Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Ben Joyce tops list of priority additions for the weekend

As always in September, this week’s list of fantasy baseball picks is almost entirely focused on the days ahead. Head-to-head managers can’t look past this week’s matchups, while those in roto formats must take things series by series as they attempt to climb in specific categories.

When the Angels traded Carlos Estévez at the deadline, it was assumed that Joyce would be the closer. Unfortunately, we had to wait a while to confirm his role, as the team didn’t offer many save opportunities in early August. But Joyce is clearly their man in the ninth inning, as he has collected the team’s last three saves. With his ability to register eye-popping radar gun readings, Joyce could remain in his new role for several years.

Heaney thrived during the toughest part of a two-start week, striking out eight Yankees in five scoreless innings on Tuesday. The left-handed pitcher has allowed just one earned run in his last three starts, and while he’s not getting far in games, he still deserves plenty of consideration for a favorable home series against the Angels (27th in runs scored) on Sunday.

While Montas hasn’t been dominant for the Brewers, he’s performed well enough (3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) to enter the streamer discussion. Those in need of a boost heading into the weekend should definitely consider adding Montas for his home start against the Rockies on Friday, as Colorado ranks 28th in runs scored on the road.

Anyone in need of a two-start pitcher next week should consider Springs now. The right-handed pitcher initially stumbled upon returning from Tommy John surgery, but he has posted a 2.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB ratio in his last five starts. Granted, Springs has a challenging schedule when he takes on the Phillies and Guardians next week. However, the schedule may not be as tough as it seems, as the Phillies rank 12th in OPS since the All-Star break, while the Guardians are 25th.

Amaya was recommended in this space last week because he performed exceptionally well in the second half (.812 OPS) after dropping his high leg kick and replacing it with a toe tap. But there’s a second reason to consider Amaya now, as the Cubs visit Coors Field next week and face one of baseball’s worst pitching staffs. Amaya should be considered a top-10 catcher for the upcoming scoring period.

After all the early-season talk about the Orioles’ exciting prospect list, it’s possible the most productive member of the group will ultimately earn his fantasy value with the lowly Marlins. Norby has been terrific in 15 games with Miami, posting a .953 OPS to go along with three homers and two steals. And the 24-year-old has a favorable lineup spot, hitting second batter behind dynamic leadoff man Xavier Edwards.

I know the A’s don’t generate many headlines, but the lack of interest in Bleday is robbing managers of a great asset. The 26-year-old has been terrific in the second half, hitting .287 with nine homers and a .913 OPS. And he’s not part of a weak lineup, as the A’s rank 11th in second-half OPS. Bleday is one of the few guys in this week’s article who earned a spot based on his talent, rather than his upcoming matchups.

When Crews was initially promoted to the majors, I avoided writing about him, assuming managers would surely add one of baseball’s top prospects, especially if he’s ready for a full-time role. But the rush to add Crews has been slower than expected, despite the fact that the 22-year-old has two homers and three steals in his first nine games. Crews already bats leadoff, and he should be included in any league’s five-outfielder roster.

Blake Perkins (OF, Milwaukee Brewers, 2%)

Adding Perkins is a perfect example of a move that only makes sense in September. The right-handed hitter has fared best against lefties this season, and all hitters generally fare best against the Rockies. On Saturday and Sunday, Perkins and his teammates will face Colorado southpaws Ty Blach and Kyle Freeland, putting him in prime position to make an impact. Perkins can also be expected to hit high in the lineup for those games. Managers looking to roster the outfielder for more than two days should note that his first two games next week will also be against lefties.