Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 5

Seth Lugo, SP, Kansas City Royals (49% rostered)

Lugo doesn’t strike out a lot of hitters, which can limit his fantasy upside. However, he has a 3.44 ERA and 1.17 WHIP for his career, which shouldn’t be overlooked in fantasy. He hasn’t given up more than two runs in any of his four starts this year and he has a 0.99 WHIP. The veteran is expected to make two starts next week against the Orioles and Angels, both of which will be at home. That makes him one of the top streaming options for the week.

Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies (48% rostered)

Bohm is off to a slow start, batting .145 with a .203 wOBA. That has resulted in him being dropped in many leagues. For his career, Bohm has a .276 batting average and a .319 wOBA. He has been pretty unlucky so far, recording a .160 BABIP. Considering that his career BABIP is .315 and that he is only 29 years old, look for him to turn things around sooner rather than later.

Seranthony Dominguez, RP, Chicago White Sox (44% rostered)

The White Sox are only 6-13 this season, but Dominguez has recorded a save in three of their victories. He has also missed plenty of bats with his 25.8% strikeout rate. That has always been an area of strength for him, given his career 27.9% strikeout rate. He can sometimes have command issues, but he is the clear closer for the White Sox right now, despite blowing a save Thursday against the Rays. Saves aren’t easy to come by on the waiver wire, so add him if you need help in the category.

David Peterson, SP, New York Mets (19% rostered)

After throwing 5 1/3 shutout innings against the Pirates in his season debut, Peterson has given up 15 runs (14 earned) across 14 1/3 innings in his last three outings. On the bright side, he also had 18 strikeouts over that three-game stretch. His one scheduled start next week comes at home against the Rockies, who have struck out the most times in baseball. They also have just a .659 OPS on the road after recording a .589 OPS away from Colorado last season. Peterson is worth picking up in all 12-team and deeper leagues.

Louis Varland, RP, Toronto Blue Jays (10% rostered)

Jeff Hoffman had 33 saves for the Blue Jays last season, but he was often an adventure in the ninth inning. He gave up a whopping 15 home runs over 68 innings, which is not a recipe for success. Including Wednesday’s blowup against the Brewers, he has already blown three saves this year. Meanwhile, Varland has dominated with 15 strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings. He has yet to allow an earned run, as well. If Hoffman can’t turn things around, he could lose the ninth inning to Varland. Fantasy managers who are desperate for saves should consider Varland as a viable speculative pickup.

Takeaway

Lugo and Peterson are two starting pitchers who could help fantasy managers during Week 5, while Dominguez and Varland are two options who have the potential to help with saves in the coming weeks. While Bohm has struggled, he could turn things around as the season moves along, making him an intriguing waive wire target. For more ways to improve your team, check out our Week 5 Schedule Breakdown to help gain an edge in your fantasy baseball league.