We’ve all been there. The hunger pangs flood over one, but the motivation to cook or even punch in a few selections on today’s private equity-backed delivery app never materializes. Time to crack open the fridge and examine the options. Monday’s spaghetti and Tuesday’s taco meat stare right back. It’s time for leftovers.
It’s hard to shake a similar feeling when perusing the waiver wires out there. Lots of options that have been lingering all season remain after all of the fun pickups have been had. It’s the end of the season, and even if standings are tight, some have fled for the pigskin game while others have seen their window of focus close.
However, don’t fret, because around here, I’m looking out for you. Making sure you are directed to the tastiest of leftovers. Let’s just hope that spaghetti goes down easier than Spencer Arrighetti’s latest outing.
And don’t forget about our Hittertron and Streamonator tools that can help with weekly and daily lineup decisions. They are truly the Cholula and Sriracha of fantasy baseball, helping us spruce up those leftovers.
Get that microwave opened and ready to go (unless you’re a cold leftover spaghetti sicko), Razzballers, it’s FAAB time!
The stats and ownership percentages below are updated as of noon central time on 9/6.
As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on twitter (X) (@mcouill7) and bluesky (@mcouill7.bsky.social).
CATCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Adrian Del Castillo (ARI, 36% CBS Ownership) – Nothing is more indicative of the slim pickings on those wires than the catcher situation right now. After a blazing hot start, Del Castillo has slumped to a .172/.250/.172 line with a 37.5% K rate over his last 10 games. However, the past is the past, and the D-backs have an intriguing upcoming slate of games. Despite it being a paltry five-game week forthcoming, they are all in Arizona, where Chase Field has morphed back into a hitter-friendly park after a few years playing pitcher-friendly with a new humidor. And things get even better as the Diamondbacks visit Coors Field for a three-game set starting Sept. 16. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Keibert Ruiz (WSN, 35% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Miguel Amaya (CHC, 27% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Bo Naylor (CLE, 24% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Kyle Higashioka (SDP, 9% CBS Ownership) – Our boi Kyle battled illness this week and now is dealing with Elias Diaz arriving in town as the Padres rock a three-catcher roster, so his playing time situation has dwindled a bit. However, none of these other catchers can lay claim to a career 11.6% barrel rate with a 43.5% HardHit the way Higashioka can. Just like Del Castillo and the Diamondbacks, San Diego only has a five-game slate this upcoming week, but that should only suppress his already low price while looking towards the Padres’ weak remaining schedule that includes three home games with the White Sox starting Sept. 20. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Alejandro Kirk (TOR, 19% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Freddy Fermin (KCR, 14% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ivan Herrera (STL, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Drew Romo (COL, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
INFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Brendan Rodgers (2B, COL, 42% CBS Ownership) – It only took nine years, but the former 2015 first-round draft pick might finally be rounding into the useful middle infield bat that was expected of him. Rodgers has been a steady producer since the All-Star break, slashing .293/.331/.476 with seven homers, 26 runs scored and 21 RBI over 42 games. The Rockies have three home games against the Cubs next week with three more against the D-backs the week after. However, there is a grand prize for all Colorado bats, as they end the season with a full six-game slate at home. (Note that the Dodgers also face the Rox six times over the last week and a half, so start maneuvering for any of those available bats now too.) (3-5% FAAB)
Anthony Rizzo (1B, NYY, 33% CBS Ownership) – On the flipside of the D-backs and Padres’ poor upcoming schedules for this week is the Yankees, who have a full seven games in the Bronx against the Royals and Red Sox. And Yankee Stadium means one thing… short rightfield porch for left-handed batters. The 34-year-old Rizzo is in the twilight of his career and stuck in a strong-side platoon with DJ LeMahieu, but this is a great week for him to sneak in a couple of short-porch homers as the Yanks are booked to face six right-handed pitchers. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Ernie Clement (3B/SS, TOR, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Zack Gelof (2B, OAK, 48% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Gavin Lux (2B, LAD, 45% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Vierling (3B/OF, DET, 43% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Geraldo Perdomo (2B/SS, ARI, 31% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brooks Lee (2B/3B/SS, MIN, 31% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (2B/3B/SS/OF, PIT, 29% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Spencer Horwitz (1B/2B, TOR, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Paul DeJong (3B/SS, KCR, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Kyle Manzardo (1B, CLE, 25% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Nick Gonzales (2B, PIT, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ty France (1B, CIN, 20% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Amed Rosario (2B/3B/SS/OF, CIN, 18% CBS Ownership) – Rosario has taken his barely eclipsing double-digit homers and steals act to Cincy and fallen into a full-time role as *checks notes* the DH? However, for fantasy, a .280 bat that can swipe a base per week and offer non-zero power while qualifying for every position but 1B is a useful tool down the stretch, especially in daily leagues. