Hayden Wesneski - Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds

BALLER MOVE: Add in NL-only Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: 

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, as Kyle Hendricks (back) was placed on the 15-day IL. While it is unclear what role the former New York Yankee will play for the Cubs in the future, he is worth considering in NL-only formats.

Wesneski has only made one appearance this season in the major league and looked sharp as he tossed four shutout innings of relief, allowed only one hit, and tallied two punchouts.

Hayden Wesneski, Wicked Sweepers. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/N3Kz9aKhpB

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 17, 2024

The 26-year-old started 11 games last season and made several relief appearances. He posted a 4.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 89 ⅓ innings and averaged just under one strikeout per inning with 83.

Wesneski has shown his potential in the past, with several starts last season of at least six innings and only one earned run. This includes a standout performance on April 17, where he tossed seven innings with only one earned run, five hits, no free passes, and seven strikeouts.

The concern with Wesneski will be whether he has opportunities to start games, as that will determine whether he is fantasy relevant or not. Currently, the Cubs rotation is without Justin Steele (hamstring), so Javier Assad has slotted into the final spot. 

Now, the best option for Wesneski to receive starts is to replace Kyle Hendricks, who was just placed on the 15-day injured list. 

Wesneski may be given more opportunities as the season progresses, as the Cubs have their sights set on competing for a division title. For now, he should just be targeted in NL-only formats.

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