RADIO
Walbert Urena a Must-Add Off the Waiver Wire in Midst of Breakout Season
Los Angeles Angels rookie right-hander Walbert Urena has come out of nowhere to become one of the Angels' most reliable starters in 2026 in his first year in the big leagues. Through his first 14 appearances (12 starts) this year, Urena has gone 5-5 with a 2.41 ERA (3.95 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 64 strikeouts and 35 walks in 67 1/3 innings pitched. The 22-year-old Dominican hurler has been a bit fortunate given his 12% walk rate, but the good news is that he didn't allow a free pass for the first time all year in his last outing on June 20 against the division-rival Athletics, in which he tossed five shutout innings with six strikeouts for his fifth win of the year. Urena also induced 17 swings and misses while throwing 58 of his 90 pitches for strikes. At the very least, Urena has earned himself a longer leash in terms of sticking around in the Angels' starting rotation for the rest of the season. Command is a concern, but fantasy managers need to consider adding him off the waiver wire if you're desperate for pitching help. Urena is rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues. He'll face the A's again in his next outing, but at least it will be at Angel Stadium.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
