Rotoworld’s brand-new Pickups of the Day column is designed to help fantasy managers uncover a handful of widely-available targets over the course of the season. It could be a breakout candidate, a prospect stash, an injury replacement, a pitcher with a favorable matchup or week, a player who is due some better luck, or any other number of scenarios. If there’s value to be found on the waiver wire, we will find it and bring it your way. Today’s edition features an outfielder on the rise in Miami and a potential short-term pickup in the Mets’ rotation.
Bryan De La Cruz OF, Marlins
Available in 86 percent of Yahoo leagues
De La Cruz became a buzzy name in fantasy circles during the offseason after a strong showing with the Marlins last September. Patience was understandably thin for those who drafted him in some deeper mixed leagues this spring, as he found himself on the waiver wire after the first couple weeks of the season, but it’s time to give him another look.
Taking advantage of steady playing time with Avisaíl García banged up and struggling, De La Cruz is hitting .364 (16-for-44) with five extra-base hits (including a homer), three RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base over his last 11 games. He’s batted cleanup in three out of the last four games, a clear indication that new Marlins manager Skip Schumaker sees him as a run producer.
It’s one thing to just throw out a high batting average with some arbitrary endpoints and say “pick him up,” but De La Cruz’s quality of contact — what made him so interesting last September — remains intact. So far this year, he ranks in the 87th percentile in average exit velocity and the 79th percentile in hard-hit percentage. He deserves a chance to be a lineup staple, and some additional consideration in mixed leagues, as well.
Joey Lucchesi SP, Mets
Available in 88 percent of Yahoo leagues
The Mets are 14-9 this season despite getting very little from their starting rotation. With Justin Verlander, José Quintana, and Carlos Carrasco on the injured list and a struggling (and apparently extra-sticky) Max Scherzer, New York’s rotation ranks 21st in the majors with a 4.94 ERA. That’s why Lucchesi was such a breath of fresh air last Friday.
Making his long-awaited return to the majors after 2021 Tommy John surgery, Lucchesi struck out nine batters seven scoreless frames against the Giants last Friday while allowing just four hits and a pair of walks. Believe it or not, he became the first Mets starter to throw a pitch in the seventh inning this season.
The 29-year-old Lucchesi is no stranger to fantasy rosters. Barely registering 90 mph his fastball, the southpaw is known for his trademark “churve” pitch which he can manipulate at different velocities. The southpaw owns a 4.15 ERA over 71 appearances (67 starts) in the majors, with 358 strikeouts over 344 2/3 innings. He’s been useful for stretches in mixed leagues before and there’s a chance he could keep a spot even after Scherzer and Verlander come back. For now, though, he’s at least worth a streaming pickup with a start against the Nationals on tap for Thursday.
