Fantasy managers need to stay sharp on the fantasy baseball waiver wire as a wave of Arizona Diamondbacks players inch closer to activation. As of May 31, 2026, multiple high-profile names on the 60-day IL are showing meaningful progress, and getting ahead of these returns could be the difference between a playoff push and a forgettable season. Here's what the latest MLB injury report signals mean for your roster.
Jordan Lawlar (ARI) — Return From Injury
Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar took his first live at-bats since suffering a wrist injury in early April, a significant milestone in his recovery. According to the ESPN MLB Injury Report, Lawlar could appear in a complex game as early as Saturday and potentially rejoin the big-league roster during the second week of June.
For fantasy managers, Lawlar's imminent return makes him one of the most important names on the fantasy baseball waiver wire right now. A healthy Lawlar offers multi-category upside at a premium position, and his eligibility window is narrow — expect his ownership percentage to spike the moment an activation date is announced. Target him now in all formats.
Confidence: 85%
A.J. Puk (ARI) — Return From Injury
Left-handed reliever A.J. Puk has begun his rehab assignment with an Arizona Complex League affiliate, with multiple appearances expected before he rejoins the Diamondbacks' bullpen. The 60-day IL stint has kept him off the fantasy baseball waiver wire for weeks, but that window is closing.
Puk is a high-strikeout reliever capable of earning save opportunities in the right situation. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues or those streaming relievers for ratios should monitor his rehab appearances closely. A strong showing over the next week or two could accelerate his return timeline.
Confidence: 85%
Corbin Burnes (ARI) — Return From Injury
Ace right-hander Corbin Burnes is progressing through his 60-day IL rehab, currently participating in batting practice sessions as part of his ramp-up. The ESPN MLB Injury Report indicates an expected return mid-season, likely after the All-Star break.
Burnes is a borderline top-10 starter when healthy, and his eventual activation will be one of the biggest fantasy baseball pickup stories of the summer. There's no rush to stash him in standard leagues, but dynasty and keeper managers should keep a close eye on any acceleration in his rehab timeline. This is a situation where patience pays off.
Confidence: 85%
Pavin Smith (ARI) — Return From Injury
First baseman and DH Pavin Smith has started his rehab assignment with Arizona's Complex League affiliate following elbow surgery. Per the ESPN MLB Injury Report, Smith will contend for starts against right-handed pitching once he's activated off the 60-day IL.
Smith profiles as a useful fantasy baseball pickup in deeper formats, particularly in leagues that reward on-base percentage or in daily formats where platoon splits matter. His value is ceiling-capped in standard mixed leagues, but if you're thin at first base or DH and playing in a 15-team or deeper format, he's worth a look on the waiver wire as his activation nears.
Confidence: 85%
Max Muncy (OAK) — Return From Injury
Oakland third baseman Max Muncy, who fractured his left hand in mid-April, has progressed through a swing progression and has now begun a Triple-A rehab assignment. His return timeline will come into sharper focus as he accumulates at-bats at the minor-league level.
Muncy remains a power-hitting third baseman with strong walk rates, making him a solid addition off the fantasy baseball waiver wire in most leagues once healthy. The confidence level here is slightly lower than the ARI group given the hand injury and the unknowns around his Triple-A performance, but he's absolutely worth monitoring. Check in on his rehab stats over the next 7–10 days before pulling the trigger.
Confidence: 65%
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Staying ahead of the injury report is one of the highest-leverage moves you can make on the fantasy baseball waiver wire, and missing a return window by even a day can cost you a key pickup. Don't rely on delayed news — get real-time signals and AI-powered lineup advice at PlayCaller — free 7-day trial at playcallerapp.com