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Fantasy Baseball 2020: Pickups and MLB Waiver-Wire Adds for Week 6
August 30, 2020
The race to pick up in-form starting pitchers has become more competitive as the weeks go by in fantasy baseball.
In the shortened season, a week's worth of solid outings can make the difference in qualifying for a fantasy baseball playoff position in September.
The St. Louis Cardinals' Kwang Hyun Kim and Atlanta Braves' Ian Anderson are two of the latest examples of hot hurlers being added in a quick manner. Kim has been one of the most consistent Cardinals since they returned to the field in mid-August, while Anderson marveled in his major league debut against the New York Yankees.
There are still some hitters worth picking up over the next week, but the urgency to add everyday players pales in comparison to adding the best arms for one or two potential difference-making starts.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver-Wire Pickups
Kwang Hyun Kim, SP, St. Louis
Kim was fantastic in his last two starts.
In 12 innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, the former reliever did not allow an earned run while striking out seven batters.
Kim only has one victory to his name, but he does have a 1.08 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, and he has allowed a single home run over 16.2 frames.
The 32-year-old southpaw is projected to start on two occasions in the coming week, with the first start coming against the Reds Tuesday. In his August 22 appearance versus Cincinnati, Kim conceded three hits and struck out a trio of batters in six innings.
Kim start could start on regular rest September 6 at the end of a five-game series with the Chicago Cubs. He pitched against the Cubs on August 17, but he only lasted 3.2 innings. In that outing, the only earned run he allowed was on a long ball.
Most of the Cardinals starters will be worth a look throughout September because of the high expected work rate, with seven doubleheaders on the schedule.
Right now, Kim is the primary target from their rotation since he could less available by the time he finishes his outing against the Reds.
Ian Anderson, SP, Atlanta
Anderson's six-inning gem Wednesday was the perfect remedy for an Atlanta starting rotation that has been ravaged by injuries and poor form.
The team's top pitching prospect shut down the Yankees by allowing a single hit and earned run, which came off a home run.
Some critics could argue that adding Anderson with such a small major league sample size is a risk, but it is worth noting the team he silenced. Anderson held a Yankees lineup that had Luke Voit, Gary Sanchez, Giovanny Urshela and Aaron Hicks in it to a single hit in his debut.
The prospect of adding Anderson becomes more intriguing when you look at his next projected matchup against the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox are stuck at the bottom of the American League East, and they have the worst run differential in the majors at minus-54. If he returns to the mound Monday or Tuesday at Fenway Park, Anderson could be in line for a second start in a fantasy baseball week against the Washington Nationals, who are having their own set of struggles.
Anderson could fall in the same category as Kim as a high-volume early-week pickup because of his form and two-start week.
If you want the rookie right-hander in your squad for the next week or two, now seems like the best time to pick him up before everyone is more aware of his abilities.
Willy Adames, SS, Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to find ways to win despite owning a diminished pitching staff.
Willy Adames is one of the lineup pieces keeping the Rays afloat in their quest to claim the AL East crown. The shortstop has reached base in five of the past seven games and has scored on 19 occasions.
Adames brings a bit of power to the plate, as he displayed on a home run in the win over Toronto on Monday, but that is not where he will upgrade your squad.
He has gotten on base through 28 hits and 14 walks and carries a decent batting average of .277. Of his 28 hits, 11 have been doubles, three were home runs and another one was a triple.
If he reels off a few extra-base hits against the Yankees and Miami Marlins in the next seven days, he could be in good position to add to his run total. In his first series trip to Yankee Stadium this season, Adames got on base on five occasions.
If he starts September well, he could find better form at the plate during a two-week stretch of 13 games against Boston, Baltimore and Washington.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from MLB.com.