Week 22 Fantasy Baseball: 10 Sleeper Pitchers (Lopez, Waldrep)

Week 22 of the fantasy baseball season is here, running from August 18–24. For a lot of fantasy managers, it’s crunch time—playoff spots hang in the balance and every pitching choice can make or break a week.

Need an edge? CBS Sports analyst Scott White just dropped his list of sleeper pitcher recommendations. He’s targeting arms rostered in fewer than 80% of CBS Sports fantasy leagues who might deliver sneaky value.

From intriguing young pitchers like Jacob Lopez and Hurston Waldrep to vets with juicy matchups, these names are handpicked for managers desperate for streaming options. If you’re chasing wins, strikeouts, or just hoping to protect your ratios, it’s worth a look.

Why Sleeper Pitchers Can Be Game-Changers in Week 22

In competitive leagues, streaming pitchers is one of the most important late-season strategies. The idea? Find undervalued or widely available arms with a good matchup or two, slot them in, and hope for the best.

Scott White’s Week 22 picks focus on pitchers who aren’t getting much attention but could deliver when it counts. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Targeting Matchups Over Names

It’s not always about chasing the biggest names. Even some highly rostered starters can land in tough matchups that make them risky.

Meanwhile, lesser-known pitchers with the right opponents might quietly rack up points and help you steal a week.

Notable Names to Watch — Including Jacob Lopez and Hurston Waldrep

This week’s list features 10 pitchers, but two names keep popping up among sharp managers:

• Jacob Lopez — He’s a promising arm, able to miss bats and keep hitters off balance. There’s real potential for a quality start or two if you’re willing to gamble on upside.
• Hurston Waldrep — Waldrep’s getting buzz for his composure and mound presence. He brings strikeout potential that could swing a matchup if things break right.

Balancing Risk and Reward in Streaming Decisions

Streaming always carries risk. Unproven arms can get shelled, and rookies sometimes melt under pressure.

But with the right matchup, a sleeper can absolutely outperform expectations. It’s a balancing act—risk versus reward, especially with the postseason looming.

How to Use the Sleeper List Effectively

Scott White makes it clear: this isn’t a command to bench your studs. Instead, managers should look at their own rosters, figure out what categories they need, and see where these under-rostered arms might fit.

Chasing strikeouts? A high-K guy like Waldrep could be worth a shot, even against a tougher opponent. If you’re protecting ERA and WHIP, maybe look for a two-start week from someone who limits walks.

Why League Roster Percentages Matter

The under-80% roster guideline keeps these picks relevant for most leagues. A lot of fantasy columns focus on stars, but for streaming, you need pitchers who are actually available.

No sense in wish-listing someone you can’t pick up until next week.

CBS Sports’ Weekly Fantasy Baseball Edge

This sleeper pitcher column is just one piece of CBS Sports’ regular fantasy baseball coverage. They also offer hitter sleepers, pitching rankings, and trade value breakdowns.

The week-by-week advice helps managers stay current, which matters in a sport where everything can change overnight.

Staying Updated Through the Weekend

One tip that stands out: check back on Sunday for updates. Injuries, rotation shuffles, and weather can all mess with a pitcher’s outlook in just a few days.

If you revisit the list right before setting lineups, you’ve got a better shot at staying ahead of your competition.

Final Thoughts: Taking Advantage of Week 22 Sleeper Pitchers

Fantasy baseball gets pretty wild in the final weeks. It often comes down to gutsy, well-informed calls.

Scott White’s Week 22 sleeper pitcher list points managers toward undervalued arms in great spots. Maybe you’re rolling the dice on Jacob Lopez breaking out, or you like Hurston Waldrep’s strikeout upside.

There are other sneaky gems on that list too. Grabbing the right one could be what nudges you into the playoffs instead of just watching from the sidelines.

Don’t chase every streamer out there. The key is making smart, targeted picks that actually fit your roster and the matchups you face.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Fantasy Baseball Week 22 Preview: Top 10 sleeper pitchers feature Jacob Lopez, Hurston Waldrep