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Jonah Bride (1B/3B, MIA, 13% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Will Wagner (2B, TOR, 12% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jose Tena (3B/SS, WSN, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Andres Chaparro (1B, WSN, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Seth Brown (1B/OF, OAK, 9% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Santiago Espinal (2B/3B/SS/OF, CIN, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gio Urshela (1B/3B, ATL, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Otto Lopez (2B/3B, MIA, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Addison Barger (3B/OF, TOR, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Thomas Saggese (2B, STL, 4% CBS Ownership) – This weekend is a crucial one of the Cardinals as they are already likely toast sitting five games back of the third Wild Card, but any further slippage likely causes the team to consider auditioning players for 2025. Saggesse will be in the mix for a spot on the infield next year after playing 122 games at Triple-A with a .254/.317/.442 slash line this season. He requires a 40-man roster move to join the big-league club, so this is certainly a longshot, but the options have fully dried up in NL-Only leagues at this point. (1% FAAB)
Cooper Bowman (2B, OAK, 0% CBS Ownership) – Another even longer shot to debut than Saggese, but again, the Only league choices are totally barren. If anything, this is also a reminder to keeper/dynasty players that Bowman has swiped 41 bags across two minor league levels this season while walking at an 11.8% clip. The 24-year-old is Rule 5 draft eligible this December and seems bound for a 40-man roster somewhere with a chance to compete at the keystone in Spring 2025 wherever he lands. (1% FAAB)
OUTFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Jacob Young (WSN, 38% CBS Ownership) – We’ve officially reached the stage of the season where an all-speed, low-pop bat hurts a lot less because of the compressed time available. If chasing speed, Young and his 31 steals have to be the number one target with the added bonus of the Nats getting six home games at their solid hitter’s park. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Brandon Marsh (PHI, 41% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jordan Walker (STL, 35% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jo Adell (LAA, 31% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Victor Robles (SEA, 29% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Matt Wallner (MIN, 28% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Lars Nootbaar (STL, 25% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), MJ Melendez (KCR, 24% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jake Fraley (CIN, 20% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Andrew Benintendi (CHW, 10% CBS Ownership) – After suggesting Patrick Corbin for pick up last week (and stay tuned below…), we have fully entered the twilight zone now. Benintendi is a classic case of the first-half performance really burying his overall line because he’s been a reliable bat post-All-Star break, slashing .246/.321/.493 (126 wRC+) with eight homers, 20 runs scored, and 23 RBI across 42 games. The White Sox have a decent six-game week at home against Cleveland and Oakland. And if it’s any help, I can help root on Benintendi for you Friday night when I begrudgingly visit Guaranteed Rate Field to procure this sick bobblehead. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Luke Raley (1B/OF, SEA, 19% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jesus Sanchez (MIA, 17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ramon Laureano (ATL, 10% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Andrew McCutchen (PIT, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gavin Sheets (1B/OF, CHW, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Kyle Stowers (MIA, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jonny DeLuca (TBR, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ben Gamel (HOU, 1% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Pavin Smith (1B/OF, ARI, 0% CBS Ownership) – This is a pure playing time gamble, as Smith is the strong-side platoon in the lineup spot freed up by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s recent calf injury. Arizona is slated to face five right-handers next week. (3-5% FAAB)
Tommy Pham (KCR, 16% CBS Ownership) – It makes me endlessly happy to write up our lord and savior, Tommy Pham, once again. And this is such a fun spot to muse on his virtues because if you are in one of those AL-Only leagues that automatically eliminates players departing for the NL, Pham has re-joined your player pool on the wire. The 36-year-old has stumbled into a fantastic fantasy situation, leading off for the playoff-bound Royals and playing every day in right field. (7-9% or whatever you have left FAAB)
