Grinding Metal - Taijuan Walker, Santiago Espinal and More Waiver Wire Pickups

Grinding Metal examines potential waiver wire additions that can assist your team during the fantasy baseball season. From home runs to pitching strikeouts, Grinding Metal has you covered. Week 4 of the fantasy baseball season is upon us, and here are the players worth adding.

Taijuan Walker, SP, New York Mets
The first place New York Mets received a boost to their pitching staff last week, as Walker returned from the injured list for his first start since April 11. He pitched five innings of two hit baseball, striking out one batter. His next start will once again come against the Philadelphia Phillies. All three of his starts have come against the Phillies this season, so he'll look to go 6-or-7 innings this time out. He's owned in around 50% of leagues, so act quickly.

Taylor Ward, OF, Los Angeles Angels
This player is likely long gone, but if for some obvious reason, like playing in a small league, Ward is still available - grab them. The newest leadoff hitter for the Angels until noted otherwise.

Santiago Espinal, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
The 27-year-old infielder has quietly become the every day second baseman for the Blue Jays to start the season. He's started at second base five of the last six games the team has played. On the season, he's hitting .264/.325/.431 with two home runs and 7 runs scored. Although the production won't blow you away, Espinal could be worth adding if you are looking for a rental at the middle infield position.

Max Kepler, OF, Minnesota Twins
If your team can sustain the low batting average, Kepler is worth adding for the power alone. He may hit ~.240 this season, but the power numbers will leave him with between 25-30 homers - especially with the current state of the baseball in 2022. In 22 games this season, Kepler has 5 homers with a slash line of .257/.373/.514. If Kepler can continue to reduce his strikeouts, he could become more than a platoon player.