The CBS Sports fantasy baseball column is gearing up for Week 18, the final scoring stretch that kicks off on Monday. As league owners scramble to lock in the best possible rosters, the spotlight falls on pitchers who are still flying under the radar in most leagues.
Underrated Arms to Target
The column’s focus is on arms that are rostered in fewer than 80% of CBS Sports leagues, a threshold that typically separates true sleepers from the mainstream conversation. These are the players whose recent performances deserve a closer look, especially for those looking to gain a competitive edge in the closing weeks.
Jack Flaherty, the St. Louis Cardinals right‑hander, is one such pitcher. After a solid stretch of starts that saw his strikeout rate climb and his walk numbers dip, Flaherty’s recent ERA sits well below the league average for starters. His underlying metrics suggest a breakout is possible, making him a prime candidate for streaming in deeper formats.
Another name worth monitoring is Reynaldo Lopez of the Chicago White Sox. The veteran right‑hander has been quietly effective, posting a sub‑3.00 ERA over his last five outings while keeping his pitch count low. Lopez’s recent form aligns with the profile of a high‑upside sleeper who could pay dividends as the playoff push intensifies.
With the scoring period set to begin on Monday, owners are advised to double‑check their lineups on Sunday to ensure they capture the latest injury updates and any last‑minute roster moves. The column will be refreshed on Sunday with any breaking news, so staying tuned could be the difference between a win and a loss in the final stretch.