The Milwaukee Brewers have made significant adjustments this season, bringing in Andrew Vaughn after trading Aaron Civale to the White Sox. Vaughn, once a highly-touted prospect, had a rocky start in the majors but made an immediate impact by hitting a three-run home run in his first game against the Dodgers. This performance set the tone for a dominant Brewers victory.

With Rhys Hoskins sidelined for six weeks due to injury, Vaughn's arrival was timely. He continued to contribute in subsequent games, demonstrating that he could be a valuable asset for the team as they aim for a postseason push. Unexpected contributions have also come from players like Isaac Collins, leading the team in OPS as a Rule 5 draft pick, and rookie Chad Patrick, who showed promise early in the rotation.

Emerging pitchers are making waves in the 2025 fantasy baseball landscape, with Chad Patrick, Ryne Nelson, and Landen Roupp standing out as potential breakout candidates. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers has established himself with a solid ERA of 3.51 and 93 strikeouts, showing impressive strikeout ability with his cutter. Meanwhile, Ryne Nelson has significantly improved since moving to the starting role, boasting a 3.61 ERA and a WHIP of 1.025, thanks to his effective fastball. Lastly, Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants has a 3.43 ERA and has allowed two runs or fewer in most of his starts, proving to be a reliable option.

Each of these pitchers brings unique strengths to the table, making them intriguing options for fantasy managers looking for value. As the season progresses, it remains essential for fantasy owners to monitor their performances closely to gauge their long-term viability in a competitive fantasy league.

As we enter Week 13 of the fantasy baseball season, a few under-the-radar starting pitchers are making waves, creating intriguing opportunities for managers looking to make impactful waiver wire pickups. The list includes veterans returning from injury and fresh prospects stepping onto the scene, each showing promising signs as they look to establish themselves.

Max Scherzer, now with the Toronto Blue Jays, is gearing up for a return after dealing with injuries early in the season. His impressive rehab starts have sparked interest, especially given his history of high strikeout rates and solid ERA metrics. Meanwhile, Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins is also catching attention after returning from Tommy John surgery, showcasing his potential upside and strong strikeout ability.

Chase Burns, a rookie for the Cincinnati Reds, is about to make his MLB debut against the New York Yankees, drawing excitement for his high strikeout potential demonstrated in the minors. Lastly, Ryan Gusto from the Houston Astros is gradually solidifying his role in the rotation, demonstrating high strikeout numbers and a chance for positive regression as hitters adjust to him.

The upcoming MLB slate features intriguing matchups, particularly for pitchers. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers is poised for a strong performance against a struggling Pittsburgh Pirates offense, ranking last in runs scored and exhibiting poor stats. Despite recent struggles, Patrick's impressive season numbers and high strikeout rate make him a solid DFS pick. Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, while boasting a high ERA, is also a candidate for a rebound against the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox have been lackluster offensively, providing Rodriguez an opportunity for positive regression.

In terms of hitters, Seiya Suzuki from the Chicago Cubs presents great value, especially when facing left-handers, due to his impressive splits. Manny Machado is also on fire this season, delivering strong OBP and OPS figures against left-handed pitching. Affordable options include Alec Burleson and Sal Frelick, who are both thriving in advantageous batting positions.

This week’s fantasy baseball landscape offers limited streaming options, particularly among two-start pitchers. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers emerges as a standout choice, boasting a solid 3.50 ERA and favorable matchups against the Pirates and Rockies. His performance indicates he’s worth picking up in deeper leagues, with a potential for quick returns on investment.

Eduardo Rodríguez and Justin Verlander also present intriguing options, with Rodríguez's recent improvement and Verlander's appealing matchups despite having just returned from injury. Streamers are thin, particularly for hitters, as quality pitching staffs challenge those with more games scheduled. The Dodgers have a favorable lineup but most members are heavily rostered, making them harder to stream effectively. This week may require strategic moves and quick action to exploit matchups before opportunities slip away.