Tyler Anderson, SP, LAD (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 15% rostered): Andrew Heaney is dealing with a shoulder injury and could miss considerable time as he is yet to resume throwing. Enter Tyler Anderson, the one-time Rockie, Giant, Pirate, and Mariner, to help them save the day. In two starts totaling 9 2/3 innings, Anderson has allowed three earned runs and appears to have the Cubs and that anemic offense up next. Have the Dodgers worked their pitching magic yet again?
Peyton Battenfield, SP, CLE (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Aaron Civale has posted a 10.67 ERA in his first four starts, none of which have lasted five innings. That’s not good, right? In five starts at Triple-A Columbus, Battenfield is sporting a 2.52 ERA and a pair of early-season wins. Spend a bit now to save a lot more in what could be the very near future.
Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): This week, Kyle Bradish got the call and offered up a strong debut against the Boston Red Sox in which he allowed two earned runs over six innings with only one walk. We wrote the following about Bradish over the winter. “Bradish had an uneven season in 2021, pitching to a 3.68 ERA while striking out nearly 12-per-nine. The problem continues to be his inability to throw strikes. He has never had a walk rate below 4-per-nine in college or professional baseball until this season when he squeaked out a 3.9 BB/9 rate.” The control has been better this season and he looked awfully good over the weekend, so while risky, there could be something there.
Beau Brieske, SP, DET (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The 27’th Round pick out of Colorado State-Pueblo has advanced quickly through the Tigers system on the strength of 94 mph fastball, a change that floats in at 81.5 mph, and by not giving it away. He allowed only 23 walks last year in 106 2/3 IP at two levels down on the farm. With Matt Manning and Casey Mize on the shelf for an extended period, Brieske will get ample opportunities to prove he belongs in the Detroit rotation.
Madison Bumgarner, SP, ARZ (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 24% rostered): Bumgarner has now five starts under his belt against the Padres, Astros, Gnats, Mets, and Cards. He has allowed a total of three earned runs. Everyone is an ace this year, even former aces.
Travis Demeritte, OF, ATL (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): In his past six games, Demeritte has gone 7-for-19 at the dish with a pair of solo homers. He has quietly worked his way into the mix for regular at-bats in Atlanta and with Eddie Rosario missing the next 2-to-3 months the opportunity should be long-term in nature.
Luis Gonzalez, OF, SFG (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Gonzalez has now gone 7-for-24 with a home run and six RBI in his past seven games and has worked himself into regular at-bats. Have the Giants found gold in a waiver claim?
Josh Harrison, 2B/3B/OF, CWS (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): Harrison has been dealing with back and shoulder issues, that have caused him to miss eight games so far this year. He’s also struggled badly thus far, the lingering injuries no doubt the cause. When healthy, he brings some pop and speed along with multi-eligibility to one’s Fantasy squad. A buy-low right now has the potential to provide solid rewards
Chad Kuhl, SP, COL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 34% rostered): It’s time for my annual mention of Chad Kuhl. Don’t worry, folks; Roman Quinn will be next week. Kuhl is off to a great start in Colorado, with three wins in his first four starts and a stellar 1.90 ERA and .85 WHIP. Ride the hot start for all it’s worth!
Kyle Lewis, OF, SEA (CBS: 46% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): In his first game back after two weeks on the Covid IL, Mitch Haniger suffered a Grade Two high ankle sprain. If it weren’t for bad luck, he wouldn’t have any. Kyle Lewis is still working his way back from the knee woes that have kept him sidelined since last season but is now taking live batting practice and could be looking at a return within the next several weeks. That power potential shouldn’t be ignored.
Daniel Lynch, SP, KCR (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): The former First Round pick out of Virginia arrived last year to high expectations and promptly struggled to a 5.69 ERA. He’s making amends early on in 2022, posting a 3.38 ERA with a strikeout per inning in his first three starts. Daniel Lynch is falling into the category of post-hype sleeper and should be rostered in all formats while people still have last year’s struggles first and foremost on their mind.
Kyle Muller, SP, ATL (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The term “respect your elders” doesn’t apply in Atlanta, as they have dispatched him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Arriving in Atlanta, again, is Kyle Muller. In 19 2/3 innings at Gwinnett, Muller had amassed 28 strikeouts. He has also allowed seven free passes. It appears as if his main bugaboo, the free pass, is still a problem. Bid, but bid accordingly.
Pavin Smith, 1B/OF, ARZ (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): Smith is not exactly setting the world on fire, but a homer and five RBI in his past five games in Arizona, might qualify as setting the world on fire.
Bruce Zimmermann, SP, BAL (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered): How could we not mention Bruce Zimmerman. We can now state that we’ve covered overachieving starters from “A-thru-Z in this week’s Waiver Wire.” “Zim” has posted a 0.93 ERA with better than a strikeout-per-inning in four starts. Tell me you saw this coming, and the word “liar” will enter the discussion.
Closer Carousel
Adam Cimber, RP, TOR (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered): No, there is nothing wrong with Jordan Romano, other than our AL Saves leader might need a day off periodically. Cimber is off to a great start with four wins, five holds, and one save under his belt. He’s firmly anchored in the setup role and deserves more love than he’s currently receiving.
Joe Barlow, RP, TEX (CBS: 61% rostered, ESPN: 20% rostered): Chris Woodward has confirmed that Joe Barlow is his closer. However, it took Barlow until April 30 to get that first save under his belt. He’s pitching well, but when the Rangers have won only seven of their first 21 games, the opportunities have been few and far between. Better days should be ahead.
Ian Kennedy, RP, ARZ (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Mark Melancon has found his way to the Covid-19 IL, giving setup man Kennedy at least a temporary path to saves. Take the save opportunities that are currently his to be had, remembering that even with the return of Melancon, Kennedy will get his fair share of opportunities down the road.
