X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 21 Waiver Wire - Starting Pitchers

Nick Mariano's starting pitcher (SP) fantasy baseball waiver wire targets and adds. Free agent pickups and starting pitcher sleepers for Week 21 of the 2018 MLB season.

I hope you're all ready to do whatever it takes in these last six weeks of the season to win. It might mean dropping a big name for a streamer or, if you still have trades, "losing the trade" to win the league. Don't be shy about your needs and don't be ignorant of how many innings you and your opponents have left in roto formats. Don't overlook how your H2H playoff opponent's rosters are constructed. This is crunch time.

If you want to chat more about additional arms/bats/whatever, you can find me on Twitter @NMariano53 and ask any follow-up questions.

We're using Yahoo ownership levels and cutting things off around 30% this week. Here are my starting pitcher waiver-wire targets for Week 21.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Starting Pitcher Waiver Wire Targets

Joe Musgrove (PIT – SP/RP): 30% owned

Musgrove finally found some strikeouts alongside his low ratios, as he’s fanned 13 batters across 13 frames in his last two starts. Of course, he had struck out just two in each of his previous three outings, so please mind the reasonable range of outcomes. Luckily for us (and him), he owns a 2.12 ERA/0.88 WHIP over the last 30 days, which makes him 12-team viable no matter how you slice it.

Tyler Glasnow (TB – SP/RP): 26% owned

Glasnow squares off with the Red Sox and impressed more than the box score shows. Though he allowed five runs (four earned) over 6 ⅔ innings, he fought through poor control with three straight walks in the first inning. He didn’t walk another hitter across the next 5 ⅔ IP, which leaves me encouraged. The youngster showed poise and one bad inning against the Sox still leaves him with a 24-to-6 K-to-BB ratio over 18 ⅓ IP as a Ray. He gets to face the Royals for his 25th birthday on Aug. 23, so let’s hope he gives us all something to celebrate.

Anthony DeSclafani (CIN – SP): 26% owned

Hopefully, most of you sharps are part of the 20 percentage points of growth in DeSclafani’s ownership rate this past week. It turns out that yielding two earned over a span of three starts that last at least seven frames is a great thing. Who knew? He was owned in far more leagues two years ago before getting hurt and losing all of 2017, and now the rust may finally be off. He does have a tough assignment at Wrigley Field next, but his performance of late warrants a pickup even if you choose to bench him for that spot.

Matthew Boyd (DET – SP/RP): 23% owned

Boyd is another box-score victim, as he saw three earned runs tarnish his line in the seventh inning. I’m a little surprised he stayed in after giving up a string of hits to open the seventh, and then his bullpen allowed two inherited runners to score. Perhaps if Detroit had a more reliable ‘pen then Boyd would have yet another QS to his name and you’d all be clamoring for his service. As it stands, I get why a guy without a strong track record needs to overperform in order to convince you. But he is throwing his slider at triple the rate of 2017 as he attacks higher in the zone with his fastball. The wins may not come in the Motor City, but he’s worthy of ownership beyond 30%.

Derek Holland (SF - SP): 21% owned

It’s possible that some of you simply streamed Holland against the Mets because they’re the Mets. Although, they’ve actually been one of the best offenses this month...but that’s another story. So for those of you who don’t know what you’ve got on your hands, Holland has become a different pitcher since repositioning himself on the rubber. All of his fielding-independent metrics align with a ~3.00 ERA since then, but those in QS leagues should note he's only gone six full innings (or more) in five of his last 12 starts. But let's end on a high note -- his 27.5% strikeout rate over that span ranks 19th out of 113 starters with >50 IP. Heyo!

Alex Cobb (BAL – SP): 21% owned 

After a brief flash of hope, once he started throwing his splitter again, Cobb had once again faded from fantasy relevance. However, he’s definitely back in the conversation after tossing a complete game against the AL Central-leading Indians. Did you know that he had posted four straight QS against the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays again before that? Yes, he’s actually been that good.

And yet, he also hasn’t. I know, what a cheap transition. The facts are that many of you still need wins, which Baltimore is not known for. Many of you also need strikeouts, which doesn’t jive with Cobb’s 5.44 K/9 in those last seven outings, but the 3.44 FIP and 4.06 xFIP make more sense. And while he's shown he can handle the AL's best, his having to face the Yankees again this week isn't what we want to target. I won't hate you for adding him, but I'd really look elsewhere first.

Austin Gomber (STL – SP/RP): 20% owned

Gomber hadn’t allowed an earned run in either of his last two starts and nearly pulled off his magic again on Monday. He’d fired off four scoreless frames against the Dodgers before they finally got him for two runs in the fifth. The Cardinals were up 3-2 at that point, but the bullpen couldn’t hold on for his third straight win. I'll be the first to admit that the southpaw's 36-to-23 K-to-BB ratio is terrifying, but he's gone about as far as a 7.1% K-BB% is going to take you. Tread carefully, I'd likely add his teammate further down the list first, but I also respect anyone chasing a hot hand.

