Two weeks into the craziest baseball season to date, and superstar hitters and pitchers are either struggling or out with injuries. Good thing I have some waiver wire pickups that should help an ailing or struggling lineup.
Rafael Montero RP Texas Rangers
Finding a good closing option is not an easy thing, especially on the waiver-wire. But Montero looks like he might have an excellent hold on the closer’s job.
Montero started the year on the injured list but came back this past week. He was a guy to keep an eye on since the Rangers have been looking for a replacement for their closing pitcher, Jose Leclerc. The Rangers lost Leclerc for the season with a shoulder tear. When Montero returned this week, it was thought he would be eased back into the closer role. Instead, the Rangers decided to put him into two save opportunities this weekend.
Montero (2IP 2SV 2K 0H 0BB) not only converted both his save opportunities, but he also dominated. He did not allow any baserunners in either of his two appearances. Montero is a must-add; his ownership is still below 50%, but it is on the rise.
Framber Valdez SP Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a big dumpster fire right now. They just got swept by their rivals, the Oakland Athletics, bringing them to five losses in a row. The pitching is dealing with injuries and bad play, but a bright spot is SP Framber Valdez.
On August 2, 2020, Valdez got the attention of fantasy owners and the Houston Astros after coming in to relieve of SP Josh James; Valdez pitched so well (6.1IP 5H 0ER 1BB 8K) that the Astros were able to come back and win in extra innings. That next day the Astros demoted Josh James to the bullpen and promoted Valdez to the starting rotation.
Saturday night Valdez got to make his first start of the year against the number one team in the AL West, the Oakland Athletics; Valdez pitched well enough to win (7IP 7H 1ER 1BB 9K 1L). Valdez proved he deserves more starts, despite how bad the Astros are playing. He has an easier matchup this week against the Mariners and is currently owned by 23% of fantasy owners.
Anthony Santander OF Baltimore Orioles
Yes, Anthony Santander. He is not a household name yet, but he did have a pretty solid season (.261 20HR 59RBI 46R 93G) last year.
This past week was a good one for Santander(.296AVG 5R 1HR 7RBI 0SB). He was batting in the two-hole all week, so his chances at ABs will be up there. The Orioles offense will most likely be in many shootouts with lousy pitching from the Orioles and the other teams in AL East.
Santander is only 25 years old and hitting in a prime spot, nothing but upside. Right now, his ownership is at 18%, now is time to swoop in and steal Santander before he has a huge week and is no longer an easy get.