The latest wave of fantasy baseball waiver wire moves is drawing attention from both seasoned managers and newcomers looking to shore up rotating rosters.
A Pitcher with a Sweet Spot
Zebby Matthews, a right‑hander for the Minnesota Twins, is emerging as a short‑term gem despite a middling 5.40 ERA and 15 homers surrendered in 70 innings this season.
What sets Matthews apart is a schedule that pits him against two of the league’s weakest lineups — the Oakland Athletics, who are nursing a slew of injuries, and the Kansas City Royals, who have struggled to generate consistent offense.
His recent form suggests he can keep the ball out of the seats when it matters most, making him a low‑risk, high‑reward addition for teams needing a temporary boost.
A Breakout Bat in the Middle of the Order
First baseman Nolan Schanuel of the Los Angeles Angels has turned heads with a .352/.430/.477 slash line over his last 23 games, punctuated by two homers and five doubles.
Advanced metrics back the surge: a .374 expected weighted on‑base average and a 33 percent hard‑hit rate that outpaces his previous seasons, even as he nurses an ankle injury.
Relief Arm with Save Potential
Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn has quietly compiled three saves in recent outings while posting a 30 percent strikeout rate and a 4.05 career ERA across 120 innings.
His improved control and ability to miss bats have positioned him as a coveted asset for contending clubs, sparking speculation about a possible trade before the deadline.
Meanwhile, utility player Tommy White, fresh from the Oakland roster, and Pirates reliever Mason Montgomery are also on the radar, though they rank behind Schanuel in overall upside.
For managers weighing risk versus reward, the common thread is clear: target players whose recent performance metrics align with favorable matchups or roles that amplify their upside.