Brett Anderson (OAK – SP): 16% owned

After twirling 7 ⅔ scoreless innings against the Mariners in his previous start, Anderson needed just 93 pitches to blank the Rangers over seven innings of work. He allowed just one hit and one walk, which brings his post-injury WHIP below 1.00 and his ERA down to 2.11. That said, the biggest surprise might be his six strikeouts, as he had punched out just 19 across 40 innings prior to Tuesday. No one will try to convince you that he’s an ace incapable of surrendering a run, but don’t underestimate the power of Oakland’s spacious park, their top-10 defense (per Fangraphs' DEF chart) and Anderson’s own abilities when healthy. He’s just never been healthy for very long, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Jordan Zimmermann (DET - SP): 12% owned

Zimmermann looked healthy in Tuesday’s start as he limited the Cubs to just one run, an Anthony Rizzo homer, over six innings of work. We’ve been fooled into thinking he’s healthy and “back” before in ‘18, only to see him crumble again. Whether it was just a loss of command or pain from his constant neck/shoulder injuries, I don’t know. What I do know is he looked strong here and gets to face the White Sox next, making him a decent streamer.

Touki Toussaint (ATL - SP): 11% owned

Toussaint will get another chance against the Marlins on Thursday, as the rookie swiftly sees another opportunity to start in the bigs. He cruised through six innings in his debut against the fish and shouldn’t be viewed any less favorably in this spot. My hope is to see more than six swinging strikes on 82 pitches and perhaps some clear pitch-mixing changes compared to his first outing. Though he could pitch the exact same sequence and I’d still want to stream him for this matchup.

Adam Plutko (CLE - SP): 8% owned

Months ago we had Plutko and Shane Bieber battling for one rotation spot, but Trevor Bauer’s injury combined with Cleveland’s cushy lead in the AL Central means both should finish out the regular season in the rotation. Plutko bought some leash by tossing seven innings of three-run ball against Baltimore in his first start back, though he had some misfortune there. He allowed only four baserunners that day, but three would score on one swing from Jonathan Villar in the third inning. The longball has been an issue for the 26-year-old righty, as he’s given up as many dingers (12) as walks issued across 48 ⅔ IP thus far. At least he has good control, right? He’ll need all of it at the ready against Boston on Thursday.

Daniel Poncedeleon (STL – RP): 5% owned

The Cardinals have sent Luke Weaver to the bullpen as their starting rotation makes the slow transition to elite (?) relief unit. This means there’s a vacant rotation slot that Poncedeleon has been awarded, which he turned into a solid outing on Tuesday night. After dazzling us with seven no-hit innings in his first MLB start, he struck out eight Dodgers while yielded one run over four innings. The K's are especially encouraging after he had rung up 10 batters in 17 ⅔ overall innings prior to Tuesday, but it makes sense given his wicked 26.3% strikeout rate over 92 Triple-A innings this year. I know four innings meant no win, but getting to 90 pitches in an effective manner is a win in its own right moving forward. I'd be fine penciling him in as my SP5/6 heading into September.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
Brock Purdy

Officially Ruled Out Against Saints
Jauan Jennings

Given Questionable Tag for Week 2
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Dallas Goedert

Officially Ruled Out for Week 2
Xavier Worthy

Listed as Doubtful to Play in Week 2
Jayden Reed

Hopes to Return in November Following Surgery
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Ketel Marte

Expected to Return on Friday
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Quinshon Judkins

Questionable to Make NFL Debut in Week 2
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sees Little Usage in Week 2, Outlook Still Trending Upwards?
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Leads Commanders in Catches, Scores Touchdown Again
Tucker Kraft

Posts Huge Performance on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Lack of Joe Mixon Injury Updates Sparking Concern for Fantasy Managers?
Jayden Reed

Fractures Collarbone, Headed for Injured Reserve
Austin Ekeler

Commanders Fear Austin Ekeler Tore his Achilles
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Aaron Judge

Matches Yankees Legend with Two-Homer Game
Austin Ekeler

Injured, Carried Off Field with Non-Contact Injury
Jayden Reed

Ruled Out with Shoulder Injury
Quinshon Judkins

Browns Insider Expects NFL to "Come Down Heavy" on a Quinshon Judkins Suspension
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Return on TNF With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Volpe

Playing Through Partially Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
Tyreek Hill

Chiefs, Steelers Eyeing a Trade for Tyreek Hill?
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Chris Godwin

to Be Limited in His Return Thursday
Brock Purdy

Out 2-5 Weeks With Turf Toe
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Kyle Monangai

to See More Carries Going Forward?
Quinshon Judkins

Plans to Practice Thursday
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP