👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Risers and Fallers - Week 3: Lamb, Latos, Ellsbury, Archer and more

Week 3 is nearing its completion and there are plenty of bats and arms to tickle your fancy. It's not all good news though, as some highly-regarded players are not getting the job done at the moment.

As is usually the case, you must strike quick in some cases and be patient in others. Without any further ado, here is the Week 3 edition of Risers and Fallers.

Editor’s Note: to read about waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.

 

Fantasy Baseball Risers

Aledmys Diaz (2B/SS, STL) - All Diaz has done during his short time in St. Louis is hit .385 with a 1.173 OPS in 13 contests. Diaz displayed some pop in the Minors and already has six doubles for the Cards. The longer Jhonny Peralta is out with his hand injury, the longer Diaz has to show what he can do. Strike while the iron is hot.

Jake Lamb (3B, ARI) - Lamb has been racking up the hits in the Diamondbacks lineup recently and will have the chance to continue doing so hitting out of the six spot in the desert. He had a .960 OPS in 931 career Minor League at-bats, so the power potential is there. He has fared much better against right-handers thus far so continue to monitor his splits.

Yasmany Tomas (3B/OF, ARI) - Tomas has shown to be much more comfortable in his second year in the United States. He is riding a six-game hitting streak and swatted his first two home runs of the year in a game earlier this week. The 25-year-old Cuban showed his power potential last season and should only improve with more at-bats this year. The D-backs have a full slate of home games coming up for Tomas to keep the train rolling.

Matt Holliday (OF, STL) - Holliday has belted three home runs in the last week and is capable hitting over 20 home runs for the Cardinals if he can stay healthy. The 36-year-old played in just 73 games a year ago, but is only 22 dingers shy of 300 for his career. You know the motivation is there, the key will be whether his body goes along with the plan. Maybe he can prove his value and get traded to the American League where he can DH.

Byung Ho Park (1B/DH, MIN) - Park has three home runs in his last four games, and is becoming the power threat the Twins hoped they would see. Park figures to sit in National League stadiums, and with the Twins visiting the Brewers and Nationals coming up, his value will take a hit for a few days. He'll continue to be a sneaky power source in an otherwise underwhelming Minnesota attack.

Michael Conforto (OF, NYM) - Conforto was recently inserted into the three-hole in the Mets lineup, and the move has paid immediate dividends for everyone involved. Despite an 0-for-5 on Wednesday night, the sweet-swinging lefty is 7-for-23 with two home runs, five RBI and six runs scored in his last six games. In addition, the Mets lineup around him has erupted for 17 home runs in their last five games. This is only the beginning for the future All-Star.

Neil Walker (2B, NYM) - Walker will forever be spoken of as the man who replaced Daniel Murphy after the latter's historic postseason performance last fall. Walker has filled Murph's shoes admirably thus far in 2016, mashing five of his team-high six home runs in the last five contests.

Daniel Murphy (2B, WAS) - Murphy has followed his playoff heroics by leading the National League with a .429 average entering play on Thursday. He is hitting like a man possessed and has picked up right where he left off, save for all the home runs, but that was to be expected. Murphy is absolutely looking like a man on a mission after the Mets essentially let him walk, and a batting title is not out of the question.

Michael Saunders (OF, TOR) - Saunders had his third straight multi-hit game on Thursday and should be on the radar of most owners. Hitting atop the Toronto lineup has its benefits and Saunders will reap the rewards for as long as he stays there.

Mark Trumbo (1B/DH, BAL) - Trumbo extended his hitting streak to six games on Thursday and has mashed five home runs so far this month. Like any slugger, there will be ups and downs, but Trumbo appears capable of returning to the slugger he was with the Angels earlier in his career. A 30 home run season is not out of the question.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C, DET) - Salty finally went hitless on Thursday but will remain a power threat so long as James McCann remains sidelined. He should retain everyday catching duties for at least another week, if not longer. He already has five homers and has hit over 20 in a season before, so don't be shocked to see this continue.

