CBS Sports identifies ten sleeper pitchers for Fantasy Baseball Week 23
Analyst Scott White has released a list of under-rostered starting pitchers for the 24–30 August period, prioritising value plays over established starters.
CBS Sports has published its weekly fantasy baseball preview for Week 23, covering the scoring period from 24 to 30 August 2026. The report, compiled by analyst Scott White, offers ten sleeper pitcher recommendations specifically for managers seeking streaming options. The selections are defined by a strict rostering threshold, featuring players who appear in fewer than 80 per cent of CBS Sports leagues.
The list is structured to distinguish between high-confidence endorsements and situational value plays. According to the source material, only the top two or three recommendations are considered full-throated endorsements, while the remainder are intended to help managers navigate a lack of reliable options. All statistical data and roster percentages are current as of late Sunday, 23 August.
Leading the recommendations are Kade Anderson of the Seattle Mariners and Tyler Mahle of the Atlanta Braves. Anderson, a 22-year-old, is rostered in 74 per cent of leagues and faces the Toronto Blue Jays, an opponent described as having the league’s second-worst offence. Mahle, who is rostered in 67 per cent of leagues, is set to pitch against the Colorado Rockies away from Coors Field, a matchup considered favourable for fantasy purposes.
Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies and Dustin May of the Milwaukee Brewers round out the top tier of suggestions. Nola, rostered in 58 per cent of leagues, has posted a 2.51 ERA over his past five starts and faces the Seattle Mariners, the worst offence in baseball. May, rostered in 73 per cent of leagues, is expected to bounce back from a recent poor outing against the New York Mets, with analysts noting that his underlying metrics suggest bad luck rather than a decline in form.
The remaining six pitchers on the list include Walbert Urena, Andrew Alvarez, Joey Cantillo, Shane Drohan, Seth Lugo, and Max Scherzer. These selections vary significantly in their rostering percentages, ranging from 10 per cent for Alvarez to 73 per cent for Urena. The report highlights specific matchup advantages for each, such as facing bottom-five lineups or opponents with high ground-ball tendencies.
The inclusion of veterans like 42-year-old Max Scherzer, who is rostered in only 14 per cent of leagues, underscores the strategic nature of the list. Scherzer is flagged as a potential play specifically for Head-to-Head points leagues, given his upcoming matchups against the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners. The report serves as a tactical guide for fantasy managers looking to optimise their lineups during this specific week of the season.
