead Zone Demystified: Why mid-tier running backs historically carry a massive bust rate in this specific range, and whether managers fail due to roster panic or overestimating volume on mediocre offenses. Advanced Analytics Toolkit: The precise underlying data fields like targets per route run, explosive run rates, and yards created required to separate high-upside targets from dangerous traps. Rookie Production Nuance: The historical data evidence detailing why rookie options drafted into ambiguous middle-round situations break the rules and hit at a much higher rate than veterans. Follow the Hosts: AJ: @AppleGarthAlgar Joe: @F6P_Joe Corey: @copieps Get exclusive fantasy football advice, rankings, strategy, and tools all summer long at https://fantasysixpack.net/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a

29 min
Jul 2, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jul 2: Rooker Done & Rankings Movers

Brent Rooker will undergo season-ending left knee surgery to address cartilage damage, striking a massive blow to managers. Joe Bond breaks down the latest Rankings Movers and analyzes the FanDuel Bet of the Day to keep your roster ahead. Major injury updates hit the league as Will Smith is likely out through the All-Star break, Matt Chapman lands on the injured list with an abdominal strain, Corey Seager returns to the IL with back inflammation, and Ryan Helsley undergoes testing for a sore elbow. Daily studs include huge performances from Dansby Swanson, Michael Conforto, and Taj Bradley, while Paul Skenes, Walker Buehler, and Zack Wheeler highlight a rough day for prominent starting pitchers who finished as duds. Our weekly look at rankings adjustments features Mookie Betts and Caleb Durbin climbing the board as risers, while elite names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Gerrit Cole face downward adjustments as key fallers. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net - rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 min
Jul 1, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jul 1: Corey Seager Injured & Trade Targets

Corey Seager was pulled from the lineup due to back discomfort, while Matt Chapman suffered an abdominal strain. Joe Bond breaks down today's breaking news, highlights the top performances, and analyzes the latest Trade Targets before sharing his FanDuel Bet of the Day. Dean Kremer rejoins the rotation on Wednesday, Connelly Early is dealing with an elbow issue, and Hunter Greene is set for his season debut Saturday. Plus, Liam Hicks returns from the injured list. Bobby Witt Jr., Dansby Swanson, Riley Greene, Fernando Tatis Jr., Yordan Alvarez, Junior Caminero, Jacob deGrom, Kevin Gausman, Justin Wrobleski, Tarik Skubal, Nolan McLean, and Cade Cavalli deliver stud performances, while Max Muncy, Christian Yelich, Henry Bolte, Konnor Griffin, Landen Roupp, Noah Cameron, and Trey Gibson struggle as duds. In today's segment, learn why Brent Rooker and Mookie Betts are prime buy candidates, and discover why it is time to sell high on Caleb Durbin and Griffin Jax. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net - rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 min
Jun 30, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 30: Jeremy Pena injured & Bullpen Report

Top prospect shortstop Joshua Kuroda-Grauer made a stunning major league debut for the Athletics, racking up three hits in his first game. Corey Pieper breaks down high-impact rookie promotions, crucial injury wire shifts, the daily Bullpen Report, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Roster adjustments are flooding the transaction wire as Tyler Soderstrom, Jacob Wilson, and Jeremy Pena are all headed to the injured list, while Addison Barger is shut down with a stress reaction. On the positive side, Hunter Greene is expected back this week, Tyler Glasnow has resumed throwing, Chase DeLauter is activated off the injured list, and Teoscar Hernandez returns to action while Ryan Ward hits the shelf. Roster managers must also track early game exits for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Dane Myers following separate outfield collisions. A massive daily performance slate features Casey Mize striking out ten over seven one-hit frames, George Kirby fanning seven across eight strong innings, and Eduardo Rodriguez logging seven sharp frames. Offensively, Brandon Marsh launched two home runs, Endy Rodriguez smashed a grand slam, and Francisco Lindor, Esmerlyn Valdez, Cam Smith, Cole Young, and Heliot Ramos all left the yard, alongside stellar pitching lines from Sean Burke, Shane Baz, Trey Yesavage, Zebby Matthews, and Eric Lauer. On the negative side, Aaron Nola collapsed for seven earned runs in 4.1 innings, Braxton Ashcraft and Ryan Weathers combined to give up ten runs, Christian Walker went hitless, and frontline starters Sandy Alcantara and Gage Jump suffered heavy five-earned-run implosions. The daily Bullpen Report analyzes critical late-inning shifts across the league, tracking David Bednar heading to the paternity leave list, Gregory Soto handling duties for Pittsburgh, Garret Whitlock locking down a save for Boston amid Aroldis Chapman trade rumors, Trevor Megill staying locked in for Milwaukee alongside an eleven-win campaign for Aaron Ashby, Mason Barnett emerging for the Athletics, and a potential closer change for Paul Sewald. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 min
Jun 29, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 29: Wyatt Langford IL & Waiver Wire

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford officially lands on the injured list after suffering an unexpected physical setback. Corey Pieper breaks down structural managerial firings, significant minor league promotions, the weekly Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical and transaction wire is in complete chaos as the New York Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza, Tony Santillan lands on the injured list with an oblique strain, and Marcelo Mayer, Robert Suarez, and Jesus Sanchez all hit the injured list. Meanwhile, Wyatt Langford hits the shelf, Tyler Soderstrom battles hip tightness, and Kai-Wei Teng is demoted, though fantasy managers receive reinforcements with Konnor Griffin returning, Hurston Waldrep being recalled, Adley Rutschman returning from the injured list, Sean Keys and Miguel Ulola earning promotions, Simeon Woods Richardson hitting waivers, Carlos Santana signing with the Braves, and Tommy Pham joining the Phillies on a minor league deal. Daily performance metrics highlight a stacked group of standouts as Hunter Goodman, Jake Bennett, David Peterson, Logan Webb, Kazuma Okamoto, Seiya Suzuki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Luis Garcia Jr., Ryan O'Hearn, Sonny Gray, Junior Caminero, Brandon Woodruff, Esmerlyn Valdez, Chris Sale, and Kerry Carpenter deliver big games, while Michael Wacha clashes with Davis Martin and Robbie Ray battles Chris Sale. Conversely, a massive list of foundational aces completely imploded, with Dylan Cease, Logan Gilbert, Gerrit Cole, Andre Pallante, Chase Burns, Kyle Bradish, Michael King, Anthony Kay, Roki Sasaki, Jared Jones, and Spencer Arrighetti all relegated to the duds section. Our weekly Waiver Wire segment provides direct tactical targets to optimize your active roster, specifically breaking down the immediate priority additions of Heliot Ramos, Bryce Eldridge, AJ Ewing, Joey Cantillo, and Brandon Young. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 min
Jun 26, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 26: Ray's Day: Seymours No-Hit Effort & Caminero's Historic Trifecta