Mat Latos (SP, CWS) - Latos has been among the best starting pitchers in baseball so far, having allowed only one run over 18.1 innings in three starts for the Chi-Sox. He has not registered a ton of strikeouts but Latos seems to have matured since his days in Cincinnati. As is the case with many pitchers, you'll have to pick your spots with Latos at times. He has Texas and Baltimore coming up, so be careful.

Drew Pomeranz (SP, SD) - Pomeranz fanned a career-high 10 his last time out against the Pirates and has 25 strikeouts in 17.2 innings in three starts. The wins could be tough to come by, but he's in a pitcher's park in San Diego. The 27-year-old southpaw may finally be realizing his potential after being stuck in Colorado for the first few years of his career.

Hector Santiago (SP, LAA) - Santiago fanned 10 over seven shutout innings against the White Sox his last time out, and gets the Mariners at home this weekend. He has 20 strikeouts in 20.2 innings and is using his sinker to baffle hitters any which way he chooses. The 28-year-old left-hander is coming off a career-high 180.2 innings and had a 3.59 ERA a year ago. He could top both those numbers in 2016, and double-digit wins are likely to follow as well.

Jeremy Jeffress (RP, MIL) - Jeffress has notched five saves and has yet to allow a run for the Brew Crew. This is his third stint pitching for the Brewers in his career, but the first time he has had a chance to close games. He won't maintain a perfect ERA all season, but there a handful of closers who unexpectedly pop up each year to save a bunch of games, and Jeffress could very well be one of them in 2016.

 

Fantasy Baseball Fallers

Jacoby Ellsbury (OF, NYY) - Ellsbury has experienced a sharp decline in production over the last few season, largely due to lower body injuries. The now 32-year-old is hitting just .255 to start the year without a home run. He may even begin to sit occasionally against lefties. Ellsbury has never come close to repeating his magical 2011 season in Boston when he had 32 home runs and 46 doubles. The Yankees are certainly not getting much for their investment.

Lorenzo Cain (OF, KC) - Cain has not gotten off to the greatest of starts after a terrific 2015 season in which he set career-bests in games played, batting average, home runs, doubles, runs and hits. He may not reach all those numbers this season, but he will certainly perform better than his current .222 average and .667 OPS.

Byron Buxton (OF, MIN) - Buxton is hitting an atrocious .162 with 18 strikeouts and one walk to begin the season. He had a cup of coffee in 2015, hitting .209 in 129 at-bats, so he is certainly not this bad. Buxton has mega speed, but as the saying goes you cannot steal first base. The Twins are not expecting to contend this year so Buxton will have a chance to get through the growing pains.

Addison Russell (2B/SS, CHC) - Russell is struggling mightily at the moment and may begin to lose some playing time to Javier Baez in the Cubs lineup. He is hitting just .196 and has only one hit in his last 16 at-bats. Russell is still just a young pup at 22, so it would be very premature to label him a bust. Be patient and monitor him closely if he is on your league's waiver wire.

Mark Teixeira (1B, NYY) - Teixeira is having a rather poor April, with just one hit in his last 18 at-bats and a .170 average. The 36-year-old managed 31 home runs in 111 games a year ago and is just three shy of 400 in his career, so expect him to start taking advantage of the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium at some point. The Bombers are home this weekend but on the road next week.

Brandon Crawford (SS, SF) - Crawford has so far not been the player who busted out last season to the tune of career-highs of 21 home runs, 33 doubles and 84 RBIs. The Giants offense has struggled a bit of late, so perhaps Crawford just needs his teammates to get going around him. He is carrying a .222 average into the weekend.

Scott Kazmir (SP, LAD) - Kazmir (1-1, 6.43) has not gotten past the fourth inning in either of his last two starts, and this won't get any easier for him in this weekend in Colorado. He has allowed 14 hits and five walks in his last eight innings and has an unsightly 6.43 ERA. The 32-year-old posted a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts between Oakland and Houston last season, and has a chance to come close to that in the National League, he just isn't getting it done at the moment.

Chris Archer (SP, TB) - Archer (0-4, 7.32) just has not been able to get any sort of consistency going in April. He has had two decent starts and two terrible ones, most recently giving up six runs over 4.1 innings against Boston. He has piled up the walks and strikeouts, so he probably just needs to induce contact earlier in the count. He should start to go deeper into games soon.

