At the end of week 12, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are still tied for the top spot in the American League East, with both teams going a mediocre 2-8 and 4-6 respectively over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins’ lead in the AL Central continues to shrink as they are clinging on to a 0.5 game lead over the Cleveland Indians. On the other hand, the Houston Astros have gained a more comfortable lead in the AL West, now up by 13.0 games over the second place team. In the National League (NL) East, the Washington Nationals continue to maintain their first-place standing – 9.0 games up over the second place team. However, the NL Central and West are shaping up to be close races for the top spot – the Chicago Cubs find themselves 1.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers while the Arizona Diamondbacks are 2.5 game back of the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the brief standings summary, here are the top MLB fantasy waiver wire picks for week 13.
Matt Adams, 1B, Atlanta Braves
Since coming over from the Cardinals, Matt Adams has simply been on fire – 12 home runs, 31 runs-batted-in (RBIs), 24 runs scored, with a .654 slugging percentage (SLG). While receiving consistent playing time with the Braves was assumed to be questionable, Adams hot bat has forced the Braves to shift Freddie Freeman to 3B. Over the last 28 days, Adams has slashed .316/.376/.673 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in only 98 at-bats. However, there are still some concerns – a 40% groundball rate coupled with an inability to hit lefties. Not to worry for this week though, Adams is slated to face five righties.
The Braves enter the week at 36-39, but are nine games out of first place in the National League West.
Mike Montgomery, SP, Chicago Cubs
Since the injury to Kyle Hendricks, Mike Montgomery has shone in place of The Professor. While Montgomery is not expected to remain in the rotation, he’ll receive a couple of starts while Hendricks is sidelined. So far this season, Montgomery has compiled a 2.26 ERA and 1.24 WHIP while allowing opponents to slash a measly .212/.317/.268. More encouraging, in his three starts so far this year, Montgomery has produced a 2.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, with opponents slashing .218/.290/.273. Although Montgomery is prone to giving up walks, his ability to generate groundballs (65.1% as a starter) while only giving up 2 home runs in 51.2 innings pitched is encouraging.
The Cubs continue to be a very average team as they enter the week just 38-37. They are only 1.5 games out of first place in the National League Central, though, which is why so many baseball experts still have faith that they can turn it on. However, they haven’t looked like the World Series champs of late.
Cameron Maybin, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Although Cameron Maybin had a horrible start to the season, he has definitely made up for it over the last 28 days with a .328/.397/.574 slash line. Additionally, Maybin also finds himself leading the AL with 28 stolen bases while being caught only once. Maybin will continue to receive opportunities as the leadoff man. Look for him to feast this week with five lefty matchups.
The Angels enter the week at 40-39 and while that seems like it isn’t a great record, they are right in the thick of things in terms of the wild card race. Everyone is bunched up in the American League. They have been hanging tight – even with Mike Trout out of the lineup. However, they are still 13 games out of first place in the West.
Mike Fiers, SP, Houston Astros
Although the Houston Astros’ starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, Mike Fiers continues to provide a spark. In his last five starts, Fiers is 4-0 with a 1.72 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Opponents have been struggling against Fiers, slashing .195/.283/.239 while failing to go yard – a big component of Fiers’ recent success. With three consecutive quality starts, look for Fiers to continue rolling.
The Astros have cooled off of late but are still one of the top teams in the Majors. They are the only team in the American League with a run differential above 100 (+119).
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