A blockbuster Thursday slate shook the fantasy baseball universe to its absolute core, delivering a slate-breaking power clinic from a top-tier young phenom alongside an elite pitching performance that flirted with absolute perfection. Corey Pieper returns to break down the massive fantasy fallout, highlighting league-winning offensive explosions, high-leverage pitching meltdowns, crucial injury timelines, and an enticing underdog look for the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The Tampa Bay Rays put on an absolute masterclass that dominated the fantasy landscape. Infield cornerstone Junior Caminero logged a historic, slate-shattering first career three-home run game, punishing Royals pitching to the tune of 6 RBIs in a 13-2 rout. Right behind him on the mound, Ian Seymour put together a breathtaking bulk-relief performance, carrying a collective no-hit bid into the late frames while spinning 6.2 hitless, scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Elsewhere in the league, young frontline arms flashed jaw-dropping upside. Bryce Miller weaponized an uncatchable arsenal to fan 11 batters over 5.2 frames, Tatsuya Imai fanned 10 in a stellar 6-inning duel to outlast Troy Melton, and Connelly Early logged nine punchouts to match Cam Schlittler's electric 9-strikeout showcase. After an agonizing slump, Freddy Peralta finally provided a massive sigh of relief for his fantasy managers, bouncing back beautifully from his previous shellacking to fire 5.2 brilliant, scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the power surges continued at the dish, as Caleb Durbin launched another long ball, and Texas phenom Wyatt Langford kept his blistering hot streak alive by clearing the fences yet again. On the flip side, several high-investment foundational players completely tanked fantasy ratios on Thursday. Premium righty Seth Lugo was targeted early and often, completely unraveling to surrender seven earned runs in just five painful innings. Kevin Gausman similarly hit a devastating structural roadblock, shelled for six earned runs on 10 hard hits across six laborious frames. Relief depth took a massive hit too, as Gus Varland collapsed out of the bullpen, tagged for five earned runs while failing to finish his second frame. High-profile rookies also endured a harsh reality check, with both Jac Caglianone and Nick Kurtz going completely quiet, turning in empty 0-for-4 nights anchored by three empty strikeouts apiece. The active fantasy landscape is bracing for a monumental weekend wave of high-impact activations and structural shifts. Roster reinforcements are officially incoming as dynamic shortstop centerpiece Bobby Witt Jr. is anticipated to make his highly awaited return to lineups today, and Corey Seager is officially back in action. Arizona's active rotation gets an immediate jolt with Brandon Pfaadt taking the bump today, newly flanked by veteran Max Kepler, who officially linked up with the Diamondbacks yesterday. However, it's not all positive news; To

1 hr 9 min
Jun 26, 2026
2026 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Stop Draft Room Panic

Are you walking straight into a trap when you enter your draft room? This week, Joe Bond, A.J. Applegarth, and Corey Pieper deliver a foundational draft strategy masterclass to help you set up your screen, exploit baseline host site pre-ranks, and maintain complete structural flexibility without panicking when the draft clock ticks down. IN THIS EPISODE: • Screen Setup: The exact tab layouts the pros use to maintain a mathematical edge. • Default Traps: Why blindly trusting host site default rankings kills your roster value. • Fluid Construction: Remaining flexible instead of locking into rigid Zero-RB or Hero-RB plans. • Beating the Run: The psychological triggers for spotting live positional runs early. • Bench Optimization: The definitive structural rule for the double-digit rounds. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy 1:55 - What Your Screen Looks Like & Tabs to Use 6:17 - Why Host Site Default Rankings Are a Trap 12:07 - Using Positional Tiers to Stop Draft Panic 15:30 - FanDuel Team Win Totals Market Angles 23:00 - Keeping Your Strategy Fluid vs. Rigid Plans 27:50 - How Your Draft Slot Changes Opening Moves 33:55 - The First 3 Rounds "Balanced Team" Mistake 38:20 - Handling Live Positional Runs & Knowing When to Reach 43:35 - Capitalizing on Major Player ADP Falls on the Fly 47:00 - Safe High-Floor vs. Unproven High-Upside 53:35 - Late-Round Bench Building Strategy 58:00 - The #1 Rule for Filling Bench Spots RESOURCES & TOOLS Dominate your league with the F6P Draft Cheat Sheet & Rankings. Save 15% with promo code F6PPODS at https://fantasysixpack.net/plans. Get more expert tools, analytics, and articles all summer long at https://fantasysixpack.net/. Connect with the hosts on X: @F6P_Joe, @AppleGarthAlgar, and @copieps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 min
Jun 24, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 24: Jac Caglianone Surge & Drops

Jac Caglianone continues his blistering hot streak after crushing two home runs against the Rays last night. Joe Bond breaks down the top Drops of the Week and analyzes the FanDuel Bet of the Day featuring Jac Caglianone. Today's news features massive injury updates as Cole Ragans faces elbow surgery, Jack Leiter undergoes ankle surgery, and Edward Cabrera lands on the IL. Plus, Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber, and CJ Abrams deal with late scratches or early exits. The performance listings feature Jac Caglianone, Bryson Stott, and Sonny Gray as fantasy studs. Meanwhile, Curtis Mead, Shane Bieber, Shane Baz, and Kodai Senga land on the duds list after tough outings. For the Drops of the Week segment, we evaluate whether to move on from slumping options like Nico Hoerner, Ezequiel Duran, JJ Bleday, Geraldo Perdomo, Bryce Elder, and Nick Lodolo based on their recent stats. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 min
Jun 23, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 23: Cole's Reality Check & Core Reinforcements Return

A high-stakes Monday schedule fundamentally shifted the fantasy landscape as ace starters faced starkly contrasting fates, strategic bullpen management unlocked massive streaming value, and a wave of superstar injury activations prepared to reshape active lineups. Corey Pieper returns to dive deep into a critical slate of performances, breaking down brilliant bounceback campaigns, alarming pitching regressions, crucial bullpen developments, and a fresh FanDuel Bet of the Day target. The elite pitching tier delivered extreme polarization to start the week. Kyle Bradish put together an absolute masterclass, stifling hitters across eight scoreless frames with nine strikeouts, while Michael King was equally spectacular, preservation-perfect over seven shutout innings with five punchouts. Brandon Woodruff was utterly electric in his return, silencing opposition bats with 10 strikeouts across six dominant, one-hit frames to hold off an equally sharp Brady Singer. Framber Valdez flashed stellar form with eight strikeouts over six frames of one-run ball, and Michael Wacha outdueled Drew Rasmussen by logging seven frames of one-run stability. Conversely, Gerrit Cole ran into an absolute buzzsaw, shelled for five earned runs on nine hard hits in a brief 4.1-inning exit, leaving fantasy managers sweating over his structural consistency. Meanwhile, strategic bulk-relievers stealing wins behind openers became an absolute goldmine; Eric Lauer fired six hitless, spectacular frames out of the bullpen, Alan Rangel tossed five innings of one-run ball, and highly touted prospect Kumar Rocker fanned nine batters across five stellar bulk frames to eclipse Tyler Phillips. The waiver and injury landscape is shifting beneath our feet with massive high-impact reinforcements on the immediate horizon. Fantasy managers can officially rejoice as Cincinnati's dynamic superstar Elly De La Cruz is locked in for his Tuesday activation from the hamstring injured list, while former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber is ready to make his long-awaited season debut for the Blue Jays. San Francisco is also on the verge of an incredible depth boost, with Francisco Lindor and flame-throwing righty Eury Perez trending aggressively toward a potential Wednesday return. On the critical tracking front, MVP centerpiece Bobby Witt Jr. sat out Monday's action but remains highly optimistic about avoiding a costly IL stint, while Kyle Tucker continues to manage lower back spasms. On the downside, both Dalton Rushing and Jeremy Peña triggered concern by leaving their respective contests early due to apparent physical tweaks. We wrap up the program with a comprehensive, deep-dive Bullpen Report tracking sudden closer instability. We analyze Ryan Helsley's uncharacteristic recent structural struggles, evaluate Jaden Hill's ascending leverage role in Colorado alongside Elvis Alvarado's concurrent high-leverage blown-save regression, navigate the cloudy late-inning committee s

29 min
Jun 22, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 22: Weekend Power Outbursts & Elite Arms Get Shelled

