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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pitchers for H2H Points Leagues for Week 21 -- August 12 through August 18.
The pitchers in this article have what it takes to deliver lots of points in your head-to-head leagues. Each is rostered in around half of ESPN and/or Yahoo leagues.
There's always a weekly points-league roundup here at RotoBaller. In head-t0-head format, player values can vary from website to website platform, so we highlight players fit to succeed regardless of the format. Most of these pitchers are expected to make two starts in Week 21.
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Best Waiver Wire Choices
Paul Blackburn, New York Mets
Yahoo: 19%; ESPN: 12%
Blackburn's first two starts with the Mets have gone well. He's thrown 12 innings, allowing just two runs on 11 hits, four walks, and 12 strikeouts. Not only has he been pitching well recently but he's also facing two teams who have struggled to hit righties. When it comes to OPS against right-handers, the Athletics rank 22nd (.682), and the Marlins rank 27th (.672). Overall, Blackburn is set up for major success in Week 21.
Another quality start for Paul Blackburn
6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K
🍺🍺🍺
pic.twitter.com/40k6Kz0aPy— Mets'd Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) August 8, 2024
Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds
Yahoo: 53%; ESPN: 23%
Over the last month, Abbott has fallen off a bit. In his last five outings (23 1/3 IP), he's posted a 6.56 ERA and 22:11 K/BB. Despite his recent struggles, Abbott has still had an impressive season. Through 126 1/3 innings, he's got a 3.70 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 104:49 K/BB.
Abbott's biggest issue in 2024 has been the long ball. He currently leads the league in home runs allowed (24). Fortunately, the teams he'll face in Week 21 have struggled to homer against left-handed pitching. The Cardinals rank 20th in MLB with 30 homers against lefties, and the Royals rank 26th with just 21. Both teams are also bottom-10 in OPS versus lefties. With this in mind, Abbott is primed to bounce back next week.
Andrew Abbott, Wicked 83mph Sweeper. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/pxpEq6ZnrV
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 3, 2024
Next-Best Waiver Wire Choice
Taijuan Walker, Philadelphia Phillies
Yahoo: 5%; ESPN: 2%
Walker has been subpar through 53 innings this year, posting a 5.60 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 43:21 K/BB. Normally, there wouldn't been any reason to get excited about him in fantasy. However, he's got two favorable matchups in Week 21. The Marlins are ahead of only the White Sox in road OPS (Miami currently sits at .639). The Nationals aren't much higher, ranking 21st with a .682 road OPS. Both teams are below league average in OPS against righties. Overall, Walker likely won't push up the flashiest numbers next week, but he should have some respectable performances.
Deeper Waiver Wire Choice
Trevor Rogers, Baltimore Orioles
Yahoo: 6%; ESPN: 2%
Rogers has struggled in his first two starts with the Orioles, allowing seven runs in just 9 1/3 innings. His matchups in Week 21 are somewhat promising. The Nationals rank 27th in OPS against lefties (.657). However, the Red Sox rank seventh. Another thing to consider is that these will be Rogers' first two starts at Camden Yards with the Orioles. With the deepest right field fence in MLB, this could result in some decent production. Keep in mind that he's struggled to limit hard contact with his new team.
More Waiver Wire Options
- Tyler Mahle, TEX
- Brayan Bello, BOS
- Marco Gonzales, PIT
- Frankie Montas, MIL
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