BALLER MOVE: Add in leagues of 10+ teams
ROSTERED IN: 50% of leagues
ANALYSIS: It's taken several stints in the majors since 2018, but Cortes seems to have figured things out on the mound this season. Over 79 2/3 innings of work this year, Cortes has gone 2-2 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.054 WHIP and 27.3 percent strikeout rate. He's looked good over his last three starts with a 2.00 ERA, 0.944 WHIP and 23 strikeouts over 18 innings — including an 11-strikeout performance his last time out against the Orioles.
He'll open up the week at home, which will be a boost to his value as he's pitched far better in New York this year (1.93 ERA, 0.938 WHIP) than on the road (3.19 ERA, 1.157 WHIP). He'll be facing off against the Rangers, who are averaging 5.0 runs per game and slashing .253/.304/.394 over their last 10 games. While that could make it somewhat of a challenging start for Cortes, he'll be aided by the fact that not only are the Rangers hitting worse against left-handed pitchers this year (.232/.288/.363), they are also hitting worse on the road (.226/.286/.363) than at home (.236/.300/.393).
Afterwards he'll head out on the road to Boston, where he'll face the red-hot Red Sox who are slashing .267/.335/.463 and averaging 5.8 runs per game over their last 10 games. Cortes will not benefit from any home-road splits, because along with pitching worse on the road, the Red Sox are hitting much better at home (.278/.348/.477) than on the road (.242/.305/.417). He'll have a slight benefit though as a left-hander, as Boston is hitting slightly worse against southpaws (.261/.328/.426) than against right-handers (.259/.326/.457).
The outing against Texas should be a solid one for Cortes — especially coming off his stellar performance against the Orioles. The Red Sox matchup will be a tougher one, but Cortes could still provide decent value there. Cortes is likely the top two-start streaming option managers can find this week, and he should be targeted in all formats.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Colin Poche - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 9% of Leagues ANALYSIS: With Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day IL, it opens the door to one or more of the Rays' relievers to handle closer duties until Fairbanks returns. Jason Adam is likely the first in line, however, Colin Poche has picked up two saves... Read More
Hayden Wesneski - Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in NL-only Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, as Kyle Hendricks (back) was placed on the 15-day IL. While it is unclear what role the former New York Yankee will play for the Cubs in the future, he... Read More
Ryan Weathers- Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 25% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ryan Weathers has quietly had a solid start to the 2024 campaign and is worth adding in most formats. The 24-year-old southpaw has a solid 3.16 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 25 ⅔ innings with a 2-2 record. However,... Read More
Jonatan Clase- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues (if needing speed) ROSTERED IN: 18% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Jonatan Clase was promoted to the major league roster when Dominic Canzone (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day IL. Clase, currently the 10th-ranked prospect in the Seattle system, is making his mark with a .250/.286/.300... Read More
Matt Mervis - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues/NL-Only ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs first base prospect Matt Mervis was called up Tuesday in a corresponding move as Garrett Cooper was designated for assignment. The first baseman was off to a scorching start with Triple-A Iowa, riding a .288/.402/.606 line across the opening 18... Read More
Download Our Free Waiver Wire App
Like what you see? You can download our free fantasy baseball mobile app for iPhone and Android which includes more waiver wire recommendations at every position, 24x7 player news, notifications, injury alerts & daily articles.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!