The Fantasy Countdown

Countdown your way to another victory this week!

Here is what we got for you today:

3 Winning waiver claims

2 Start starters

1 Story from around the league

3 Winning waiver claims

Oscar Mercado has only been in the majors for 3 games but he has managed to make plenty of noise. The 28 year old has had two 3 hit efforts to go along with 5 RBI’s and 2 SB’s. He hasn’t gotten too much playing time since his rookie season in 2019 where he showed a bit of his power and speed. Mercado’s role isn’t totally set with the Cardinals but with both Tyler O’Neil and Dylan Carlson on the IL, he is well worth a pickup in hopes he can continue this production.

Lane Thomas has quietly had a productive season for the Nationals. His statline of a .290 batting average, 6 HR’s and 23 RBI’s is well on pace to beat his numbers from his first full season last year. The 27 year old hasn’t proved much over his few years in the bigs but if this stretch is any indication of how he can hit, fantasy managers may be looking at a serviceable outfield option.

Jared Shuster is on his second try in the majors this season. The rookie lefty struggled mightily his first time around but with the Braves rotation injuries, they had no choice but to call him back up. Control has been his biggest issue so far this year highlighted by his 26 walks in 44.1 IP combined between AAA and the majors. Now while he still has a lot to prove, Shuster showcased a filthy pitch mix this spring. If he can put it together he is more than capable of being an effective MLB pitcher. Rostered in only 2.4% of ESPN leagues, Shuster is worth a look.

2 Start starters

In order to get the most from your fantasy week it is important to map out your lineup. This can help ensure you are using all of your starts/innings in points leagues and maximizing your stats in category leagues. If a pitcher is making two starts in a week it can give your team an extra boost by giving you the flexibility of an extra roster spot or by being able to punish your opponent by starting a hot pitcher twice in a week. Here are all pitchers who are double dipping this week.

1 Story from around the league

Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. Yet some people seem to make it look really easy when you watch the MLB. Three of the guys that we have been saying this about lately are Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Yandy Diaz, and Owen Miller. These three curently hold the longest hitting streaks in the league. Gurriel and Diaz hold a tie for first at 14, while Miller is right behind them with 13. Now we know these are not quite near the record 56, held by Joe DiMaggio, but they are still quite impressive.

Gurriel has been enjoying a very successful first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.