This is not the time for dipping toes in the water. It’s the time to dive in head first, without checking the temperature. As Rocky Balboa told Clubber Lang in Rocky III, “Go for it.” Sorry for going borderline boomer on that one.
April may be a time for settling into baseball season for some, but for the sharp fantasy manager, it’s time to pounce on players who could be difference-makers throughout the summer months. Let’s get into the Deep Sleepers for this week.
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Start/Sit Lineup Advice
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers & Waiver Wire Pickups
Jose Butto (SP – NYM): 18%
First the good news: Jose Butto has 15 strikeouts in 12 innings, and a matching 0.75 ERA and WHIP through his first two starts. Unfortunately, he did not figure in the decision either time. Now comes the bad news: Butto is facing the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 20 in an afternoon game. The ball tends to jump in day games, and that fearsome trio at the top of the lineup is waiting for him.
Butto could stick in the rotation for the long term, as manager Carlos Mendoza said so after the righty’s most recent outing. If he flashes stuff like what helped him register nine strikeouts in six scoreless innings, he’s going nowhere but onto plenty of fantasy rosters.
Jameson Taillon (SP – CHC): 5%
Fast-acting fantasy managers can take advantage of Jameson Taillon returning from the injured list (IL) for a back strain in time for an April 19 matinee against the lowly Marlins’ lineup. Temperatures should be in the 50s, not too much fun for a team from sunny South Florida.
With the Cubs having such an elite defense, especially up the middle, and sporting an offense that’s eighth in runs scored, Taillon could get his share of wins after going five or six innings.
Landon Knack (SP – LAD): 5%
Nothing like giving up a home run to the first batter faced in your big league debut, as Landon Knack did to C.J. Abrams of the Nationals on April 17. He gave up another run in that frame. The rookie right-hander settled down thereafter, throwing four shutout innings and allowing just a single.
While the Dodgers could get Walker Buehler back soon, they like to employ enough pitchers to give starters at least five days of rest between starts. Knack should get the Nationals again next week, so it could be a good spot for him.
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