Starling Marte has rejoined the New York Mets after a two-week absence due to a bruised right knee, with the team activating him ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the team's improvement with Marte's return. The 36-year-old outfielder/DH has a .270 batting average, four home runs, and five stolen bases this season. Marte's injury resurfaced during a previous game against the Yankees, where he had already suffered a bone bruise in the same knee last season.

Mendoza plans to ease Marte back into action, primarily utilizing him in a designated hitter or pinch-hitting role to ensure he does not overexert himself. As the Mets navigate injuries to other players, including designated hitter Jesse Winker, Marte's presence could provide a significant boost. Meanwhile, the Mets made additional roster moves, placing pitcher Brandon Waddell on the injured list and designating Chris Devenski for assignment.

In a game against the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl made history by being hit by a pitch three times, tying a major league record. Friedl was hit by three different Mets pitchers: Sean Manaea, Alex Carrillo, and Brandon Waddell, marking the 39th occurrence of this feat in the modern era. Despite a hitless game, Friedl contributed to the Reds' 8-4 victory by scoring twice. He humorously remarked that he didn't need a day off after such a bruising game, indicating his determination to play in the next matchup.

The New York Mets bullpen stands at 3.80 ERA, ranking 13th in MLB, but struggles persist due to injuries, particularly in their left-handed relief options. Currently, Brandon Waddell and Richard Lovelady represent the only southpaws in the mix. As the trade deadline approaches, potential solutions like Hoby Milner of the Texas Rangers are drawing attention. Milner, a ground ball specialist, boasts a 55.9% ground ball rate this season, indicating his ability to minimize hard contact. An impressive 2.42 ERA across 44.2 innings this year highlights his effectiveness, especially after a stellar performance in 2023 with a 1.82 ERA in 73 games, demonstrating his reliability and durability.

As the Rangers sit near the bottom of the AL West and with Milner set to hit free agency, the Mets may seek to capitalize on this opportunity. His unique delivery and pitch movement make him a challenging matchup for hitters. The Mets need to act swiftly to bolster their bullpen as they eye a playoff push.

Jared Young and Brandon Waddell's paths to the Mets have been long and winding, originating from their time as teammates on the Doosan Bears in South Korea. After signing with the Mets and spending the first months of the season together at Triple-A Syracuse, both players were called up to the major leagues, marking a significant milestone in their careers. Waddell, a left-handed pitcher, previously made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates and has since played with multiple teams, while Young transitioned from the infield to outfield, showcasing his versatility. Their journey reflects the challenges and aspirations of players aiming to establish themselves in Major League Baseball.

Waddell, who had a successful tenure with a 3.12 ERA and 75 strikeouts at Doosan, noted the differences in playing styles between the KBO and MLB, emphasizing the need for precision in pitching due to lower strikeout rates in Korea. Young enjoyed a stellar performance in the KBO with a .326 batting average and an impressive OPS, which positioned him for this opportunity. Both players express the excitement of achieving their shared goal of reaching the MLB, illustrating the diverse routes athletes take to fulfill their dreams.

As we enter Week 6 of the 2025 MLB season, it's crucial to actively manage your fantasy roster. Warm weather is bringing out the offensive prowess of several players, making this a prime time for waiver wire additions. Notable pickups include Luke Weaver, who is suggested for all leagues due to his proven capabilities in a relief role, and Spencer Steer, a versatile player performing well enough to deserve similar consideration.

Miami Marlins’ Kyle Stowers has been particularly hot, hitting four home runs in his last three games, while Hyeseong Kim has shown potential after being promoted by the Dodgers, making him an interesting add for deeper leagues. With injuries affecting key pitchers like Corbin Burnes, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly. Our rankings provide a detailed look at the top 100 players available on waivers, ensuring you prioritize the best options for your league size.