A wild weekend of fantasy baseball action delivered jaw-dropping power displays and unexpected pitching disasters, leaving managers to navigate an increasingly volatile landscape. Corey Pieper breaks down a massive slate of weekend results, major injury updates, catastrophic pitching lines, and the latest FanDuel Bet of the Day. The long ball took center stage on Saturday and Sunday. Kyle Schwarber put on a masterclass with a historic three-home run performance on Saturday, while Ozzie Albies, Jeremy Peña, Ty France, top draft picks Travis Bazzana and JJ Wetherholt, and collegiate phenom Jac Caglianone all left the yard twice over the weekend. Bryce Harper electrified fantasy managers by hitting for the cycle on Saturday, William Contreras put together a massive 4-for-5 day with a home run and 3 RBIs, and Wyatt Langford continued his hot streak, launching another long ball while handling leadoff duties on Sunday. On the mound, Joey Cantillo was nearly untouchable, carrying a gem through eight innings with nine strikeouts and just one earned run, while young arms like Cam Schlittler racked up an incredible 13 strikeouts, and Troy Melton fired six innings of one-hit ball. Veteran Logan Webb went the distance with an eight-inning complete game, and Nathan Eovaldi bounced back from a skipped start to log nine strikeouts over six strong frames. It wasn't all celebration, however, as several frontline aces ran into absolute buzzsaws. Freddy Peralta endured a catastrophic nightmare, knocked out after coughing up 10 earned runs on 10 hits in just 2.2 innings. Bryce Elder was tagged for eight earned runs on 12 hits, while Kevin Gausman got rocked for seven earned runs while walking four in just two innings. Stephen Kolek gave up nine earned runs in less than two frames, and Dustin May surrendered six earned runs in a brief two-inning appearance. Even steady stars hit speed bumps, as Jacob deGrom was tagged for six earned runs over six frames, and Tarik Skubal surrendered two home runs in a shaky 5.2-inning performance. The injury landscape remains highly active and critical for upcoming roster decisions. On the bright side, ace Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber are both set to make highly anticipated returns to the mound on Monday, Eury Perez is expected back next week, and Daulton Varsho made an immediate impact upon his return with a three-run blast. However, the Baltimore Orioles suffer a massive blow as star catcher Adley Rutschman lands on the 7-day concussion injured list after a freak collision, while MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. is dealing with a Grade 1 MCL sprain. Elly De La Cruz is targeting a Tuesday return, and Teoscar Hernandez is eyeing a June 29th comeback, but Ryne Nelson (flexor), Michael Soroka (glute), Jordan Lawlar (hamstring), and Jack Leiter (ankle) all face structural setbacks. We close out the show with our Weekly Waiver Wire segment, highlighting the top targets you need to grab tonight to st

20 min
Jun 19, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 19: Mike Trout Injury Crisis & Rookie Pitching Gems

A staggering wave of superstar injuries has completely derailed fantasy baseball rosters, leaving managers scrambling for answers on the waiver wire. Corey Pieper breaks down a massive slate of breaking news, spectacular rookie pitching performances, costly duds, and the daily FanDuel Bet of the Day. The injury bug bit hard on Thursday night as fantasy royalty hit the shelf. Bobby Witt Jr. was forced to exit early with a right knee injury and is undergoing further medical testing, while Trea Turner left his ballgame after being struck by a pitch in the calf. Mike Trout lands on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. was knocked out early following a painful shot to the groin. Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman struggled through a hitless, two-strikeout performance after taking a throw directly to the head. On the mound, the Milwaukee Brewers suffer a crushing blow as breakout right-hander Quinn Priester is officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery. On the bright side, Wenceel Perez is managing a facial injury, Jose Soriano is expected to take the bump today after skipping his Thursday start with chest discomfort, and superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor is finally set to launch his minor league rehab assignment this Friday. Despite the medical chaos, a brilliant group of young arms took center stage. Gage Jump turned in a masterclass performance, firing seven brilliant innings of one-hit ball with seven strikeouts to completely shut down the Angels. Parker Messick flashed his best velocity of the season, racking up nine strikeouts over six innings of two-run ball against Milwaukee. Bryan Woo was absolutely flawless, spinning seven scoreless frames with nine strikeouts, matching a spectacular nine-strikeout duel against Shane Baz. Sean Burke excelled as a bulk follower behind opener Bryan Hudson, striking out eight over 7.1 brilliant innings against Ryan Weathers. Joe Ryan cruised through five scoreless frames, and Trey Yesavage battled veteran Sonny Gray in a gritty seven-inning showdown. Offensively, Juan Soto blasted two solo home runs, Wyatt Langford and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both cleared the fence, and nearly the entire Kansas City starting lineup crossed the plate for a run, with only Nick Loftin missing out on the scoring barrage. On the negative side of the ledger, young arms hit a wall as Jack Leiter was shelled for six earned runs in just four innings, while Matthew Liberatore was lit up for seven runs in a brief 1.2-inning nightmare. High-profile bats completely frozen at the plate include Braden Montgomery falling below the .200 mark after a multi-strikeout collar, Jasson Dominguez and Brandon Marsh both punching out repeatedly, and Cal Raleigh enduring an ugly four-strikeout night to drop his average to .164, alongside quiet nights from Bo Bichette, Gunnar Henderson, Joc Pederson, and Brice Turang. Final

29 min
Jun 18, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 18: Trea Turner Slump & Rankings Movers

Trea Turner and Mookie Betts are sliding down the rest-of-season ranks due to extended cold stretches at the plate. Host Joe Bond breaks down the latest news, dissects the biggest Rankings Movers, and delivers the FanDuel Bet of the Day featuring Joe Ryan over 6.5 strikeouts and Yankees -1.5 vs White Sox. News and Injuries: Cole Ragans and Spencer Strider are transferred to the 60-day IL. Ronald Acuna remains a long way from returning. Studs and Duds: Kyle Stowers, Sterlin Thompson, Colson Montgomery, Carter Jensen, Jackson Merrill, Ryan O'Hearn, Kyle Bradish, Nolan McLean, and Eduardo Rodriguez lead as yesterday's studs. Lawrence Butler, Colt Emerson, Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins, Andrew Painter, Anthony Kay, Shohei Ohtani, and Sean Sullivan are listed as duds. Rankings Movers: Rising stock includes Jordan Walker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Tyler Soderstrom, Brandon Marsh, Bryce Eldridge, Logan Webb, Sonny Gray, Reid Detmers, and Dustin May. Falling stock includes Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Parker Messick, Roki Sasaki, Trey Yesavage, and Taj Bradley. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 min
Jun 17, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 17: Cole Ragans Setback & Trade Targets

Cole Ragans is undergoing additional arm testing after a new injury setback cutting his throwing session short. Joe Bond breaks down the latest Trade Targets segment alongside today's top highlights and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Shohei Ohtani will not hit Wednesday but starts on the mound. Colt Keith's X-rays returned negative. Chase DeLauter is day to day with a small rib fracture. Edward Cabrera exited with a trainer. Randy Arozarena was placed on the injured list. Michael Harris exited early Tuesday. Luis Castillo follows Miller on Friday. Heliot Ramos is ready for a rehab assignment, and Garrett Crochet is close to playing catch. Roman Anthony's follow-up MRI was clean, while Giancarlo Stanton re-injured his calf. Today's performance listings features studs Bryan Reynolds, Zack Gelof, Sal Stewart, Brice Turang, Spencer Jones, Hunter Brown, Dylan Cease, Drew Rasmussen, Reid Detmers, Justin Wrobleski, and Framber Valdez. Duds include Willson Contreras, Eugenio Suarez, Cole Carrigg, Henry Bolte, Kodai Senga, Kumar Rocker, and Brandon Young. Our featured Trade Targets segment reviews buy candidates Kyle Tucker, Max Fried, and Cal Raleigh, plus sell options Brandon Marsh, Matt Chapman, and Max Meyer. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 min
Jun 16, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 16: Corey Seager IL & Bullpen Report

