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Welcome, RotoBallers, to our AL-only and NL-only deeper fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 23 -- August 26 through September 1. The waiver wire can be difficult to navigate. Knowing who to add and when is a game within the game of fantasy baseball. Doing this in a mono league where the player pool is half the size of a full league makes it even more challenging. Every drop and add is significant.
One of the keys to success with roster management is opportunity. A player given the chance to get on the field and produce is one of the first signs of potential. After all, they can't accumulate statistics if they're sitting on their team's bench. These opportunities can arise because of either a promotion from the minor leagues, an injury to another player, or simply because the team has moved on from another player. Whatever the case may be, these players are now given a chance to shine.
It's important to note that these players are on a short leash to see if they can produce. If they don't, they can be dropped for the next man up. All that being said, here are some of the best players with opportunities.
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Charlie Blackmon - OF, Colorado Rockies
6% owned
The first recommendation this week is because of the schedule, as the Rockies play all of their games at home next week. This is where Charlie Blackmon does his best work, posting a batting average around 70 points higher at Coors Field than when he's on the road. He's not the most exciting hitter, but he does do well at home and the matchups look good, too.
The Rockies play four games against the Marlins and then three against the Orioles, who are scuffling. As of now, all seven games look to be against right-handed pitchers, so Blackmon should see the platoon in his favor next week. A reminder that streaming hitters at Coors Field is usually a good idea.
Otto Lopez - 2B, Miami Marlins
1% owned
The Marlins have been rebuilding for quite a while and are always looking for players who could stick in the lineup long-term. While there haven't been many bright spots this season, one of the few stars they may have found has been Otto Lopez. He is a young, versatile defender who can play almost everywhere, and has lately become a mainstay for the Marlins at second base.
Otto López ties the game with an RBI double!
Connor Norby scores. pic.twitter.com/qJRvz85L4C
— Marlins Radio Network (@MarlinsRadio) August 21, 2024
There was some concern that he would lose playing time after Connor Norby was reinstated to the team, but the good news is that he has remained in the starting lineup. This upcoming week, the Marlins play four games at Colorado where he should benefit from the elevated atmosphere for better results at the plate.
They do travel to San Francisco after that for a much tougher matchup, but at this point of the season, it's all about volume play. He should be in the lineup every day, giving fantasy owners a chance to accumulate stats.
Andrew Heaney - SP, Texas Rangers
16% owned
One of the best two-start pitchers this week is Andrew Heaney, who has had mixed results all season long. Lately, he's seen his strikeout rate increase due to the increased usage of his slider, which has been quite an effective pitch for him. He has struck out 16 batters over his last two outings against the Twins and the Pirates.
This week, Heaney and the Rangers face the White Sox on the road and then come home to take on the Athletics. While Chicago has one of the league's worst offenses in years, Oakland has cooled off considerably since its mid-summer surge, scoring three or fewer runs in most of its games this month.
This is a fantastic way to utilize the schedule in your favor and get a pitcher who should take advantage of the less talented teams put in front of him.
Parker Meadows - OF, Detroit Tigers
9% owned
Parker Meadows struggled to start the season, battling through adjustments and injuries, and not being able to consistently get himself going. Now, after all of that, he's finally beginning to break through and is having a fantastic month of August.
Since the turning of the calendar, Meadows has hit well over .300 with nine extra-base hits and five stolen bases. He's been able to limit his strikeouts and get on base, displaying some of the potential that many thought he possessed. While he still has a ways to go before truly evolving, next week should be another step forward.
The Tigers play one game at the White Sox before heading home to take on the Angels and Red Sox. Detroit is rebuilding for next season, and Meadows is a part of the plans. He will get everyday at-bats down the stretch to prove that he belongs there heading into 2025.
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