In Week 11 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, three unexpected starting pitchers have emerged as waiver wire darlings, each showcasing impressive performances that pique the interest of fantasy managers. Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals, Jameson Taillon from the Chicago Cubs, and Zack Littell of the Tampa Bay Rays are the focus this week. Wacha has proven reliable with a 3.01 ERA, while Taillon's revamped changeup has revitalized his effectiveness. Littell, boasting a 2.79 ERA over his last six games, has been instrumental in the Rays’ success.

However, beneath the surface stats lie potential regression concerns, particularly for Wacha, whose hard-hit rates suggest he may not maintain his current form. Taillon's new approach has increased his strikeout potential, making him a solid add in deeper leagues. Meanwhile, Littell’s recent complete game and winning streak have fantasy managers buzzing. The question remains: are these pitchers sustainable fantasy assets or merely flashes in the pan? The analytics suggest a careful evaluation before making roster decisions.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts gearing up for Week 10 of the 2025 season, the waiver wire presents a plethora of valuable starting pitcher options. Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals is a prime candidate, boasting a 3.21 ERA and consistency with 10 consecutive starts of at least five innings. Similarly, Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite low strikeout numbers this season, showcases durability with three straight years of at least 29 starts. Ryan Weathers of the Miami Marlins has also shone with a low ERA in his recent outings. Rookies like Jack Leiter and Noah Cameron are emerging talents worth monitoring, alongside veteran Luis Severino, who, despite a perception of diminished strikeout capability, remains effective on the mound. Grab these pitchers while you can, as they could offer significant contributions to your fantasy roster.

The Houston Astros struggled once more as their starter Ryan Gusto faced a barrage from the Kansas City Royals, who scored seven runs in the first three innings, ultimately securing a 7-5 victory at Daikin Park. Gusto, in his fifth major-league appearance, allowed seven runs with only seven outs, leaving the team with an uphill battle. Although the Astros rallied with a three-run eighth inning, they fell short despite bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth.

Michael Wacha effectively shut down the Astros' offense for most of the game, working six scoreless innings. Houston's offense has continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, exemplified by a critical double play when they had the bases loaded. The game marked a taxing stretch for the Astros, needing to rely heavily on their bullpen as they entered a grueling schedule of 17 games in 17 days.

Ryan Gusto takes the mound for the Houston Astros as they continue their demanding schedule of 17 games in 17 days. With a solid 3-1 record and a 2.93 ERA, Gusto is set to lead the Astros into a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals counter with Michael Wacha, boasting a 2-4 record and a 2.98 ERA, showcasing his own potential as a former standout pitcher from Texas A&M. This matchup promises to test both teams' pitching depth and strategies.

Starting off the week with a solid eight-game MLB slate, daily fantasy players have plenty of action to analyze on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Key pitchers like Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Michael King of the San Diego Padres are in the spotlight, with King showcasing a remarkable 2.22 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 2025. He faces the Los Angeles Angels, who struggle against right-handed pitching, making him a compelling play.

Michael Wacha, priced attractively, has built momentum against the Houston Astros, while Tyler Mahle comes off a stellar season and is a top candidate against the strikeout-prone Colorado Rockies. Infielders like Ben Rice are heating up, with a recent grand slam showing his power against sinkers, while Dansby Swanson looks to improve his modest stats against Miami's Cal Quantrill.

Outfielders like Aaron Judge and Seiya Suzuki are also in prime matchups, particularly against pitchers known for their sinkers and split-fingers. Stacking opportunities arise with the New York Yankees against Emerson Hancock and the Chicago Cubs against Cal Quantrill, both facing pitchers with high expected slugging percentages. With expert insights and lineup picks, fantasy players can strategically assemble their rosters and maximize their chances for success this week.