Corey Seager has been placed on the seven-day injured list after exhibiting persistent concussion symptoms. Corey Pieper analyzes a massive slate of major injuries, extensive performance lines, the Bullpen Report, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical updates are completely reshaping fantasy rosters as Grayson Rodriguez lands on the injured list with a back injury, Troy Melton is scratched due to lower back tightness, and Christian Scott hits the injured list with a hip impingement. Spencer Strider faces a four-week shutdown period, Trea Turner is managing a bruised wrist, and Gleyber Torres left his game early. On the transaction wire, Lourdes Gurriel returns to action while Ryan Waldschmidt gets optioned, Drake Baldwin is officially reinstated, and fantasy managers can expect Cal Raleigh, Kodai Senga, and Hunter Brown back on the active roster today. An explosive performance slate features Dustin May firing nine innings of one-hit ball with nine strikeouts, Zack Wheeler striking out nine over six innings, and Mackenzie Gore racking up ten strikeouts across seven frames while allowing four earned runs. Offensively, Pete Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-4 to hit for the cycle, Colt Keith launched three home runs with six RBIs, Eugenio Suarez hit two home runs with six RBIs, Nick Kurtz hit two home runs, and Isaac Paredes has four home runs over the last two weeks, alongside contributions from Joc Pederson, Bo Bichette, JJ Bleday, Cole Carrigg, Walbert Urena, Ryne Nelson, JT Ginn, and a mention of Chase Burns. On the negative side, Salvador Perez, Kyle Stowers, and Seiya Suzuki posted hitless outings with multiple strikeouts, while Kai-Wei Teng surrendered five earned runs in 3.1 innings and Jared Jones gave up five earned runs in four innings. The daily Bullpen Report breaks down critical late-inning vacancies and role changes across baseball, detailing Mason Miller heading to the bereavement list, Kenley Jansen returning to high-leverage duties, a possible injury to Andres Munoz, and the roles of Yoendrys Gomez and Elvis Alvarado. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

30 min
Jun 15, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 15: Spencer Strider Injury & Waiver Wire

Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider landed on the injured list with severe right elbow inflammation after an alarming velocity drop. Corey Pieper breaks down the latest injury updates across Major League Baseball, runs through the Waiver Wire segment, and locks in the FanDuel Bet of the Day. In news and injury updates, Jacob Wilson returned from the injured list while Brent Rooker was shelved, and Seth Lugo hit the concussion-injured list. AJ Puk had his rehab assignment paused after a setback, Nolan Gorman was optioned to Triple-A with Blaze Jordan making his MLB debut, and Adolis Garcia landed on the 60-day injured list with a torn right lat. Spencer Strider left his start with arm soreness leading to his injured list stint, Sean Sullivan left his debut at Las Vegas due to illness, and Trent Grisham hit the injured list with a right hamstring strain which prompted the activation of Jasson Dominguez. Jose Ramirez is dealing with a broken hamate bone, Evan Carter went to the injured list with an oblique strain, Seiya Suzuki is experiencing right knee discomfort, and Vinnie Pasquantino suffered a hamate fracture sidelining him four to six weeks. Cooper Pratt is set for a Tuesday call-up, Corey Seager is showing concussion symptoms, Josh Naylor fouled a ball off his shin, Andres Munoz has lower back tightness, Grayson Rodriguez is fighting back tightness after a poor outing, and Jose Soriano experienced a tight chest and sore legs despite a strong start. Additionally, Tarik Skubal returned Saturday throwing 4.2 innings allowing five hits, one walk, two earned runs, and four strikeouts, while Jack Flaherty hit the injured list with a left peroneal strain. For daily performance metrics, Jacob Misiorowski threw a complete game allowing one hit with 15 strikeouts, Tanner Bibee threw 7 innings allowing two hits and two walks with two earned runs and eight strikeouts while giving up solo home runs to Spencer Torkelson and James Outman, and Sandy Alcantara went 8 innings allowing five hits and one walk with three earned runs and seven strikeouts. Liam Hicks went 3-for-4 with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs Friday, Ceddanne Rafaela went 3-for-5 with three runs, one home run, three RBIs, and one steal Friday, Dominic Canzone hit a home run, and Yordan Alvarez hit two home runs with six RBIs Friday in the first inning. Nick Kurtz had an incredible week at Las Vegas, Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with a home run Friday, Cole Carrigg homered Friday, Bo Bichette hit two home runs Friday, and Ivan Herrera hit two home runs Saturday. Cam Schlittler tossed 7 innings allowing six hits and four walks with one earned run and seven strikeouts against Kevin Gausman who threw 7 innings allowing one hit and two walks with one earned run and seven strikeouts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto went 8.1 innings allowing one hit and one earned run with seven strikeouts, and Shohei Ohtani returned Saturday going 1-for-3 with two runs, one home run, one RBI, and thr

1 hr 35 min
Jun 12, 2026
Fantasy Baseball Week 12 Waiver Wire & Trade Targets: Matt McLain, Ronald Acuna Jr., Shota Imanaga, Miguel Vargas

In this episode of The Fantasy Six Pack Hour, AJ Applegarth, Joe Bond, and Corey Pieper dive deep into the crucial adjustments you need to make for Week 12. The guys break down the most urgent waiver wire priorities, including why Matt McLain demands your attention and how to handle the fallout from the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen. They also analyze massive shifts in player valuations, pinpointing prime buy-low windows for elite stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shota Imanaga while identifying exactly when to pivot away from injured assets like Garrett Crochet. Master Your League Optimize your daily matchups and strategy with our advanced projection tools: Fantasy Six Pack Premium Plans (Use Promocode F6PPODS to save 15%!) Episode Timestamps 0:00 - Week 12 Fantasy Baseball Introduction 2:45 - Waiver Wire Add: Matt McLain (2B/SS, CIN) 6:35 - Waiver Wire Add: Mauricio Dubon (2B/3B/SS/OF, ATL) 9:25 - Waiver Wire Add: Peter Lambert (SP, HOU) 13:20 - Waiver Wire Add: Reid Detmers (SP, LAA) 15:00 - Waiver Wire Add: Jung Hoo Lee (OF, SF) 19:50 - Rage Drop of the Week: Milwaukee Brewers Bullpen (Trevor Megill, Chad Patrick) 26:50 - Waiver Wire Drop: Ryne Nelson (SP, ARI) 29:00 - Waiver Wire Drop: Chase DeLauter (OF, CLE) 31:45 - Waiver Wire Drop: Trea Turner (SS, PHI) 35:20 - FanDuel Odds: AL Pennant, NL Pennant, World Series Market Shifts 47:20 - Rankings Riser: Hunter Goodman (C/OF, COL) 48:40 - Rankings Riser: Pete Alonso (1B, BAL) 50:30 - Rankings Riser: Jeremy Pena (SS, HOU) 52:15 - Rankings Riser: Miguel Vargas (2B/3B, CWS) 54:23 - Rankings Riser: Bryce Miller (SP, SEA) 55:50 - Rankings Riser: Logan Webb (SP, SF) 57:22 - Rankings Faller: Ketel Marte (2B, ARI) 58:38 - Rankings Faller: Kyle Tucker (OF, LAD) 1:00:48 - Rankings Faller: Brent Rooker (OF, ATH) 1:02:55 - Rankings Faller: Rafael Devers (1B, SF) 1:04:15 - Rankings Faller: Garrett Crochet (SP, BOS) 1:07:42 - Rankings Faller: Jose Soriano (SP, LAA) 1:09:26 - Buy Low Trade Target: Reid Detmers (SP, LAA) 1:14:01 - Buy Low Trade Target: Shota Imanaga (SP, CHC) 1:17:02 - Buy Low Trade Target: Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF, ATL) 1:22:52 - Sell High Trade Target: Zack Gelof (2B, ATH) 1:25:10 - Sell High Trade Target: Connelly Early (SP, BOS) 1:28:40 - Sell High Trade Target: Ben Brown (SP, CHC) Core Analytical Takeaways Whether you are trying to acquire underperforming aces or navigating complex roster depth changes in high-stakes formats, this episode gives you the data-driven strategy to stay ahead of your league mates. Learn how to separate temporary slumps from fundamental skill regression and maximize your FAAB budget as we head into the summer months. Connect With the Network<br

17 min
Jun 12, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 12: Will Smith IL & Pitching Planner

