With two weeks remaining in the MLB regular season, postseason contenders and pretenders can now be distinguished much more clearly. The Cleveland Indians, after having their historic 22-game winning streak come to an end, have clinched the American League Central division, while also sporting the best record in the AL. The Boston Red Sox continue to lead the AL East, although the New York Yankees are only 3.0 games back – the Yankees have basically locked up the top Wild Card spot as well, and should be primed for a postseason appearance. Meanwhile, in the AL West, the Houston Astros have all but secured the division title, with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels competing for the final Wild Card spot.
Over in the National League, the Washington Nationals have clinched the NL East title while the Los Angeles Dodgers, having lost 16 of 17 games recently, have clinched a playoff spot, although not the NL West title – yet. The Chicago Cubs are looking more comfortable, opening up a 4.0 game lead in the NL Central. The Arizona Diamondbacks should lock up the top Wild Card spot, with the Colorado Rockies securing the remaining spot – unless the Milwaukee Brewers or St. Louis Cardinals make a spectacular run to finish off the regular season. With a recap of the standings and postseason picture, let’s take a look at the best waiver wire pickups for week 25.
Jose Reyes, SS/3B, New York Mets
If you only looked at Jose Reyes’ cumulative statistics to-date, you’d be underwhelmed. While only producing a slash line of .239/.311/.404 in 132 games, Reyes has performed much better during the second half – .284/.357/.463 with 5 HR, 23 RBI, 32 R, 10 2B, and 11 SB in 49 games played and 41 games started. Additionally, over the past month, Reyes has been a handful to deal with, slashing .329/.434/.557 with 4 HR, 13 RBI, 19 R, 7 SB, 13 BB, and 10 K in 19 games. He’s an interesting player to keep in mind for DFS.
Brandon Nimmo, OF, New York Mets
Brandon Nimmo has been decent so far this season – .274/.399/.403 in 55 games and 29 games started. While he’s been used often as a pinch hitter and not bringing much to the table in terms of power or speed, he’s a patient hitter with a good eye who draws a ton of walks and is able to get on base at an elite rate. With an on-base percentage hovering just under .400, Nimmo could be especially useful if you’re in a tight contest for points in the on-base percentage category.
Garrett Richards, SP, Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are currently in a tightly-contested race with the Twins for the final Wild Card spot, and the team will need Garrett Richards more than ever. In three starts on the season, Richards has posted a 1.38 ERA, 1.93 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP while yet to allow any home runs. If the Angels leave him in the game for longer, he could come up with a win or two. While Richards is less appealing when it comes to accumulating quality starts, he may certainty have an opportunity to come up with one in his next starts.
The Angels are currently 15 games out of first place in the American League West but they are much closer in the Wild Card race. They are two games behind the Twins and four behind the New York Yankees.
Dinelson Lamet, SP, San Diego Padres
In 19 starts this year, rookie Dinelson Lamet has posted a 7-7 record with a 4.15 ERA, 3.97 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, and 11.9 K/9 while holding opponents to a .205/.300/.376 slash line. Lamet started his rookie campaign on a high note and proceeded to hit a predictable rough patch that all rookie starting pitcher will experience. However, over the past month, Lamet has been excellent, sporting a 1.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 10.5 K/9 while limiting opponents to a .209/.306/.291 slash line. Lamet has also recorded four straight quality starts and should warrant a late pickup to your waiver wire.
The Padres are currently at 66-83 on the season, which puts them a whopping 30 games out of first place in the National League West and 15.5 out of a Wild Card spot.
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