Waiver Wire Watch: Pitchers and Hitters Rising in August
The latest batch of streaming options and under‑the‑radar hitters is reshaping roster decisions for fantasy managers across the league.
Nick Gonzales of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been on fire, posting a .388/.438/.544 slash line over 25 games and a 171 wRC+ in July, signaling a breakout that could translate into a solid fantasy finish.
Ian Seymour of the Tampa Bay Rays has impressed with a 26.3% strikeout‑to‑walk rate, a .181 batting average allowed and a 0.91 WHIP across 35 innings since June 25th, making him a compelling pickup for any league.
Robert Gasser continues to show why he’s a sleeper, delivering a 2.45 ERA and a 22% strikeout rate over 11 innings in his last two starts, while Zac Thornton of the New York Mets has posted a 2.43 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP through 29.2 innings, benefitting from the absence of Freddy Peralta.
Andrew Abbott’s repertoire is generating whiffs at an eye‑catching 37% rate with both his sweeper and changeup, a combination that has turned him into a top waiver target for managers seeking reliable strikeout upside.
Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks posted a 1.95 ERA over four July starts, though his upcoming matchup against a weak Guardians lineup may limit his upside in the short term.
Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants brings a 3.38 FIP and a 52.4% ground‑ball rate to the table, suggesting that his recent performance could translate into even better results as the season progresses.
Finally, Peter Lambert of the Houston Astros posted a 1.88 ERA and a 20.2% K‑BB rate in July after dominating in Japan’s NPB, positioning him as a high‑upside arm for deeper leagues.
With a mix of high‑impact stats and favorable matchups, these players offer a blend of safety and upside that can help fantasy teams stay competitive through the stretch run.