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith was officially placed on the 10-day injured list due to neck inflammation. Corey Pieper breaks down the latest injury updates across Major League Baseball, runs through the Pitching Planner segment, and locks in the FanDuel Bet of the Day. In news and injury updates, Tarik Skubal sat while Kenley Jansen is out Friday, Seth Lugo underwent CT scans, and Justin Wrobleski suffered a hamstring contusion alongside Shohei Ohtani dealing with left knee inflammation. Jordan Lawlar makes his return today, while Antwone Kelly prepares for his MLB debut. For daily performance metrics, Tiger hitters Gleyber Torres, Wenceel Perez, Riley Greene, Colt Keith, Spencer Torkelson, and Zach McKinstry hit six home runs, while Keider Montero pitched 6.1 innings with four hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. Lars Nootbaar hit a home run, Alec Burleson homered in three straight games, and Bo Bichette and Juan Soto both hit home runs. Tyler Phillips pitched 5 innings allowing two hits and two walks with zero earned runs and five strikeouts against Merrill Kelly who went 6 innings allowing four hits, two walks, two earned runs, and one strikeout, while Cole Carrigg launched his first home run. On the negative side, Zebby Matthews struggled through 6 innings allowing nine hits, one walk, seven earned runs, and four strikeouts, while Bryan Woo was listed among the duds. The rotating Pitching Planner details upcoming matchups featuring Tarik Skubal at Cleveland, Trey Yesavage versus the New York Yankees, Taj Bradley versus St. Louis, Imai at Kansas City, Kyle Harrison versus Philadelphia, and Landen Roupp versus Chicago Cubs. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 min
Jun 11, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 11: Oneil Cruz Broken Hand & Rankings

Oneil Cruz is headed to the injured list with a broken left hand and is expected to miss at least four to six weeks. Joe Bond breaks down the latest news, the Rankings segment, and previews the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Will Smith is ticketed for the injured list, while Kodai Senga and Ryan Helsley are resuming rehab assignments. Garrett Crochet admits his strain is worse than expected, and Seth Lugo leaves early after being hit by a comebacker. Brent Rooker sits with knee soreness, and Matthew Boyd will not start this weekend. Today's performance listings feature Matt Chapman, Tyler Callihan, Caleb Durbin, Logan O'Hoppe, Byron Buxton, Davis Martin, Drew Rasmussen, George Kirby, Reid Detmers, Jesus Luzardo, and Shota Imanaga as studs. Jake Bauers, Trea Turner, Riley Greene, Zach Neto, Michael Harris II, Ryne Nelson, Max Scherzer, Robbie Ray, Parker Messick, and Framber Valdez are listed as duds. In the weekly Rankings segment, Hunter Goodman, Pete Alonso, Jeremy Pena, Josh Hader, and Logan Webb emerge as risers. Meanwhile, Trey Yesavage, Spencer Strider, and Jose Soriano are sliding down as fallers. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 min
Jun 10, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 10: Ronald Acuna Injury & Drops

Ronald Acuna exits early with an injury, forcing fantasy managers to immediately brace for the upcoming medical updates. Joe Bond breaks down today's major news, runs through the Drops of the Week, and locks in the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Adley Rutschman deals with hamstring tightness, Oneil Cruz gets scratched, and Will Smith faces a possible IL stint. On the positive side, Tarik Skubal, Cole Ragans, Casey Mize, and Brandon Woodruff are all making visible progress toward returning. Dillon Dingler, Jac Caglianone, Matt Olson, Bryce Eldridge, and Nick Kurtz lead a deep list of top daily performers. Conversely, Dalton Rushing, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Adolis Garcia, and Freddy Peralta struggled heavily in yesterday's action. We evaluate the rotating segment to decide if it is time to cut ties with Maikel Garcia, Jose Altuve, Emmet Sheehan, or Aaron Nola. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 min
Jun 9, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 9: Las Vegas Offensive Explosion & Bullpen Report

Dylan Cease returns to the starting rotation today after missing more than two weeks with a left hamstring strain. Corey Pieper breaks down massive starting rotation reinforcements, critical late-inning shifts, the daily Bullpen Report, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Roster adjustments are arriving at a furious pace as Chris Bassitt and Jameson Taillon officially land on the injured list, J.P. Crawford faces a multi-week shelf stint with a hand contusion, and Garrett Whitlock makes his highly anticipated return to the mound. Fantasy managers also need to monitor the promotions of Denzer Guzman and Trey Mancini. Statcast data confirms immediate buying opportunities for Cristopher Sanchez following a dazzling ten-strikeout gem fueled by an elite 42% chase rate on his changeup, while underlying metrics warn managers to steer clear of Kyle Harrison after a devastating seven-earned-run implosion marked by a massive spike in hard-hit contact. For the Bullpen Report, we sort through crucial leverage hierarchies across the league, analyzing the current job security and performance of Ryan Helsley, Andres Munoz, David Bednar, Kirby Yates, and the high-stakes battle between Grant Taylor and Seranthony Dominguez. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

31 min
Jun 8, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 8: Byron Buxton Injury & Waiver Wire

Byron Buxton is headed for imaging after aggravating an ongoing right shoulder issue that forced him from the lineup. Corey Pieper breaks down critical health updates, fluctuating depth charts, the daily Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical wire continues to devastate fantasy rosters as Royals rookie sensation Jac Caglianone exits early with acute right shoulder soreness following a wall collision, Tyler Glasnow shifts to the 60-day IL, and Austin Wells lands on the IL with cervical headaches. On a brighter note, fantasy managers receive immediate offensive boosts with the official activations of Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager, and Royce Lewis. Statcast data highlights immediate warning signs for Aaron Nola after a five-earned-run implosion marked by a severe drop in his curveball spin rate, while underlying metrics show immense promise for Carson Benge following a perfect five-hit explosion highlighted by an elite 108 mph maximum exit velocity profile. For the Waiver Wire, we analyze high-impact targets ready to spark your roster, evaluating the immediate priority additions of Carson Benge, Sam Antonacci, JT Ginn, and Gage Jump. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 min
Jun 5, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 5: Aaron Judge Injury & Weekend Pitching Planner

Aaron Judge will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing extensive imaging that revealed a right rib stress fracture. Corey Pieper breaks down breaking superstar injury news, high-impact roster replacements, the daily Weekend Planner, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical wire is completely fundamentally altering the fantasy baseball universe as Chris Bassitt leaves his last start with severe back structural discomfort, Trevor Story shifts to the 60-day injured list, and Shohei Ohtani plays through a finger blister issue. Fantasy managers finally receive incoming reinforcements with Corey Seager and Lars Nootbaar trackable to return to starting lineups today. Statcast data signals a buying window for Shota Imanaga despite letting up six earned runs, as his horizontal pitch separation metrics remain completely intact. Conversely, investigate Brayan Bello under the hood, where his groundball rate plummeted to an ugly season low during a miserable seven-hit, eight-earned-run implosion. For the Weekend Planner, we chart out the most critical starting pitching streams and schedule adjustments across the league, spotlighting Edward Cabrera clashing against San Francisco and the sudden insertion of Jack Perkins into the rotation. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 hr 23 min
Jun 5, 2026
Week 11 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire & Rankings: Jarren Duran Riser + Jackson Chourio Buy Low

Looking for the absolute best fantasy baseball waiver wire advice, the latest fantasy baseball trade targets, and updated fantasy baseball rankings? We break down why Jarren Duran is highlighting our latest rankings risers, analyze the underlying metrics making Jackson Chourio an elite buy-low trade target, and pinpoint exactly who you need to target before your league mates catch on. Week 11 Market Analytics his underlying barrel rates and hard-hit metrics have been teasing a massive breakout, and his recent multi-homer explosion during the series sweep shows that the acquisition window is closing incredibly fast. Similarly, Oakland's Tyler Soderstrom is showing immense growth, dropping his strikeout rate from a concerning 30% down to a highly manageable 18%. Combined with a rising launch angle at a highly favorable Sutter Health Park hitting environment, his bat is primed for a massive second-half surge. On the flip side, identifying optimal sell-high timelines is just as crucial for long-term roster construction. Christian Yelich continues to provide solid surface counting stats, but his underlying metrics paint an incredibly alarming picture. Yelich's launch angle sits at a low two degrees, paired with a meager 6% barrel rate and a career-worst average exit velocity of 88 mph. With his strikeout rate jumping nearly 30% alongside chronic back discomfort, savvy managers should trade the veteran asset now to maximize return value before rest-of-season regression fully hits. Conversely, pitching depth remains highly volatile, as highlighted by the dramatic roster shifts across standard leagues. For those looking to fill open roster spots, looking toward efficient arms like Detroit's Troy Melton or checking the underlying predictive metrics of high-upside young arms like Chase Burns provides a strategic roadmap for stabilizing team ERAs and WHIPs without burning waiver priority on low-floor assets. Timestamps 0:00 - Week 11 Waivers, Rankings & Trade Targets 2:15 - Shane Baz (SP, BAL) 7:35 - Zack Littell (SP, WAS) 12:25 - Sam Antonacci (2B/3B/OF,

