Pitching Pickups: Unlocking Hidden Gems for Fantasy Managers

As the MLB season continues to be impacted by injuries, finding reliable starting pitchers has become a critical challenge for fantasy baseball managers. This article shines a light on several under-the-radar options that could provide valuable contributions to your roster.

One such pitcher is Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In mid-June, Nelson made a change to his delivery, altering the release point and arm angle on his four-seam fastball. This adjustment has led to increased ride on the pitch and a recent run of success, with an ERA near 2.00. While his secondary pitches remain average, Nelson's efficiency and ability to limit walks make him a potential short-term addition, especially with favorable upcoming matchups against the Pirates and Tigers.

Another intriguing option is Brayan Bello of the Boston Red Sox. Bello has embraced his new cutter pitch, which has helped bolster his arsenal and contributed to a 2.38 ERA over his last stretch of starts. Despite some luck with balls in play, Bello has also shown improved strikeout rates and an ability to suppress home runs, making him an appealing pickup, especially in points leagues that penalize long balls.

Finally, the article highlights Zebby Matthews of the Minnesota Twins as a pitcher to consider. Matthews excels in key predictive metrics, such as strikeouts minus walks and Stuff+, a measure of pitch quality. With a stable rotation spot and favorable upcoming matchups against the Nationals and Guardians, Matthews could provide valuable production for fantasy managers.