Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Astros Have a New Slugger to Pick Up

Rookie Yainer Diaz is swinging a hot bat, and he should remain in the lineup for a while.

Week 13 is already approaching! Time flies when you are having fun.

Three rookies make the waiver wire list again this week. One is a catcher who has become the DH in Houston and could also grab first base eligibility as the season rolls on. Another is a top pitching prospect for Cleveland who will likely stick around a while with news of Triston McKenzie being shut down again for a minimum of six weeks. And finally, it’s hard not to see the flashy strikeout upside for Bryan Woo, despite the rough ERA stats on the surface.

A couple of veterans make the list today, too. Let’s get to it. 

Yainer Diaz, C/DH/1B (HOU)

Troy Taormina/USA Today Sports

No player has been hotter for Houston than Diaz, who has hit seven home runs this season in just 37 games played. Four of those home runs have come in the last eight days. With Yordan Alvarez on the IR indefinitely, Diaz should see plenty of at-bats as the DH while also picking up some starts at catcher.

Leody Taveras, OF (TEX)

Taveras has been flying under the radar for some time now, with a .299 batting average, eight home runs and seven stolen bases this season. Six of those eight homers have come in the month of June, so it’s fair to say Taveras is getting hot. With a max exit velocity in the 80th percentile and an xBA in the 92nd percentile, Taveras is an excellent prospect for your roto league. 

Gavin Williams, SP (CLE)

Williams had a 2.39 ERA across 12 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this season before his call-up this week. In his first start vs. the A’s he allowed four earned runs, but he also showed some of his upside, generating plenty of swings and misses. MLB’s no. 16 overall prospect should be added in deeper leagues.

Bryan Woo, SP (SEA)

Woo is striking out batters at a rate of 13 per nine innings this season. We have enjoyed playing Woo’s strikeout props, and though he has been a bit shaky as far as runs allowed, Statcast says his xERA is 2.60 as compared to his actual ERA of 5.09. He allowed no earned runs to the Yankees through 5⅓ innings Thursday night. Buy low now. 

Craig Kimbrel, RP (PHI)

Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports

If you’re looking to pick up some saves, don’t let Kimbrel’s 4.50 ERA discourage you. Kimbrel has converted all 10 of his save opportunities this season and he’s still striking out batters at a 38.3% clip. Statcast says his xERA is 3.10, so go ahead and scoop him up. 

Taijuan Walker, SP (PHI)

Don’t look now, but Walker has quietly pitched to a 1.50 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in June. There are still some concerns about his consistency and control, but Walker could be worth a flier in deeper leagues. 

Braxton Garrett, SP (MIA)

The lefty has continued to dazzle for Miami, allowing two runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts, and most recently striking out 13 Pirates on Thursday night.