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Fantasy Baseball Week 4: Top Sleeper Pitchers to Watch
4/13/2026, 1:00:03 PM
Key Sleeper Pitchers for Week 4
As the 2023 MLB season progresses into Week 4, several sleeper pitchers are emerging as potential game-changers for fantasy baseball teams. Notable among these are Ryan Weathers of the New York Yankees and Braxton Ashcraft of the Pittsburgh Pirates, both rostered in 78% of leagues. Weathers recently showcased his skills by delivering an impressive eight-inning performance against the Oakland Athletics, focusing on improved strike-throwing. He faces the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals this week, both of which present favorable matchups.
Braxton Ashcraft, also rostered at 78%, is recognized for his ground-ball pitching and ability to miss bats, making him a reliable option against the Washington Nationals. His high floor and potential for a strong outing make him a valuable addition to fantasy lineups.
Other pitchers to consider include Grant Holmes of the Atlanta Braves, who has demonstrated resilience after concerns about his elbow, and Joey Cantillo of the Cleveland Guardians, who has a mixed bag of matchups this week. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a solid 3.33 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, is also a must-watch, although his status may be affected by Merrill Kelly's return to the rotation.
Emerging Talent: Noah Schultz
Noah Schultz of the Chicago White Sox is another intriguing prospect. Although it remains uncertain whether he will secure a spot in a conventional five-man rotation, Schultz's impressive Triple-A performance, featuring a 1.29 ERA and 12.2 K/9, suggests he has ace potential. His debut against the Tampa Bay Rays could provide immediate fantasy value if he remains in the rotation.
Additional Notable Pitchers
Jeffrey Springs of the Oakland Athletics has shown significant improvement, allowing only three hits in his last two starts while striking out 13 over 13 innings. He faces the Texas Rangers and White Sox this week, making him a strong candidate for fantasy lineups. Mitch Keller, also of the Pirates, presents some risk due to his ERA and WHIP but could be beneficial in points leagues where deep innings are valued.
Will Warren of the Yankees, rostered in 74%, has had mixed results but benefits from two favorable matchups this week, providing him with opportunities to improve his performance.
Criticism & Opposition
While these pitchers show promise, some analysts caution against relying too heavily on them due to potential volatility in performance. For instance, Keller's risk in categories leagues could outweigh his benefits, and the uncertainty surrounding Schultz's rotation status raises questions about his long-term viability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “KC Rostered 78% Ryan Weathers took a little off his pitches to focus on better strike-throwing in his latest outing and ended up delivering an eight-inning gem against the Athletics.” — CBS Sports Analyst
- “He's allowed a combined three hits in his past two starts, striking out 13 over 13 innings, and has two inviting matchups this week.” — CBS Sports Analyst
As fantasy managers prepare for Week 4, these sleeper pitchers could provide critical advantages in matchups, making them worth considering for roster spots.
