In the realm of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of potential gems waiting to be discovered. Among the names that have recently caught my eye are Zebby Matthews, Nolan Schanuel, and Ryan Zeferjahn. Each of these players presents a unique opportunity for fantasy managers, and I'm here to dissect their current value and potential impact on your team.
Zebby Matthews: A Short-Term Power Play
Zebby Matthews, a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for fantasy managers this year. While his long-term prospects as a mixed-league starter may be in question, the current situation presents an intriguing opportunity. Matthews is set to face the injury-riddled Oakland Athletics and the Kansas City Royals in his next two starts, providing a kind of schedule that every pitcher dreams of. His 5.40 ERA and 15 home runs allowed in 70 innings this year may be a result of a down year, but the schedule ahead offers a chance to shine.
What makes Matthews particularly fascinating is the potential for a short-term power play. His 24.9% strikeout rate and 6.8% walk rate last year were impressive, and while those numbers have dipped this year, his command remains solid. The A's and Royals are not exactly powerhouses, and Matthews' velocity and slider may just be enough to keep him in the rotation for the foreseeable future. However, I predict that his value will wane after this stretch, making him a smart short-term pickup for those in need of a boost.
Nolan Schanuel: Hitting Third, Hitting It Well
Nolan Schanuel, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, has been a bit of a journeyman in fantasy circles. His mysterious ankle injury and subsequent return to the IL have kept him out of the spotlight for much of the year. However, his recent surge in performance has caught my attention. Schanuel's .352/.430/.477 batting line with two homers and five doubles in 23 games is certainly impressive, and it's not just a fluke. His xwOBA of .374 places him in the 28th percentile among batters with 75 plate appearances, and his hard-hit rate is up nicely from previous years.
What makes Schanuel's success particularly interesting is his position in the lineup. Hitting third against right-handers, he offers a solid average and a premium spot for runs and RBI. While his power upside may be limited, his current hard-hit rate and line drive percentage suggest that he's finding a groove. I predict that Schanuel will continue to hit for a solid average and provide value in deeper leagues, making him a solid option for those in need of a reliable bat.
Ryan Zeferjahn: The Rising Star in the Angels' Bullpen
Ryan Zeferjahn, a reliever for the Los Angeles Angels, has been a bit of a wild card in fantasy circles. His control issues have kept him from getting save chances, but his recent performance has been nothing short of impressive. Since July 8, Zeferjahn has made five straight appearances without walking or hitting a batter, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings. His high-90s fastball and mid-80s slider have given him a 30% strikeout rate, and his 4.05 ERA in 120 career innings is certainly respectable.
What makes Zeferjahn particularly intriguing is his potential as a trade candidate. His strikeout ability and high-90s fastball make him an attractive option for contenders looking to load up for October. However, I predict that he will remain with the Angels for now, providing a reliable option in the ninth inning. His high-90s fastball and mid-80s slider make him a force to be reckoned with, and I believe he will continue to be a factor in the Angels' bullpen for the foreseeable future.
The Bottom Line
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a place of opportunity and risk. Zebby Matthews, Nolan Schanuel, and Ryan Zeferjahn are all players who present unique opportunities for fantasy managers. While Matthews may be a short-term power play, Schanuel offers a solid average and premium spot in the lineup, and Zeferjahn is a rising star in the Angels' bullpen. As a fantasy manager, it's important to stay on top of these players and make informed decisions based on their current value and potential impact on your team.