STARTING PITCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Rhett Lowder (CIN, 30% CBS Ownership) – Lowder has held his own over two MLB starts, pitching to a 0.87 ERA, 3.77 FIP and 1.35 WHIP over his first 10.1 innings. The walks have been a bit much, allowing eight free passes, but the pitch arsenal looks solid while the 22-year-old survived Great American Ballpark in that pair of outings. Now he lines up for a two-start week with a must-start against St. Louis before a more difficult test at Minnesota. But hey, at least those starts aren’t at home. (5-7% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Frankie Montas (MIL, 48% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), David Festa (MIN, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Luis Ortiz (PIT, 36% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Mitchell Parker (WSN, 35% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Zebby Matthews (MIN, 35% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Martin Perez (SDP, 33% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matthew Boyd (CLE, 31% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), DJ Herz (WSN, 26% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Reid Detmers (LAA, 25% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Andre Pallante (STL, 25% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Alex Cobb (CLE, 24% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jack Leiter (TEX, 23% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Patrick Corbin (WSN, 20% CBS Ownership) – Holy shit, it worked (apologies for jinxing this upcoming second start of the week at Pittsburgh on Sunday) with Corbin picking up a win against the Fish while allowing two runs over 5.2 innings with eight Ks on Tuesday. I’m doubling down on Corbin’s recent run of success (three wins, 2.05 ERA, 2.82 FIP, 9.8 K/9 in 22 innings across his last four starts) with him facing the Marlins again this upcoming week. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Joey Estes (OAK, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Caden Dana (LAA, 16% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Yariel Rodriguez (TOR, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Alec Marsh (KCR, 13% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Valente Bellozo (MIA, 13% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Keider Montero (DET, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brant Hurter (DET, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ty Madden (DET, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Samuel Aldegheri (LAA, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Brandon Williamson (CIN, 2% CBS Ownership) – Williamson has finally worked his way back from a preseason shoulder injury that shelved him all season, striking out five over 3.1 innings in his debut against Milwaukee. He did allow two long balls, but it was the Brewers in GABP after all. Thankfully the 26-year-old southpaw gets a reprieve in his scheduled start for this week, as he’s facing the Cardinals in St. Louis, a pitcher’s park. The Redbirds have been down right terrible against lefties this season, posting an ugly 84 wRC+ (fourth-worst in the league), which has been a significant reason for their downfall. (5% FAAB)
J.T. Ginn (OAK, 3% CBS Ownership) – Ginn was the suggestion here last week and brought home the bacon in his first start of the week, firing six innings of two-run ball with seven punchies against Seattle. The projections are not picking up the changes Oakland has made to his profile over the last few years, adding strikeouts so that he can hover around 8-9 K/9 with a fantastic groundball-inducing arsenal (56.8% groundball rate this season). His start next week is at the White Sox, and Ginn can be added in 15-teamers with a possibility of streaming in even the shallowest of leagues. (7% FAAB)
RELIEVERS
10/12 Team Adds
Seranthony Dominguez (BAL, 47% CBS Ownership) – Dominguez is the Baltimore closer despite the shaky performances here and there. Best and easiest source of saves out there if still available. (3-5% FAAB)
Porter Hodge (CHC, 28% CBS Ownership) – A pretty standard rise in the ownership levels for Hodge from last week as he’s locked in as the Cubs closer thanks to Jorge Lopez’s injury. After polishing off the no-hitter this week, his production looks more than closer worthy with a 1.75 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 45:14 K:BB in 36 innings. For keeper/dynasty players, Hodge is likely walking into 2025 with the closer’s job too as his stuff is nasty enough and he has the proper demeanor. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Jason Foley (DET, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Ben Joyce (LAA, 38% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jeff Hoffman (PHI, 37% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Aroldis Chapman (PIT, 31% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Griffin Jax (MIN, 30% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Trevor Megill (MIL, 26% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), James McArthur (KCR, 26% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Luke Weaver (NYY, 15% CBS Ownership) – Between Weaver and Mark Leiter Jr., I’m not sure who will get the run at save chances while Clay Holmes occupies the doghouse. I do know that anecdotally, Leiter always seems to really struggle with high-leverage spots whenever I watch him. Weaver has been solid over 73 innings this season with a 3.33 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 79:23 K:BB while being one of manager Aaron Boone’s relievers in the circle of trust. That’s enough for me to take the gamble with him. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: A.J. Puk (ARI, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Edwin Uceta (TBR, 16% CBS Ownership. 3% FAAB), Tyler Holton (DET, 14% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Calvin Faucher (MIA, 15% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Manuel Rodriguez (TBR, 7% FAAB, 1% FAAB), Garrett Cleavinger (TBR, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Tyler Kinley (COL, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Dennis Santana (PIT, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
