The latest waiver‑wire guide zeroes in on the most exploitable pitcher‑hitter pairings for Week 13, highlighting how a handful of teams will face a steady diet of right‑handed arms and how that shapes the value of certain hitters on the market.
Pitcher‑Hitter Matchups to Watch
The Mariners are set to square off against the Orioles and the Red Sox, both of which will deploy three right‑handed starters apiece. Meanwhile, the Marlins, Cardinals and White Sox have posted the league’s best K‑BB% this season, making their opponents’ hitters less appealing, while the Astros, Rays, Padres and Rangers have struggled in that metric, opening a window for aggressive streaming.
Teams Facing Right‑Handed Arms
The Athletics will meet right‑handed starters in six of their seven games, a scenario that could boost the fantasy outlook of Carlos Cortes and Jeff McNeil, both of whom have shown a knack for delivering against right‑handed pitching. The Angels are similarly positioned, with five of their seven matchups against right‑handed arms, making Wade Meckler and Nolan Schanuel attractive streaming options.
The Orioles, by contrast, will encounter right‑handed starters in all six of their contests, a pattern that could elevate Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday into the spotlight. The Red Sox, meanwhile, will also face a full slate of right‑handed starters, presenting a chance for Jesús Sánchez and Yohendrick Piñango to capitalize on the matchup.
Streaming Candidates
For those looking to add depth, Wade Meckler and Nolan Schanuel stand out as low‑cost options with the potential to generate solid returns against the Angels’ right‑handed rotation. Their recent plate‑appearance profiles suggest they can contribute both on‑base and speed, making them ideal fill‑ins for deeper leagues.
Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday are similarly positioned to benefit from the Orioles’ schedule, while Jesús Sánchez and Yohendrick Piñango could see a surge in production against the Red Sox’s right‑handed arms. Joc Pederson, a veteran with a track record of delivering in tough matchups, also merits consideration for the Rangers’ lineup.
Injury‑Driven Opportunities
Dalton Rushing has emerged as a fantasy‑viable option after Will Smith’s injury forced the team to reshuffle its catching corps. Rushing’s 71.9% contact rate and a 6.1% barrel rate per plate appearance illustrate a blend of consistency and power that could translate into a steady stream of RBI and home runs.
Kody Clemens, meanwhile, brings a 9.3% barrel rate and a 19% stolen‑base opportunity rate to the table, making him an enticing add for teams needing both power and speed. His recent performance suggests he can capitalize on the Angels’ right‑handed matchups to generate extra bases.
Matt McLain has hit three home runs, stolen three bases and maintained a .278 average since June 1, a stretch that underscores his ability to contribute across categories. Paul Goldschmidt, who has been a daily starter since May 20, has added four homers and a .302 average, reinforcing his status as a reliable middle‑of‑order anchor.
Colton Cowser’s recent stretch, featuring seven homers, two steals and a .278 average since May 15, mirrors the production expected from the Orioles’ right‑handed slate, while Caleb Durbin’s two homers, one steal and a .341 average since May 28 highlight his surge as a high‑contact, high‑average option.
Jake Mangum’s 32% stolen‑base opportunity rate paired with a .302 average makes him a compelling add for teams seeking speed, and David Hamilton, with a 37% opportunity rate, offers a pure speed‑only package for deeper formats.