23 min
Jun 3, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 3: Aaron Judge Injury Concern & Trade Targets

Aaron Judge is dealing with a nagging right rib bone bruise affecting his shoulder swing mechanics and causing a major power outage. Joe Bond breaks down the latest impact on your roster alongside our weekly Trade Targets segment and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Garrett Crochet avoids structural damage but lands on the shelf with a low-grade lat strain while Josh Hader returns from the 60-day IL. Corey Seager and Jasson Dominguez are taking major steps forward as both outfielders clear hurdles to launch their official rehab assignments. Spencer Steer and Willy Adames headline our metric studs with elite expected slugging metrics showing massive multi-hit potential. Conversely, Rafael Devers and Jordan Walker land firmly as duds due to elevated groundball rates and declining hard-hit percentages. We analyze the underlying data pointing to Brent Rooker as an elite buy-low target while assessing reasons to sell high on Spencer Arrighetti before his ERA regresses. Joe outlines exactly how to navigate these fluctuating market values to maximize your roster depth. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 min
Jun 2, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: Jun 2: Elly De La Cruz IL & Bullpen Report

Elly De La Cruz lands on the injured list with a right hamstring strain that sidelines him for up to four weeks. Corey Pieper breaks down massive injury updates, crucial bullpen tier shifts, the daily Bullpen Report, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical wire is completely flooded as the Reds officially recall top infielder Edwin Arroyo to replace their injured superstar, Zach Neto gets scratched with sudden whiplash, Dylan Crews remains sidelined by an ongoing hand issue, and Josh Naylor exits early with painful back spasms. Fantasy managers can look for Gleyber Torres to potentially return to action today. Statcast data signals immediate warnings for Griffin Jax after an explosive six-earned-run meltdown driven by an alarming drop in his splitter location, while Jacob DeGrom showed vintage dominance through five frames with an elite 38% whiff rate that proves his underlying stuff remains completely unaltered by past injury absences. For the Bullpen Report, we sort out late-inning volatility across the major leagues, spotlighting Trevor Megill in Milwaukee, Ryan Helsley ramping back up in Baltimore, Jacob Latz in Texas, and Will Vest securing the most recent save opportunity for Detroit. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

32 min
Jun 1, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: June 1: Elly De La Cruz Injury & Waiver Wire

Elly De La Cruz is undergoing an urgent Monday morning MRI after exiting early with right hamstring tightness. Corey Pieper analyzes the massive fallout from weekend injury news, key Statcast trends, the Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The medical updates are altering the fantasy landscape as Munetaka Murakami is sidelined for up to six weeks with a severe hamstring injury, Eury Perez suffers an eight-week gracilis strain, and both Casey Mize and Bailey Ober hit the shelf. Fantasy managers get a breath of fresh air as Logan Webb and Jung Hoo Lee return from the injured list. Statcast data signals a massive buying opportunity for Shota Imanaga despite coughing up three home runs, as his underlying vertical approach angle remains elite. Conversely, look under the hood of Bailey Ober’s horrific twelve-hit shellacking, where a sudden velocity dip preceded his immediate move to the injured list with elbow inflammation. For the Waiver Wire, we map out priority additions available in most shallow configurations, highlighting deep-league stashes like Jake Bauers, Carson Benge, Curtis Mead, Tatsuya Imai, Kai-Wei Teng, and Troy Melton. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 min
May 29, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 29: Teoscar Hernandez Injured & Pitching Planner

Teoscar Hernandez is headed to the injured list with a severe left hamstring strain that sidelines him for several weeks. Corey Pieper details the breaking injury landscapes, unexpected roster shakeups, the daily Pitching Planner segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. The injury ledger is absolutely overflowing as Kenley Jansen lands on the IL with pelvic inflammation, Steven Kwan hits the bereavement list, and the Texas Rangers officially place Andrew McCutchen on release waivers. On the positive side of health, top pitching prospect Jared Jones returns to the mound for Pittsburgh today. Statcast metrics reveal immense optimism for Paul Skenes after an elite 10-strikeout outing despite a deceptive surface loss, while underlying barrel metrics suggest Nathan Eovaldi is on thin ice following an ugly five-earned-run implosion characterized by an alarming drop in his zone control. For the Pitching Planner, we surgically break down the streaming potential for Robbie Ray pitching at Coors Field, Brayan Bello working directly behind an opener, and high-upside weekend spots for Troy Melton and Tatsuya Imai. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net – rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 hr 28 min
May 29, 2026
Tanner Bibee Rage Drop? – Week 10 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire & Rankings

Is it officially time to rage drop Tanner Bibee after another blowout, or do the metrics suggest a major bounce-back is coming? Week 10 Fantasy Baseball Advanced Analytics & Strategic Breakdown The fantasy baseball landscape is shifting rapidly as we head into Week 10, requiring managers to separate raw surface statistics from true predictive indicators. The focal point of this week's analysis centers on Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee, whose disastrous outing against the Washington Nationals exposed massive vulnerabilities. Surrendering seven earned runs and an astounding five home runs over just three innings of work on Memorial Day sent shockwaves through fantasy rosters. Looking into his broader trajectory, a disturbing multi-year pattern emerges. Bibee's surface ERA has progressively climbed from 2.98 to 3.47, then to 4.24, and now sits at 4.57 for the season. Coupled with a 4.16 SIERA and a strikeout rate dropping below one punchout per inning, Bibee can no longer be viewed as an un-droppable asset. His underlying numbers indicate he has transitioned into a volatile, matchup-dependent option rather than a reliable rotation anchor. Pitching volatility dominates the landscape this week, highlighted by prominent rankings fallers Shota Imanaga and Nolan McLean. While some fantasy managers might react with panic to their downward slide in the rankings, it is crucial to analyze the shift structurally rather than assuming true skill regression. Shota Imanaga's dip reflects an expected correction after an incredibly hot stretch, making it an adjustment based on stabilizing underlying metrics. Meanwhile, Nolan McLean's slide serves as a reminder of how quickly pitching depth charts and small-sample performance can fluctuate in standard rankings models. Separating these structural rankings adjustments from complete profile collapses is what allows sharp managers to maximize their pitching rotations while others panic-drop viable assets. Conversely, the advanced data reveals lucrative buy-low windows for targets experiencing acute misfortune. Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker stands out as a prime trade target despite a freezing cold spell that dragged his batting average down to .189 with a 52:17 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While his standard Savant page flashes concerning blue metrics, Rooker boasts a consistent multi-year track record of crossing the 30-home-run threshold. In an era where league-wide batting averages are depressed, maintaining a true 30-homer profile provides massive utility, making him an ideal target while his market value is rock bottom. Similarly, managers must remain disciplined with elite foundational bats like Freddie Freeman and Bo Bichette. Freeman's minor dip in the rankings represents a normal structural variation rather than a fundamental degradation of his elite plate discipline. Bo Bichette is another prime example of why surface-level struggles should not trigger a pan

24 min
May 27, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 27: Cole Ragans Setback & Drops of the Week

