The waiver is stacked this week with some surprise names, power bats, and post-hype prospects.
Go search your wire for guys who may have been dropped, guys who may have slipped through the cracks, and those diamonds in the rough.
Happy Waivers!
Waiver Wire Hitters
Kyle Manzardo, 1B/DH, CLE
I might like this even more than the Loperfido call up. Hitting .305 in AAA, 7 homers in last 12 games. He’s got pop and he’s got a sub-18% strikeout rate. It’s tough to love a 1B/DH only guy given the depth in both positions, but he’s worth a flier and should be rostered.
Willi Castro, INF/OF, MIN
Castro has been on a tear of late. His hitting streak ended on Sunday, but 10 games is no joke. Combine that with his eligibility at 6 of 8 offensive positions, excluding Catcher and 1B, and you’ve got a wave you should ride.
Tyler Black, INF, MIL
The Brewers have a knack for developing talent in an excellent and underappreciated farm system. Black is likely to gain 1B eligibility soon, and he’s got a ton of pop. He’s going to have some growing pains, but nothing you should shy away from
TJ Friedl, OF, CIN
The Cincinnati Reds need help. Friedl could return as early as Tuesday, and would slot in immediately as the starting center fielder, a position the Reds desperately need production from
Honorable Mention – Waiver Wire Hitters
Tyler Nevin, 3B, OAK
Vaughn Grissom, SS, BOS
Mark Cahna, INF/OF, DET
Connor Joe, OF, PIT
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, CHC
Mike Tauchman, OF, CHC
Waiver Wire Pitchers
Christian Scott, SP, NYM
6.2 IP and 1 ER against the Rays over the weekend was a great intro to the big leagues for Scott. The fastball was sitting in the mid-90s most game, and he didn’t even throw his splitter that much (8 times).
Scott would be a huge boost for the Mets and if he lives up to the hype. He climbed the rankings since last year and proved why in a small sample size.
John Means, SP, BAL
Coming back from TJ surgery, Means threw 85 pitches on Saturday. 3 hits, 8Ks, 0 ER over 7 IP. That’s a NICE stat line for his first time out.
Again, the rich get richer. It’s good to have Means and Bradish back with Grayson Rodriguez on the shelf. This staff seems to fill any holes with great performers and I want any piece I can get.
Taj Bradley, SP, TB
Through 2 rehab starts with AAA Durham, 15 Ks, 1 ER. His second start saw him go 6 IP, so he’s close to joining the Rays. If not this week, almost certainly next. Grab him NOW if he’s available. Not saying league winner, but he will be a difference maker once healthy..
Reliever Watch
Hector Nerris, RP, CHC
Reed Garrett, RP, NYM
Jason Adam, RP, TB
Honorable Mentions
Tyler Anderson, LAA
Walker Buehler, SP, LAD. Check just in case
Colin Rea, MIL
Michael Lorenzen, TEX
Graham Ashcraft, CIN
Prospect Watch
Paul Skenes, PIT – only a matter of time before he’s up.
Mason Black, SF – this rotation could be scary if Kyle Harrison, Keaton Winn, and Black all shake out.
Jack Leiter, TEX – might be recalled with Eovaldi on the IL
Remember, work the wire, keep your eye on these guys for MLB DFS on Rival Fantasy, and win each day of your fantasy season!
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