RotoBallers’ Unlikely Aces for Week 20 weighs three rising arms—Ryne Nelson, Jacob Lopez and Joey Cantillo—to decide who’s a real add and who’s a stay-away. Nelson has flipped to a trusted Arizona starter role, Lopez continues to chew through hitters with elite strikeouts, and Cantillo shows a viable changeup-driven path but remains a higher-risk add. Expect cautious upgrades in deeper formats and selective streaming in standard leagues as fantasy managers parse upside against underlying metrics.

Nelson’s breakout is built on a heavy four-seam reliance, delivering a sub-3.20 ERA over a long run while piling up strikeouts, but advanced stats warn of regression (xERA around 4.07 and suboptimal whiff/hard-hit marks). Lopez loves the strikeout punch (10.9 K/9 with a 3.30 ERA through 15 starts), supported by a lethal fastball/slider combo and strong peripherals. Cantillo has shown late-season spark with his changeup as a primary weapon, posting a strikeout-friendly profile, yet his overall line remains fragile due to walks and efficiencies. In Week 20, Nelson is a borderline add in 12-team leagues, Lopez is a strong 12+ team target, and Cantillo belongs in only the deepest of formats unless his consistency solidifies.

For fantasy baseball managers seeking edge on the waiver wire, a plethora of streaming options is available for the upcoming scoring period from August 11-17. Jeffrey Springs from the Athletics stands out, with a robust 3.30 ERA since May, especially favorable matchups against teams struggling against lefties. Other enticing options include Zebby Matthews, who has shown promise despite tough matchups, and Jose Soriano, who has displayed potential as the league's best ground ball pitcher despite inconsistency.

Cade Horton has been impressive with a four-start scoreless streak, while Michael Wacha has showcased reliability against strong offenses. Each player's next matchups will be crucial in determining their fantasy value. The episode also highlights other notable pitchers such as Jacob Lopez, Slade Cecconi, Chris Paddack, and Charlie Morton, all of whom have favorable matchups this week.

The Houston Astros are currently facing challenges in their starting rotation, highlighted by recent home losses to the Oakland Athletics. Starting pitcher Hunter Brown, boasting a 9-4 record with a 2.57 ERA, is set to take the mound for the Astros this Saturday against the Athletics’ Jacob Lopez, who holds a 3-6 record and a 4.60 ERA. The Astros are looking to rebound and reinforce their lineup as they seek to navigate through a rough patch.

Meanwhile, the Athletics celebrated a standout performance from rookie Nick Kurtz, who had a record night, further adding to the competitive dynamics of this matchup. Fans can catch the game at 6:10 p.m. on the Daikin Park field. Keep an eye on Brown's performance as he aims to stabilize the Astros' rotation during this crucial period.

With the MLB playoffs looming, strategic pitching acquisitions become crucial for fantasy teams. Yusei Kikuchi has turned a corner since June, boasting a string of quality starts and strikeouts, making him a viable buy-low candidate. Ryan Pepiot is gaining traction due to an advantageous upcoming schedule, particularly excelling on the road. Jacob Lopez is transitioning from a reliever to a starter and showing promise, albeit with a smaller sample size. Edward Cabrera's control issues have improved, hinting at a potential breakout. Michael Soroka, now healthy, is showing consistent performance. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick present contrasting trends, with Priester surging while Patrick struggles.

Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox continues his impressive season with stellar statistics, including a 2.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts, making him an essential start in all fantasy leagues. Joe Ryan of the Twins also shines with an 8-3 record and a 2.86 ERA, showcasing his potential against weaker teams like the Marlins and Rays. Max Fried, pitching for the Yankees, is another strong option, consistently performing well despite challenging matchups against the Blue Jays and Mets.

Meanwhile, Jacob Lopez of the Athletics is showing signs of improvement, boasting a low earned run average recently. George Kirby of the Mariners is a high-risk option with variable performances but faces favorable matchups against weaker lineups in the Royals and Pirates. For those looking for potential streaming options, the likes of Trevor Rogers and Emerson Hancock could also provide value despite their ups and downs this season.