Cole Ragans paused his rehab assignment after experiencing elbow stiffness, a crushing blow for fantasy managers expecting the Royals ace back soon. Joe Bond breaks down the latest injury updates, today's top analytical stock risers, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, Dylan Cease is progressing by playing catch, Tarik Skubal faced live hitters as he nears a return from elbow surgery, and Logan Webb is locked in to rejoin the Giants rotation this Friday at Coors Field. Meanwhile, Logan Henderson was forced to the IL with a back strain, and Griffin Jax is considered day-to-day. In Studs and Duds, Mookie Betts and Michael Harris put up premium Statcast metrics, while Spencer Torkelson and Ty France continue to crater your luxury offensive categories. For the Drops of the Week segment, we break down why it is officially time to cut bait on Matt McLain and Trevor Rogers, assessing the exact underlying metrics that make them droppable assets. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 min
May 26, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 26 – Houston Astros No-Hitter + Bullpen Report

The Houston Astros had three pitchers combine to throw the first no-hitter of the season. Does it mean you can now trust Tatsuya Imai? Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Bullpen Report segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, the White Sox designated Jarred Kelenic for assignment to pave the way for Nishida, while the Blue Jays officially placed ace Dylan Cease on the 15-day IL with a hamstring strain and hold Vladimir Guerrero Jr. out with elbow soreness. Meanwhile, Cole Ragans has been shut down for 2-3 days. In studs and duds, Jacob Misiorowski put on a masterclass by striking out 12 over seven frames, and Colton Cowser hit a walk-off home run for the second consecutive day. Conversely, Tanner Bibee got completely annihilated for seven earned runs while surrendering an egregious five home runs. For the Bullpen Report, we sort through a chaotic closing landscape across the league, analyzing the shifting high-leverage roles for Gregory Soto in Pittsburgh, Nate Pearson in Houston, and the continuous save rotation of Jeff Hoffman and Louis Varland in Toronto. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

29 min
May 25, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 25 – Add Reid Detmers? + Waiver Wire

Reid Detmers put together an absolute masterclass by striking out 14 batters, making him a mandatory waiver wire target. Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, Dylan Cease was pulled early and faces an MRI for left hamstring discomfort, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left with an elbow contusion after a hit-by-pitch, and Max Muncy remains sidelined. Plus, Ke'Bryan Hayes and Edward Cabrera land on the IL. TSN In studs and duds, Gavin Williams dominated with 11 strikeouts over eight frames, while elite arms Shota Imanaga and Robbie Ray completely imploded to wreck fantasy ratios across the board this weekend. For the Waiver Wire, we analyze priority targets available in most leagues, highlighting Samuel Basallo, Casey Schmitt, Jake Bauers, Seth Lugo, and a resurgent Reid Detmers. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 hr 23 min
May 22, 2026
Is it time to PANIC on Jackson Merrill? - Week 9 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire & Rankings

Is it time to panic on Jackson Merrill after a brutal slide in the rankings, or is this the ultimate window to buy low on a superstar like Freddie Freeman? We are breaking down the critical fantasy baseball waiver wire moves and rankings shifts you need to make right now. From the data behind Travis Bazzana's rise to the metrics causing concern for Fernando Tatis Jr., we have the analytical edge to keep you ahead of your league. On this episode of The F6P Hour, AJ, Joe, and Corey discuss the absolute must-add talents and the toxic trends forcing managers into difficult roster choices. The crew evaluates the actual panic meter for sliding superstars and uncovers under-the-radar waiver wire targets to salvage your offensive depth. They also explore the optimal windows to buy low on struggling high-end studs before their market price rockets back up. The Gunnar Henderson Slide: Why the elite shortstop is tumbling down Joe's rankings and whether the underlying Statcast metrics hint at a quick turnaround. Prospects on the Move: Deep dives into Travis Bazzana, Carson Benge, and high-upside arms like Jacob Misiorowski and Trey Yesavage. Premium Buy-Low Windows: Why underperforming elite assets like Freddie Freeman and Manny Machado are screaming trade targets right now according to Corey. Waiver Wire Realities: Navigating a messy injury week and identifying if J.T. Ginn or Gabriel Moreno can save your roster depth. As the fantasy baseball calendar hits Week 9, savvy managers must separate noise from actual signal. A primary example is the red-hot surge of Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday. While he might not have the volume to fully qualify for standard Statcast leaderboards yet, adjusting the parameters to a 50 at-bat minimum reveals an elite expected slugging percentage of .579, ranking him comfortably inside the top 10 league-wide. Combined with a robust 14% barrel rate and an expected batting average north of .300, Bleday is a priority addition across all formats, especially given the hitter-friendly environment of Great American Ball Park. Conversely, the evaluation of veterans like Alec Bohm requires a balanced perspective. Bohm has been a stabilizer over an 11-game hitting streak, flashing an empty average that boosts standard categories but masks his historical profile as a secondary power source. While he remains a highly usable asset across corner infield positions, his fantasy value leans heavily on counting stats in a potent Philadelphia offense rather than underlying Statcast metrics suggesting an imminent home run explosion. Meanwhile, the catcher landscape has drastically thinned due to structural injuries to primary tier options, vaulting Gabriel Moreno back into relevant consideration as a high-floor, volume-based streaming plug-in despite capped ceiling metrics. On the flip

17 min
May 22, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 22 – Braxton Ashcraft Keeps it Going + Pitching Planner

Braxton Ashcraft was absolutely dominant against the Cardinals, cementing himself as the must-add pitching target on waiver wires. Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Pitching Planner segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. Unfortunately, we will be without Robby Snelling for the rest of this season and perhaps all of next season with Tommy John surgery. It looked like another injury for Ronald Acuna Jr., but that may have just been a scare. In studs and duds, Cade Cavalli matched Ashcraft with a brilliant nine-strikeout performance and Michael Harris crushed two home runs, while veteran ace Sandy Alcantara got completely shelled for six earned runs in a miserable outing. For the Pitching Planner, we break down the upcoming schedules for Landen Roupp, Bubba Chandler, and Cole Ragans to help you target the right arms for your weekend matchups. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

32 min
May 21, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 21 – Jackson Merrill Injury + Rankings Movers

Got it, Boss. The bad info from the first run is cleared out, and we are locked onto the clean slate. Based on the current data, Jackson Merrill's back injury while leaping at the wall to rob Shohei Ohtani’s first-pitch home run on Wednesday night is driving massive search intent across the fantasy community right now. Here is your optimized, high-CTR metadata pack for today's episode. OUTPUT 1 — EPISODE TITLE First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 21 – Panic on Jackson Merrill? + Rankings Movers OUTPUT 2 — EPISODE DESCRIPTION Jackson Merrill left Wednesday's game early with an apparent back injury after hitting the wall hard, leaving fantasy managers holding their breath. On this episode of First Cup Fantasy Baseball, Joe Bond reacts to the latest high-profile injury scares, breaks down the biggest rest-of-season ranking shifts, and delivers a lock for today's FanDuel Bet of the Day. News & Injuries Jackson Merrill gets testing done on his back following a collision at the wall, while Brandon Nimmo exits early after aggravating a lingering hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Edward Cabrera leaves his start due to a blister, J.P. Crawford takes reps at third base, and Chase Dollander faces a multi-week shutdown. Studs & Duds Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Randy Arozarena light up the box score while prospect arms Trey Yesavage and Shane Baz show why the hype is real. On the flip side, Aaron Judge, Elly De La Cruz, and Aaron Nola post empty lines for fantasy managers. Rankings Risers/Fallers Travis Bazzana and Carson Benge surge up the rest-of-season boards after tearing through opposing pitching. Conversely, slumping superstars Gunnar Henderson and Fernando Tatis Jr. experience a drop in the latest analytical rankings update. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 min
May 20, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 20 – Dylan Crews Back + Buy/Sell/Drops

