Connelly Early

Early exited a July 1 start against the Nationals after four scoreless innings with left elbow discomfort. An MRI revealed posterior elbow inflammation with no structural damage; Early himself called it minimally concerning. He is eligible to return around the All-Star break, making this a probable minimum-stay situation. Jake Bennett is the rotation replacement and has performed well in his own right.

Early is the arm Washington just acquired from Boston in the Mead trade. He's on the IL with elbow inflammation, but doctors confirmed no structural UCL damage — the key distinction. A rehab appearance is scheduled for August 3, after which he's expected to slot directly into the Nationals' rotation for the second half. His five-pitch mix generated sustained big-league success in Boston before the injury; now pitching for a team that needs rotation help, he's a high-ceiling stash at minimal cost. Claim at any FAAB price before the August 3 rehab draws attention.

The 23-year-old lefty earned his Opening Day rotation spot with a dominant Grapefruit League and just delivered 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 K against the Twins on Tuesday — his second straight quality start. Early has a four-pitch mix with a fading changeup that's already getting whiffs at an above-average rate. Boston's rotation depth is thin, so the leash is long. In 12+ team leagues, this is a priority stash before the next 8-K start makes him everyone's #1 add.

Started @ Tampa Bay Rays (5W-3L, 3.26 ERA)

Started @ Kansas City Royals (3W-2L, 3.21 ERA)

Started @ Atlanta Braves (3W-2L, 3.16 ERA)

Started vs Tampa Bay Rays (2W-2L, 3.79 ERA)

Started vs Houston Astros (2W-1L, 2.84 ERA)

Started @ Baltimore Orioles (1W-1L, 2.88 ERA)

Started vs New York Yankees (1W-0L, 2.29 ERA)