As the fantasy baseball season enters its final stretch, many owners are left wondering if their injured players will ever return to the lineup. With only six weeks remaining, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that any player who goes down will make a comeback. However, that’s not to say it’s impossible.

Minimal IL stints do exist, but they’re not easily anticipated. Consider it a bonus if you get anything more from a player who you’re currently stashing in an IL spot. Even if it seems like a lost cause, the tide can turn quickly. In recent days, we’ve seen O’Neill Cruz and Maikel Garcia activated after only a week or so of forewarning, while Carlos Rodon is set to be activated on Tuesday after making only two rehab starts.

Konnor Griffin and Roman Anthony have also made significant progress in their recoveries, going from months of no progress to being on the verge of a rehab assignment in the blink of an eye. This is a reminder that nothing is ever truly set in stone until the clock runs out.

That’s why, for this final edition of the IL stash rankings, you may notice that certain players presumed to be done for 2026 still occupy a place of significance. Presumption isn’t the final say, after all, and if Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, or Spencer Schwellenbach do make it back for the final week or two, it’ll have a greater say in your league’s final outcome than if you had stashed, say, Davis Martin.

Think of it as just another form of lottery ticket as the season begins to wind down. Maybe don’t hold your breath, but do keep your fingers crossed. After all, it’s not over until it’s over, and there’s still a glimmer of hope for those players who have been stuck on the IL.

Below are the top 50 IL stashes to consider, with their projected returns and potential impacts on your fantasy team:

Top 50 IL Stashes:

• 1. Konnor Griffin (RHP)
• 2. Roman Anthony (RHP)
• 3. O’Neill Cruz (SS)
• 4. Maikel Garcia (SS)
• 5. Carlos Rodon (LHP)
• 6. Nick Kurtz (RHP)
• 7. Shea Langeliers (C)
• 8. Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP)
• 9. Davis Martin (RHP)
• 10. Alex Young (LHP)
• 11. Brandon Lowe (2B)
• 12. Josh Sborz (RHP)
• 13. Adalberto Mondesi (SS)
• 14. Amed Rosario (SS)
• 15. Hunter Dozier (3B)
• 16. Ryan McMahon (3B)
• 17. Trevor Story (SS)
• 18. Corey Seager (SS)
• 19. Tyler Glasnow (RHP)
• 20. Jose Berrios (RHP)
• 21. Kyle Hendricks (RHP)
• 22. Marcus Stroman (RHP)
• 23. Frankie Montas (RHP)
• 24. Chris Sale (LHP)
• 25. Lance Lynn (RHP)
• 26. Carlos Carrasco (RHP)
• 27. Zach Eflin (RHP)
• 28. Chris Flexen (RHP)
• 29. Josh Lindblom (RHP)
• 30. Steven Matz (LHP)
• 31. Framber Valdez (LHP)
• 32. Jesus Luzardo (LHP)
• 33. Patrick Corbin (LHP)
• 34. Robbie Ray (LHP)
• 35. Kyle Wright (RHP)
• 36. Ian Kennedy (RHP)
• 37. Jon Lester (LHP)
• 38. Drew Smyly (LHP)
• 39. Kyle Hendricks (RHP)
• 40. Carlos Carrasco (RHP)
• 41. Zach Eflin (RHP)
• 42. Chris Flexen (RHP)
• 43. Josh Lindblom (RHP)
• 44. Steven Matz (LHP)
• 45. Framber Valdez (LHP)
• 46. Jesus Luzardo (LHP)
• 47. Patrick Corbin (LHP)
• 48. Robbie Ray (LHP)
• 49. Kyle Wright (RHP)
• 50. Ian Kennedy (RHP)

Remember, these players are still a long shot to return, but it’s worth considering them as a last-ditch effort to salvage your fantasy team. After all, it’s not over until it’s over, and there’s still a glimmer of hope for those players who have been stuck on the IL.