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9 Under-the-Radar Waiver Wire Pickups

Chase Anderson (SP) Arizona Diamondbacks

Chase Anderson has allowed only 3 runs in his last four starts

Last week, we asked the experts which players were buy low/sell high candidates as the window may be closing to capitalize on over and under-performing players. That doesn’t change the fact that currently in Yahoo leagues, there are still quality player flying under the rader on the waiver wire.

Who might be some of these players you ask? The Featured Pros have named the the top hitters and pitchers who are currently owned in less than 25% of Yahoo leagues. If you’re in need of some assistance and don’t have the pieces to trade, consider using your FAAB or waiver claim on these players below.

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Q1. What pitcher should owners look into picking up that is owned in less than 25% of Yahoo Leagues?

Chase Anderson (SP, ARI)
Yahoo Ownership – 18%
“In his last four starts, Anderson has allowed a total of three runs in 26 1/3 innings (1.03 ERA). For the season, opponents are hitting .217 against him with a .278 on-base percentage. And his .593 OPS allowed puts him 17th among starting pitchers — in between Gerrit Cole and Felix Hernandez.”
Steve Gardner (USA Today)

“Anderson is sporting a 2.54 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP after eight starts. The strikeout rate isn’t great, but he is pitching very well and I expect the strikeouts to come along as his peripheral numbers regress. He’s gotten terrible run support so far (just 2.72 runs/game), so if his offense can provide some runs for him he should win more games.”
Tim McCullough (RotoExperts)

Rubby De La Rosa (SP, ARI)
Yahoo Ownership – 23%
“A strikeout pitcher with a respectable WHIP, De La Rosa has solidified himself as an integral part of the Diamondbacks rotation. Unfortunately, his team limits his win potential on any given night, but he has consistently provided decent outings while avoiding wholesale collapses.”
Mario Mergola (XN Sports)

“After his two start week in Week 6, De La Rosa has opened some eyes and has been pitching deeper into games limiting damage, and striking out some hitters in the process. Nothing dominant, but definitely a pitcher I would consider as a streaming or permanent option going forward. His ERA is a smidge high because of a rough first start, but he holds a 47/12 K/BB ratio.”
Chris Meyers (SoCalledFanEx)

“Those in the market for a starting pitcher to round out their staff should be honing in on Diamondbacks’ hurler Rubby De La Rosa. Through eight starts, De La Rosa is 4-2 with a 4.08 ERA (3.39 xFIP) and a 1.11 WHIP. His strikeout rate (K%) sits at a career best 22% and is supported by a 10.7% swinging strike rate (SwStr%), also a career best. De La Rosa may have figured things out, so add him now for the surge in strikeouts, but don’t be afraid to keep him on the bench if you don’t love the matchup. If you’re looking for a closer, Shawn Tolleson is still out there in more than 80% of Y! leagues and looks to have the edge in Texas. Better hurry.”
Alan Harrison (The Fantasy Fix)

Enrique Burgos (RP,SP, ARI)
Yahoo Ownership – 16%
“At this point I’d say Burgos. Addison Reed is a lost cause and Brad Ziegler is nearing AARP age. Burgos has extreme strikeout stuff so if he can reign in the control a bit, he has a chance to run with the Arizona job and put Aroldis Chapman like K numbers.”
Jonathan Stulberg (FFLockerRoom)

Q2. What hitter should owners look into picking up that is owned in less than 25% of Yahoo Leagues?

Ryan Howard (1B, PHI)
Yahoo Ownership – 23%
“OK, a series at Coors Field can be a great way to get on a hot streak, but Howard was already starting his climb before even visiting the Rockies. Howard is hitting .324 in May with five homers and 11 RBI as the Phillies have pulled themselves out of the NL East cellar. It’s hard for a guy this big to fly under the radar, and with his average up to a season-high .257, he probably won’t much longer.”
Steve Gardner (USA Today)

Danny Espinosa (2B,SS, WAS)
Yahoo Ownership – 9%
“I’d look at Espinosa. His K% is way down and his BB% is way up. Anthony Rendon has proven quite fragile and even when he returns, there’s potential at bats over slap hitting Yunel Escobar at second base.”
Jonathan Stulberg (FFLockerRoom)

Justin Turner (2B,3B,SS, LAD)
Yahoo Ownership – 17%
“Turner is only owned in 17% of leagues right now, which is surprising for a guy batting .300 with 5 HRs, 16 RBI and 11 runs with eligibility at 2B, 3B and SS. He’s got solid peripheral numbers and he’s playing almost every day now. He will continue to post solid counting stats and should be owned in all NL-Only and deeper mixed leagues.”
Tim McCullough (RotoExperts)

Maikel Franco (3B, PHI)
Yahoo Ownership – 16%
“Franco is the latest prospect to get the call and he seems to be adjusting right away and is still owned in only 18% of leagues. I like his upside in Dynasty and Keeper formats, however, I would also look at David Freese who has been heating up and provides some power and RBI potential at a thin position with a climbing Batting Average.”
Chris Meyers (SoCalledFanEx)

Anthony Gose (LF,CF,RF, DET)
Yahoo Ownership – 22%
“Gose appeared in line to be the everyday leadoff hitter for the Tigers, only to find himself locked in a battle with fellow outfielder Rajai Davis. The platoon is worth following closely, but Gose still gets his fair share of starts atop the batting order. He’s thrived in the position, posting a .324 average and seven stolen bases as the team’s leadoff hitter this season. He should continue to get opportunities as the season goes on, and will reap the sweet rewards of batting in front of Miguel Cabrera.”
Mario Mergola (XN Sports)

Delino DeShields (2B,LF,CF, TEX)
Yahoo Ownership – 25%
“It’s not often that we look for single category studs on draft day, but at this point in the season, you know your team’s strengths and weaknesses and should be looking to improve those categories via the wire. Delino Deshields is a player to target if you’re in need of stolen bases. He’s playing everyday, getting on base at a .405 clip thanks to a 17.6% walk rate and is 11-of-12 in stolen base attempts. Deshields won’t provide power and boasts a .279 batting average at the moment — which doesn’t make him a liability in that category — but, Steamer doesn’t love his projections the rest of the way. Ride the wave to pad the stolen base category, then send him packing if his production slides.”
Alan Harrison (The Fantasy Fix)

Thank you to the experts for giving their thoughts on some under-the-radar waiver options. For more info, be sure to follow them on Twitter. For more conversation, join us over in our new Forum.

Steve Gardner@SteveAGardner
Jonathan Stulberg | @Rotisguru
Tim McCullough | @Tim_RotoExperts
Chris Meyers@FantsyChillpony
Mario Mergola | @MarioMergola
Alan Harrison | @TheFantasyFix

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