Bubba Chandler, the Pittsburgh Pirates' top pitching prospect, is encountering an uphill battle as he approaches a potential MLB call-up. After a stellar start in Triple-A, with impressive stats such as a 2.03 ERA and a 69:21 K:BB ratio, Chandler has hit a rough patch lately. His recent four-start stretch saw him allowing 12 runs in just over 9 innings, skyrocketing his ERA to 10.61. This slump raises concerns about his immediate prospects for promotion, particularly as the Pirates have opted to promote Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft to the rotation instead.

Despite the current struggles, Chandler still holds the title of the No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball, suggesting he remains a valuable stash for fantasy managers. With the Pirates lacking depth in their rotation, if Chandler can regain his form, he could still be in line for a call-up as early as July 2025.

Leonardo Bernal, a catching prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, has been added to MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list at No. 100, following the graduation of Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton. This marks a return to three prospects on the Top 100 list for the Cardinals after Tink Hence's recent injury struggle. Bernal, 21, has been stellar for Double-A Springfield, boasting a .284 batting average with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs in just 51 games. His stats rank him among the top hitters in the Texas League, making him a candidate for the 40-man roster next season.

Bernal's ascent in the Cardinals' rankings has pushed him into the organization's top three prospects, overtaking Hence who has recently returned from injury. The Cardinals' catching depth is notable, featuring other promising talents such as Jimmy Crooks and Rainiel Rodriguez. With a strong performance, Bernal could influence the team's decision-making regarding their future catching assignments.

St. Louis Cardinals' No. 3 prospect Tink Hence made a successful return to the mound, showcasing his potential in his first start back from injury. Pitching for Double-A Springfield against the Houston Astros' Double-A affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks, Hence delivered an impressive performance, striking out eight batters and allowing only one baserunner over 4 1/3 innings. Although his velocity was noticeably lower than last season, this was expected as he adjusts to a new pitching mechanic aimed at improving his athleticism. Hence's four-seamer averaged in the low 90s, a significant drop from the high 90s he previously achieved. This reset has helped him refine his pitching style, creating optimism for his future with the Cardinals.

The Philadelphia Phillies are showcasing a formidable pitching rotation, allowing them to be cautious with their RHP prospect Andrew Painter. Expected to make his debut around July, Painter's skills, including a blazing 100-mph fastball, excite fantasy managers. Recently, he impressed during his Triple-A debut, striking out five in three scoreless innings. However, his recovery from Tommy John surgery casts doubt on his immediate contributions, as he may face innings limits. With established pitchers like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the rotation, fantasy managers may find it prudent to seek more immediate fantasy help.

Meanwhile, stock is rising for several prospects. Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers has displayed improved control, while Moises Ballesteros of the Chicago Cubs has excelled in Triple-A, earning a promotion. Dalton Rushing is also making waves with the Dodgers, showcasing his offensive potential. In contrast, Coby Mayo has stumbled with the Orioles, while Brady House of the Nationals is seeking to capitalize on available playing time. The prospect landscape remains dynamic, presenting both opportunities and challenges for fantasy players.

Tink Hence, once a promising prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, has fallen off MLB.com's Top 100 Prospect List after struggling with injuries. Once ranked at No. 76, he is now sidelined due to a rib cage strain sustained in spring training, which has prevented him from pitching consistently. Despite impressive stats at Double-A Springfield, including a 2.71 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 79.2 innings, his inability to stay healthy has led to serious concerns about his future in the majors.

In brighter news for the Cardinals, JJ Wetherholt has seen significant improvement, climbing from No. 23 to No. 20 on the Top 100 list, thanks to a strong start to the season. The 22-year-old shortstop has excelled with a .290 average over 22 games, showcasing his potential as a future star. Additionally, Quinn Mathews, the Cardinals' No. 2 prospect, has maintained a place on the list despite being inactive due to injury.