Welcome back to another week of Fantasy baseball. This is our final MLB Wire Troll of 2024, so hopefully some of our picks helped you to bag a championship or two. Stay tuned for our 2024 MLB Wire Troll All-Star Team, coming soon.

This week, Shohei Ohtani entrenched himself in history with the first ever 50-50 season; Juan Soto had a knee injury scare that will require X-rays; and the A’s have been tearing up right-handed pitching over the last month.

So while you wonder if Will Smith can snap a mini slump that has seen him take 0-fers in two of the last three (he’s -240 to get a hit on Friday as per FanDuel), let’s get to our final 2024 batch of…

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks

Seranthony Dominguez, RP, Baltimore Orioles (ESPN: 11 per cent; CBS: 50 per cent): Two years ago, Dominguez was a Wire Troll All-Star in the wake of a superb season, but he experienced major regression last year, allowing way too many baserunners. Things were going even worse this season until a trade to Baltimore allowed Dominguez to take over as closer for a struggling Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel has now been DFAed, thereby ensuring Dominguez’s job security — even if Dominguez has looked shaky (and wild) in his last two outings. Dominguez has been used sparingly this month, and hasn’t been nearly as effective as when he first arrived in Charm City, but he’s proven he can handle high-pressure situations, thereby setting himself up as a closing option for 2025. Unless the O’s make a major move this offseason, he’s probably the best bet to earn saves given his 98 mph four-seamer.

Brant Hurter, RP/SP, Detroit Tigers (ESPN: 6.1 per cent; CBS: 19 per cent): Don’t look now, but Detroit is very much in the playoff race thanks to some stellar play over the last five and a half weeks or so. Among the standouts during this time has been rookie pitcher Hurter, who has mostly worked as a bulk reliever behind an opener. But he’s emerged as a legitimate streaming option thanks to his excellent control and ability to rack up frames (and wins). All Hurter did his last time out was toss 5 2/3 IP of no-hit ball while punching out eight against one walk. Give the kid five straight wins… and a long look for the final week.

Kumar Rocker, SP, Texas Rangers (ESPN: 12.1 per cent; CBS: 43 per cent): Another young pitcher who has caught our eye as a late-season streaming option is the much ballyhooed Rocker. Okay, so he wasn’t at his best in his first outing in front of Texas fans, but he’s shown really impressive composure on the mound considering he’s coming off TJS and is just getting his feet wet in the bigs. Rocker isn’t the best streaming option given that his outings will be on the short side, but he’s already proved he’s tough to hit and can throw the ball by MLB hitters. He’s getting elite extension and has shown fastball velocity well above average (including one pitch that was nearly 102 mph). Seeking a 2025 sleeper? Put Rocker near the top of your list.

Quick Hits

• It was so great to see Jacob deGrom back in action after his long rehab from TJS. In his first start, he was able to top 60 pitches over 3 2/3 shutout frames while exhibiting surprisingly good command — usually the final attribute to bounce back after this procedure. Assuming deGrom has no setbacks, you’re never going to get him cheaper than you will on draft day 2025.
• Despite his meltdown on Thursday, Giant reliever Ryan Walker has really found his niche as a setup man this year. He worked as a swingman during his rookie season last year and showed promise, winning a few games and chalking up a solid ERA. But this year, Walker has moved almost exclusively into the bullpen and been among the best in the biz in a major breakout season. There’s probably not much upside here, but if he can maintain this level, he’s an asset whether closing or setting up.
• Okay, so judging by his pitching performance on Thursday, Vidal Brujan is not likely to become the next two-way star. However, the long-time prospect has managed to mostly establish himself as a full-time big leaguer this year while hitting better than ever. His performance is still barely worth considering from a Fantasy perspective, and we’re doubtful he has much upside (even as a late bloomer), but it’s nice to see him show some development.
• It’s been a somewhat tough season for Toronto SP Kevin Gausman as his command has gotten worse again, this time sending his ERA to its highest level since 2019. Still, he’s finishing strong, hurling five no-hit frames on Thursday (before a back woe ended his outing early) for a fifth straight start with three runs or fewer allowed. Really, since an awful showing in June, Gausman has gotten better and better, buoying hopes for a comeback effort next year. The back issue sounds minor, which is great news and not surprising given that he’s been extremely durable over the course of his career.

RotoRob Tune of the Day

French music producer Dimitri From Paris was born as Dimitrios Yerasimos. Active since 1987, in 2014 he released In the House of Disco, featuring the track “Disco Shake,” which saw him team up with DJ Rocca, whose work includes collaborations with Jazzanova.

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