As the 2025 fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 4, the early struggles of several starting pitchers raise concerns for fantasy managers. Holding onto underperforming pitchers can seriously impact a team's ERA and WHIP, making timely roster decisions crucial. Here’s a look at five pitchers currently on the hot seat, including Jose Berrios, Jeffrey Springs, Justin Verlander, Jordan Hicks, and Reese Olson, each facing critical junctures in their seasons.

Jose Berrios has had a shaky start this season with a 5.16 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP, suggesting it might be time to cut him loose unless he shows improvement against favorable matchups. Jeffrey Springs, now with the Athletics, is also under scrutiny, especially in a hitter-friendly environment. Despite a promising previous season, his transition has been rocky, and he should be used selectively based on matchups. Justin Verlander, though struggling, possesses a favorable SIERA and could be worth holding for potential quality starts, especially at home. Meanwhile, Jordan Hicks faces competition for his spot and must perform well in upcoming games to secure his place on rosters. Lastly, Reese Olson's slow start poses a dilemma, and his performance against weak opponents could determine his fate in fantasy lineups.

The Detroit Tigers are making strategic moves to manage their pitching rotation effectively, calling up Keider Montero to start against the Milwaukee Brewers. This decision aims to provide extra rest to the starting pitchers during an intense stretch of games. Montero, who debuted in 2025 and recently pitched 5⅔ no-hit innings at Triple-A Toledo, offers a fresh option as the Tigers navigate a 23-game schedule in 24 days.

Manager A.J. Hinch emphasized that the choice was not injury-driven but rather a proactive approach to balance the workload among the pitchers. Montero's previous performance has built confidence, and he could potentially remain in the rotation, especially if the team considers a six-man setup moving forward. This strategy may enhance the effectiveness of the pitching staff and maintain their health throughout the season.

As Week 2 of fantasy baseball winds down, savvy managers are scouring the waiver wire for key adds to bolster their rosters. Top targets include Kyren Paris, who has been on fire with a .440 batting average and four home runs over his last three games. Young talent like Jung Hoo Lee and Max Meyer are also making waves, while veteran Jose Alvarado offers reliability in relief roles. Prospects Zac Veen and JJ Bleday have recently seen promotions, adding depth to the outfield landscape. With injuries impacting teams, now's the time to make strategic moves to position your fantasy team for success.

Key injuries are also shifting the landscape, particularly with Arizona's Ketel Marte slated to miss significant time due to a hamstring strain. This week, it's crucial to stay updated on player performances and promotions, as daily moves could elevate your league standing.

As Week 2 of fantasy baseball kicks off, maximizing waiver wire opportunities is crucial for fantasy managers aiming for victory. This week focuses on lesser-known but promising starting pitchers, all available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues. Injuries have plagued pitchers like Dustin May of the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet his impressive strikeout rate and potential for wins make him a top target after a stellar start against the Braves. Brady Singer of the Cincinnati Reds showcased a strong outing against the Rangers, making him a solid pickup as he faces the struggling Pirates. Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, despite a tough start against the Dodgers, is set to face the struggling Twins. Lastly, Max Meyer of the Miami Marlins appears to be a future star with a high strikeout rate, making him a worthy addition to any roster.