Dylan Crews is officially back in the majors with Washington, forcing fantasy managers to weigh if he is worth a potential add. Joe Bond breaks down the fantasy impact of the latest roster shuffles, daily Buy/Sell/Drops, and a Chris Sale FanDuel Bet of the Day. The Nationals shake up their roster by bringing Dylan Crews back to the big leagues, while teammate James Wood steals the show with an inside-the-park grand slam. Meanwhile, Ryan Jeffers is slated to miss 6-to-8 weeks with a severe strain, and the Astros place Lance McCullers Jr. back on the IL. Jackson Holliday slides down to seventh in his season debut, while Gerrit Cole and Corbin Burnes lock in key weekend pitching milestones. Bo Bichette, Freddie Freeman, and Travis Bazzana lead a stacked group of daily studs. On the flip side, Christian Yelich and prospect Jac Caglianone land firmly in the dud column after frustrating performances at the dish. In this week's trading window, we look to buy low on elite talent like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Brandon Nimmo while cashing out high on Bryson Stott. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 min
May 19, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 19 – Return of Dylan Crews + Bullpen Report

Dylan Crews is officially getting recalled by the Nationals. Does that make him an immediate, high-priority addition in all leagues? Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Bullpen Report segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, MacKenzie Gore exited early with left lat tightness, Corey Seager lands on the 10-day IL with a back injury, and Kyle Teel suffers an LCL sprain setback. Conversely, a massive wave of reinforcements arrives as Jackson Holliday, Jeremy Pena, and Ronald Acuna Jr. have all been activated. In studs and duds, Michael King and Yoshinobu Yamamoto went toe-to-toe in a spectacular pitching duel, while Shota Imanaga and Robbie Ray got absolutely blasted, combining for 17 earned runs allowed. For the Bullpen Report, we dive into shifting closing situations, checking in on the committee structures for the White Sox and Yankees, alongside Luis Garcia securing the latest save for Minnesota. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 min
May 18, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 18 – Add Roki Sasaki? + Waiver Wire

Roki Sasaki completely dismantled opposing hitters over seven stellar innings, solidifying himself as a priority waiver wire target. Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Waiver Wire segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, a catastrophic weekend of news headlines Edwin Diaz being linked to a major cockfighting controversy, Blake Snell requiring surgery for loose bodies in his elbow, Clay Holmes fracturing his fibula, and Jordan Westburg undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery. In studs and duds, Cristopher Sanchez spun a 13-strikeout masterpiece while Jameson Taillon and Logan Gilbert got absolutely shelled, combining to allow 10 home runs and 15 earned runs to anchor a brutal weekend for elite pitching. For the Waiver Wire, we analyze high-impact targets you need to stash immediately, featuring AJ Ewing, Casey Schmitt, Carson Benge, Roki Sasaki, and Cade Cavalli. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 min
May 15, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 15 – Buy Chase Burns? + Pitching Planner

Trade for dominant starter Chase Burns immediately before his elite underlying metrics price you completely out of the market. Corey Pieper breaks down the top injury news, studs and duds, the Pitching Planner segment, and the FanDuel Bet of the Day. On the injury front, Chase Dollander is undergoing an MRI for right arm tightness, Christian Yelich faces a crucial Friday evaluation for a potential IL stint, and Logan Webb hopes to return from his knee injury in 10 days. In studs and duds, Chase Burns racked up 7 strikeouts in a scoreless gem, while Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jarren Duran headline a rough slate of cold bats failing to produce for fantasy managers this week. For the Pitching Planner, we map out the top priority starting pitching streams, high-upside weekend matchups, and bullpen arms you need to target to lock down your ratios. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 hr 15 min
May 15, 2026
Rage Drop Luis Castillo? Week 7 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire & Rankings

Is it time to pull the plug on Luis Castillo? The F6P crew debates the brutal "Rage Drop" of the week and why superstar names like Gunnar Henderson are causing a unique triple-threat paradox in fantasy circles. On this episode of The Fantasy Six Pack Hour, AJ Applegarth, Joe Bond, and Corey Pieper break down the Week 7 landscape using advanced metrics to separate the outliers from the legitimate shifts in value. In this episode, we discuss: The Gunnar Henderson Paradox: Why AJ considers him a "homer" drop while Corey views him as a premier buy-low target due to his 30-home run pace despite a sub-.200 average. Statcast Risers: How Matt Olson and Byron Buxton are overcoming cold starts to climb back into elite ranking territory. The "Rage Drop" Reality: Why Luis Castillo is being cut after a performance defined by high pitch counts and a lack of consistent results. Buy Low/Sell High: Why Brandon Nimmo’s underlying metrics make him a must-acquire target, and why Randy Arozarena’s shift to a high ground-ball rate is a massive red flag. Inside the Analysis: Week 7 Deep Dive The Week 7 landscape is defined by "superstar struggles." The crew dives into the perplexing case of Fernando Tatis Jr., who maintains an elite hard-hit rate but is suffering from a 2-degree launch angle, causing him to pound contact directly into the dirt. This lack of "lift" is a recurring theme for several early-round picks who are currently underperforming their expected stats. On the pitching side, the show explores the surge of Michael McGreevy and Cameron Schlittler. While McGreevy has been dominant for the Cardinals, Joe warns that maintaining his current ERA may be difficult depending on upcoming matchups. Meanwhile, Corey makes a strong case for Jesus Luzardo as a top-15 pitcher profile that is currently being undervalued because of a low left-on-base percentage rather than a lack of "stuff". Finally, the Riley Greene and Robbie Ray "Sell High" windows are examined. With Greene sporting an unsustainable .552 BABIP over the last month, the crew agrees that cashing in on his current .325 average is the optimal move before regression hits. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:02:08 Brandon Marsh (OF, PHI) 0:05:40 Heliot Ramos (OF, SF) 0:08:23 Brayan Rocchio (2B/SS, CLE) 0:10:00 Ezequiel Duran (IF/OF, TEX) 0:12:20 Michael McGreevy (SP, STL) 0:15:23 Dylan Lee (RP, ATL) 0:18:10 Luis Castillo (SP, SEA) - Rage Drop 0:23:30 Steven Kwan (OF, CLE) 0:27:00 Corey Seager (SS, TEX) 0:30:00 Gunnar Henderson (SS, BAL) - AJ's Take 0:33:01 Gunnar Henderson MVP Odds 0:34:45 Byr

27 min
May 14, 2026
First Cup Fantasy Baseball: May 14 – Tatis Rankings Faller, Raleigh IL Watch

Fernando Tatis Jr. is sliding in the rankings and Cal Raleigh is being watched closely after exiting Wednesday's game with a right side injury that could land him on the IL. Joe Bond has the full picture on today's First Cup Fantasy Baseball, including the FanDuel Bet of the Day: Buxton 3+ R+H+RBI vs. MIA at +150. On the studs side, Mickey Moniak, Byron Buxton, Nick Kurtz, Daylen Lile, Jacob Misiorowski, Dylan Cease, and Shohei Ohtani all had standout days. On the duds side, Matt Wallner, Spencer Torkelson, Bryce Eldridge, Gunnar Henderson all struggled. Today's rotating segment is Rankings Risers and Fallers. Rising: Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, Byron Buxton, Cameron Schlittler, Chase Burns, Devin Williams, and Kyle Bradish. Falling: Fernando Tatis Jr., Ketel Marte, George Springer, Geraldo Perdomo, Gunnar Henderson, Eury Perez, Trevor Rogers, and Sandy Alcantara. On the injury and news front: Cal Raleigh was removed from Wednesday's game with a right side injury and an IL stint is possible, the Mets placed Francisco Alvarez on the IL with a meniscus tear, the Twins are recalling Zebby Matthews, the Orioles placed Dylan Beavers on the IL, Jacob Misiorowski left his game with quad cramps, Juan Soto exited early Wednesday, the Marlins placed Robby Snelling on the IL with a UCL sprain, Ronald Acuna is not returning this week, Pete Fairbanks returned from the IL, and Garrett Crochet has a bullpen session on tap. First Cup Fantasy Baseball drops every weekday around 9 AM ET on The F6P Hour. Use code F6PPODS for 15% off All Access at fantasysixpack.net — rankings, matchup tools, DFS and betting cheat sheets, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.