MLB Waiver Wire Pitcher Pickups Week 20
Week 19 is coming to a close, and with it comes new pitchers to be on the lookout for. We’ll revisit a few pitchers from previous waiver wires as well as suggest some new ones.
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Contents
Revisiting
Dakota Hudson (SP), (CP) – 24.5% Rostered
Dakota Hudson is one of those special pitchers that is listed as both a closing pitcher and starter, so he can fill out a relief pitching spot quite nicely. In his two gos, he went 3.2 innings and 4.0 innings, respectively. He gave up a total of 11 hits and 5 earned runs in those 7.2 innings with a total of 7 punch outs and 5 BBs. His ownership has dropped by 1.9% down to 24.5% over the last week. While not amazing numbers, and time you can get 7.2 innings in two games out of someone who can fit into a reliever spot, it’s worth taking in my opinion.
Griffin Canning (SP) 14.0% Rostered
Canning spun a masterful 6.0 innings on 7/30 against the Tigers where he gave up just 4 hits and no earned runs. He fanned 7 in the game and finished with a WHIP of 0.83. Unfortunately, he’s currently on the 10 day IL, but he’s reported to be throwing a bullpen session starting today (Saturday, August 10th), so his road to getting back on the mound shouldn’t be too much longer. With him being on the IL, it’s more than likely he’ll be available to be picked up in your given league. If it’s looking like you’ll be in the playoffs and you’re looking to add another solid starter, I don’t see why Canning wouldn’t be that guy.
Pitchers To Pick Up
Brendan McKay – 19.8% Rostered
McKay made his MLB pitching debut on June 29th for the Rays on June 29th against the Rays. Since being called up from Triple-A, his fantasy ownership numbers have skyrocketed up to 42.2% at their peek. They’ve currently fallen to just 19.8. so he should be available in most small leagues to be picked up. His last go against Toronto wasn’t terrible, where he gave up 6 hits and 3 earned runs in 5 innings of work. He fanned 8 on the day which lends itself nicely to the punch out category in a roto league.
Elieser Hernandez (SP), (RP) 0.9% Rostered
Hernandez is another pitcher who can fit into either a SP or RP spot. His last start against the Braves came on 8/8 and he went 6.0 innings of giving up just 2 hits and 0 earned runs. He walked 2 and fanned 7. He finished the day with a WHIP of 0.67. He’s been a bit spotty in his last few starts before that, but here’s to hoping that he can turn things around for a final fantasy playoff push. In terms of a roto league, his last start was phenomenal for WHIP and and ERA. It’s a tough gamble to take as some of his previous starts haven’t been strong in those categories, but isn’t fantasy baseball a gamble in and of itself?
Check out our 2019 MLB closer depth chart for a look at each team.