Francisco Liriano (SP, PIT) - After striking out 10 Cardinals over six shutout innings on Opening Day, Liriano (1-1, 4.11) has regressed and allowed seven runs over 9.1 innings in two starts. He has walked nine in those two games, and will have to start throwing more strikes in order to see some success. You may want to avoid him in Arizona this weekend.

Adam Wainwright (SP, STL) - Wainwright (0-2, 8.27) is simply no longer the ace he was for so long in St. Louis. After missing nearly all of last season, 'Waino' has gotten rocked out of the gate in 2016. He has walked nine and struck out only seven in 16.1 innings. The 34-year-old should still have something left in the tank, but it could take him some time to build up his arm strength and control.

Taylor Jungmann (SP, MIL) - Jungmann (0-3, 8.47) continues to get battered and will have to get some better results if he wants to hold onto his spot in the Milwaukee rotation. The 26-year-old had a 3.77 ERA in 21 starts a year ago, but has not resembled that pitcher this year. He is pitching in a tough division in a hitter's park.

Matt Harvey (SP, NYM) - Harvey (0-3, 5.71) did not pitch very much in Spring Training and seems to be treating April like a warm up act. He has been working on fixing a mechanical issue when pitching out of the stretch, and will get a chance to begin turning his season around this weekend in Atlanta.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Gradey Dick

Open to Trade Away From Toronto
Michael Porter Jr.

Wants to Stay in Brooklyn
NBA

Hornets Extend Charles Lee After 25-Win Improvement
Jarred Vanderbilt

Ruled Out for Game 2 Against Thunder
Luke Kennard

Cleared to Play Thursday
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Anthony Edwards

Remains Questionable on Injury Report Ahead of Game 3
Mitchell Robinson

Probable for Friday's Action
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out Thursday
Sam Merrill

Unavailable Thursday
OG Anunoby

Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Joel Embiid

Listed as Questionable for Game 3 Against Knicks
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Signs Franchise Tender on Thursday
Alexander Nikishin

Set to Return Thursday
Joe Burrow

Attending Voluntary Workouts, Ready for Monster Season?
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
T.J. Hockenson

Can T.J. Hockenson Bounce Back with Improved Quarterback Play in Minnesota?
Jordan Love

Is Jordan Love's Dynasty Upside Fading Entering 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Facing Increased Playing Time Competition in Houston Entering 2026
Kimani Vidal

Dynasty Value in Question Due to Uncertain Playing Time Outlook
Juwan Johnson

Facing Reduced Role in New Orleans Following NFL Draft?
Chuba Hubbard

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Moves
Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore Granted his Release by Colts
Minnesota Vikings

Chad Alexander a Candidate for Vikings GM Job
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Request to Interview RJ Gillen for GM Job
Drake Maye

Shoulder Doing "Great"
Gunnar Helm

a Clear Breakout Candidate Despite Crowded Offense?
Travis Hunter

Dynasty Managers Regret Drafting Travis Hunter?
Khalil Shakir

Offseason Addition a Threat to Khalil Shakir's Consistency?
Christian Watson

Can Christian Watson Overcome Injury History?
Pat Freiermuth

a Bounce-Back Candidate in New System
Tua Tagovailoa

Lacks Long-Term Appeal in Dynasty Leagues
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Jordan Mason

Still Holding Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Planning a Visit With Steelers
Dontayvion Wicks

What is Dontayvion Wicks' Dynasty Ceiling?
Paul George

Does a Little Bit of Everything in Game 2 Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Tallies Team-High 26 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks With 26 Points Wednesday
Victor Wembanyama

Notches Another Double-Double
Stephon Castle

Scores Game-High 21 Points in Blowout Win
Ayo Dosunmu

Exits Game 2 With Heel Issue
OG Anunoby

Suffers Apparent Leg Injury Wednesday
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Luke Kennard

Tagged as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Christian Dvorak

Likely to Play in Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Owen Tippett

a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Noah Cates

to Miss Rest of Round 2
Arber Xhekaj

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Wednesday
Brendan Gallagher

Scratched on Wednesday
Logan Stanley

Returns to Action Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Mats Zuccarello

Extends Point Streak to Five Games
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF