Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 13

A.J. Griffin, LHP, Texas Rangers, 19.5%

Griffin was a surprising performer at the beginning of the season for the Rangers, coming out of the gate with a 3-0 record, a 3.08 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and 34 strikeouts before he ended up on the DL in early May. He made his return this weekend, and his first start, while shortened due to pitch count (and perhaps some over-protection) was very solid as he went 4 1/3 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits and a walk, striking out 6. With the recent rash of injuries in the Rangers rotation, Griffin should have a spot every five days without worry as long as he can stay healthy.

Anthony DeSclafani, RHP, Cincinnati Reds, 21.9%

Honestly, this might be my pitching pick up of the week (mainly because one of the guys I’m writing about later I have on a number of teams already!). DeSclafani was essentially a better version of Mike Leake before getting hurt, and he’s now returned to the rotation, and it seems that he’s picking up steam with every start. His numbers are up to 2-0 with a 1.52 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. That WHIP is also blown up due to one really rough start, otherwise he’s been very solid. He’d be a solid #4 fantasy starter and pick up for those who lost Stephen Strasburg to the DL over the weekend for at least the short term.

Next: Called Up From Minors