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Matthew Vazin analyzes 3 starting pitching sleepers who can be impact MLB waiver wire pickups if still available in your fantasy baseball league.
Fantasy baseball owners are always looking for the next sleeper or big player from the waiver wire to help improve their teams. Every year there are starting pitching who come out of nowhere to make a huge splash. Below I will be discussing three pitching sleepers who may still be available on your league's waiver wire, depending on the league format, including NL-Only and AL-Only leagues.
Kevin Gausman - Baltimore Orioles (14% Owned)
Kevin Gausman has taken full advantage of the opportunity the Orioles have given him. Since returning to the rotation on June 7th, Gausman is 3-0 and has give up just 2 ER in 19 IP, while racking up a 14/5 K/BB ratio.
It looks as if Gausman’s spot in the rotation is safe for the near future, but he will need to continue pitching well to lock up a permanent spot. He helped his cause on Wednesday night by shutting down the Rays, who have been struggling all season long. He will take on the Chicago White Sox next in a tougher start, but we would advise picking him up for that. Currently he is only 14% owned in Yahoo leagues.
Jeff Locke - Pittsburgh Pirates (3% Owned)
Fighting to lock up a starting rotation spot for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff Locke has pitching brilliantly in his last two starts. In 15 innings, Locke has surrendered just 3 earned runs (1.80 ERA) and struck out 12 batters. The impressive part about Locke’s dominance has been that they have come against two teams that are over. 500 and in the thick of the playoff race.
Unfortunately for Locke, the Pirates have been unable to give him much run support, as he sits at 0-1. Although Gerrit Cole is close to returning for the Pirates, Francisco Liriano is still a ways away, meaning that Locke should stay in the rotation for at least a few more starts. If Locke continues his great pitching Thursday against Cincinnati, he should be considered in all formats for the short term. Currently he is only 3% owned in Yahoo leagues.
Matt Shoemaker - St.Louis Cardinals (2% Owned)
Matt Shoemaker is a 27-year old rookie who is coming off the best start of his career. He went 8 innings against the Indians, while giving up only 5 hits and 2 earned runs. The most impressive part of his outing was that he struck out a career high 10 batters.
In 6 starts for the Angels this year, Shoemaker has a respectable 3.41 ERA. He has won 4 straight decisions, with the last 3 all being on the road. He looks to have cemented himself into the 5th spot in the rotation, making him a great option in deep starting pitching leagues. Currently he is 2% owned in Yahoo leagues.
