We’ve reached the start of June. With two months in the books, it’s time to start planning for the summer, as well as fill some holes if applicable. Several notable pitchers either got hurt or went on the IL over the last week. So, here’s a look at our best Week 10 fantasy baseball pitcher waiver wire targets.
Best Week 10 pitchers to target
- SP Mick Abel (Phillies)
- SP Shane Bieber (Guardians)
- SP Max Meyer (Marlins)
- SP Chris Paddack (Twins)
- SP Ryan Yarbrough (Yankees)
I’ll start with Mick Abel, the obvious apple in the room. Abel will be getting a recall to the Phillies after the team decided to move Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. For those who remember, Abel — who struck out nine Pirates in his MLB debut — was sent down to make way for Walker to re-enter the rotation.
Abel’s first start as at least a semi-permanent member of the rotation will come on June 5 against the Blue Jays.
Next up is Ryan Yarbrough, who struck out five Dodgers over six innings on June 1, capping off a big week for the Yankees’ lefty. Yarbrough threw six strong against the Angels earlier in the week. In total, he earned two wins in LA.
Yarbrough doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal but is very deceptive. He’s long been adept at limiting damage thanks to his high-80s sinker with movement, which keeps together the rest of his arsenal. But what’s put him over the top — at least when it comes to fantasy value — is the fact that Yarbrough is getting strikeouts.
Max Meyer’s been all over the place this season. Meyer pitched great back on May 21, as he struck out four and gave up only one run over six against the Cubs. However, he got hit around against the Padres six days later.
Meyer will face the 9-50 Rockies on June 2, and any pitcher facing Colorado nowadays has to be given consideration. However, he lines up to face the Rays this coming weekend and is likely a one-off right now.
Chris Paddack, meanwhile, continued his underrated, yet strong run on June 1 with 10 strikeouts and one earned run allowed against the Mariners. His only blemish was a curveball low and out of the zone but a pitch Cal Raleigh got just enough of to hit a home run.
With that start, Chris Paddack surrendered two or fewer runs for the fifth straight start. His 2.13 ERA over the last month is 16th-best in the Majors.
No, Paddack isn’t striking out batters compared to his 2019 season he had as a rookie. But, he induces a lot of chases and has been effective at controlling the game.
Lastly, Shane Bieber made his first rehab start on May 31. Bieber pitched well, with five strikeouts over 2.1 IP. The clock has started on Bieber — so get him while he’s still available.
Overview of Week 9
Not a bad week on my end.
Daniel Palencia‘s got a stranglehold on the Cubs’ closer position for the moment. Palencia tied with Felix Bautista and three others for second in the Majors in saves (3) over the last week.
Hayden Birdsong and David Peterson both got wins over the last week, while Cade Horton pitched well against the Rockies but couldn’t nab a W.
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