Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Zebby Matthews, Nolan Schanuel, Ryan Zeferjahn - NBC Sports
The Waiver Wire: Navigating the Fantasy Baseball Landscape
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of potential gems waiting to be discovered. This week, we delve into three intriguing players who could provide a boost to your fantasy roster: Zebby Matthews, Nolan Schanuel, and Ryan Zeferjahn.
Zebby Matthews: A Scheduling Sweet Spot
Mathews, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has been a polarizing figure this season. While his enthusiasm for him as a long-term mixed-league starter has waned, the current situation presents an opportunity. The upcoming schedule is nothing short of ideal: home starts against the injury-plagued Athletics and back-to-back outings against the Royals. This kind of favorable matchups are hard to come by.
Mathews' performance this year has been a departure from his previous success. His velocity is down, and his slider, once a strength, has become average. Despite this, his command remains solid. The key takeaway is that Matthews won't face strong lineups until mid-August, providing a window of opportunity for fantasy managers to capitalize on his potential.
Nolan Schanuel: Hitting for Average and Runs
Nolan Schanuel, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, has been a familiar face on the waiver wire. His journey has been marked by a mysterious ankle injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. However, his recent resurgence is notable. Schanuel is hitting .352/.430/.477 with two homers and five doubles in 23 games since his return.
The success is partly attributed to BABIP, but Schanuel's xwOBA (.374) places him among the top 28% of batters. His hard-hit rate has increased from 29% last year to 33% this year, and he leads the majors with a 25.3% line drive rate. While power may not be his forte, Schanuel's ability to hit for average and contribute to runs and RBIs in a premium spot makes him a valuable addition.
Ryan Zeferjahn: The Rising Relief Ace
Ryan Zeferjahn, an Angels reliever, has emerged as a potential save opportunity. Despite giving up a homer to Riley Greene, Zeferjahn secured his third save of the year on Sunday. His recent control issues have been a concern, but he's been on a roll since July 8th, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings without walking or hitting a batter. This improvement in control is a significant positive.
Zeferjahn's high-90s fastball and mid-80s slider have contributed to a 30% strikeout rate. His performance has been reliable, with a 4.05 ERA in 120 career innings. The Angels' bullpen remains uncertain, with potential additions like Ben Joyce and trade rumors surrounding Zeferjahn. His value lies in his strikeout ability and potential as a high-leverage reliever.
Quick Hits and Final Thoughts
- Tommy White, a recent call-up, is making waves with the Athletics, but Schanuel remains a preferred choice. White's power is offset by a ground-ball tendency, while Schanuel's average and run-scoring potential are more reliable.
- Mason Montgomery, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a potential save opportunity. Despite a tough sell in shallow leagues, he's a smart pickup with a chance to secure a few saves.
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a strategic battleground. These three players offer a mix of starting pitching, hitting, and relief pitching options. As managers, it's crucial to stay informed, adapt to schedules, and make calculated moves to maximize your team's potential.
