The dog days of Summer are finally upon us as we enter into the final stretch. Managers in Head-to-Head leagues are dueling for playoff positions, while Roto League enthusiasts are still looking to make up ground in those close categories. Nagging injuries continue to mount notoriously at this time of year, and it doesn’t help that players are dropping like flies to the COVID-list (thanks, Delta variant!).

Well, luckily for you, after spending hours upon hours sorting through available players on the waiver wire, I have unearthed 10 guys who can help you in at least one of the major categories. A few of these players have made the most of their newfound playing time (resulting from teammate’s departures), and others just seem to have finally broken out of their season-long slump. Also, a few players returning from injury deserve your attention as well.

Without further ado, here are this week’s waiver adds based on categories who are currently rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Import your team to My Playbook for instant Waiver Wire advice

RBI

Lewis Brinson (OF – MIA): 20%
I thought about mentioning Brinson last week, but with his not-so-stellar history, I just couldn’t bring myself to do so. He quickly made me regret that decision, however, after putting together a herculean effort over his last seven days.

Brinson, the Brewers’ top prospect sent over in the 2018 Christian Yelich trade, has been nothing short of abysmal these last few years in Miami. He seems to have finally turned it around, though, with a slight tweak in his approach and stance at the plate. With the adjustment, the 6’5″ Brinson has reduced his ground-ball rate and is no longer late on fastballs. A pitch that he has struggled with throughout his career (.229 BA last season), he is now crushing, leading to a .328 batting average with a .603 SLG and .416 wOBA. He’s still chasing pitches out of the zone, but when he does make contact, the ball is traveling farther and faster.

Over the last 10 days, Brinson was 16 for 37, good for a .432 average with four home runs, 17 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. Not too bad for a guy who was an afterthought in 99 percent of leagues. Add the powerful outfielder now, and hope he can keep it going.

Home Runs

Anthony Santander (OF – BAL): 38%
Santander finally looks like the man who hit 20 homers and 20 doubles in 2019 and had a .890 OPS last year. The burly right fielder has battled injuries throughout his brief career, including 40 games missed this season, but when he’s fully healthy, he is a force to be reckoned with.

In just 153 at-bats last season, Santander mashed 11 home runs and 13 doubles, helping lead to a whopping 32 RBIs. After struggling earlier in the year while bouncing back and forth from the injured list, the real Santander has finally emerged and has produced 15 hits, four home runs, seven RBIs, and six runs scored over his last eight games. He is currently cemented in the cleanup spot for the O’s and deserves a spot on your roster immediately. Add the power-hitting switch-hitter now in all leagues.

Runs

Brandon Belt (1B/OF – SF): 47%
Belt is another player I felt was going to excel once activated. He also nearly made the list last week, but I really wanted to spotlight some lesser-known names as the Giants’ first baseman was someone I had mentioned before.

Since his activation, Belt has done nothing but rake. Even in the game, he didn’t start (versus a lefty), Belt still came off the bench to crush a two-run jack in a clutch moment. Over the last six games, Belt has four homers, has driven in seven, and scored six runs. Taking a free pass is a big part of Belt’s game, and batting in the two-hole, where he is currently situated, will lead to a plethora of runs scored.

I’ve been a fan of Belt’s since early last year after witnessing the changes he made at the dish. His problem has always been staying healthy, but when he is active, the long-time Giant can really aid your fantasy squad. Add Belt now everywhere he is available.

Batting Average

Connor Joe (1B/OF – COL): 6%
I love this guy, Connor Joe. Traded from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles to SF and now Colorado, Joe has finally caught his stride and looks every bit the part atop of the Rockies’ lineup. After getting off to a blistering start in Triple-A, Joe earned his call-up but was mainly used as a pinch hitter and quickly sent back down. Well, after continuing his torrid streak in the Minors, upping his OPS to 1.063, Joe was brought back up and, this time, was given a real chance.

Since rejoining the roster in late July, Joe has gone 18 for 53 (.340 BA), with five home runs and 16 RBIs. He should continue to start most days and should absolutely be a part of the majority of fantasy rosters. I recently put in a bid for his services but was unfortunately outbid by another manager. It just goes to show he is not flying under the radar as much as you may think. He makes for the perfect injury replacement at CI (corner infield). Add him now before some other savvy manager does.

Stolen Bases

Rafael Ortega (OF – CHC): 50%
You guys didn’t listen to me last week when I said to add Ortega, and now you missed out on a .458 batting average and three steals! He is still available in exactly half of all Yahoo leagues, and there is just no way someone who has arguably been the second-best hitter in baseball over the last few weeks (George Springer has been other-worldly) should remain a free agent.

He is the everyday leadoff hitter for the Cubs, and his numbers for July and August are this: 37 for 93 (.398 BA), four home runs, 14 runs, 12 RBI, and five stolen bases on eight attempts. His supporting cast, as we all know, isn’t great, but he will continue to hit and steal bags. Add Ortega in all leagues.

ERA

Carlos Hernandez (SP/RP – KC): 12%
Carlos Hernandez says enough’s enough. He is tired of seeing the Royals lose and has figured out how to stop walking guys. Now a starter for Kansas City, Hernandez is thriving in his new role.

Sticking to his two best offerings, his fastball, and slider, Hernandez was able to shut down the White Sox and Yankees consecutively. Opponent’s batting average is under .200 collectively from those two offerings, and by mixing in his splitter/changeup and his sinker sparingly, the 6’4″ 250 lb Hernandez has found control and success.

Over his last three games, including two versus the division-leading White Sox, Hernandez allowed just two runs over 17.2 innings. He also struck out 13 batters while only allowing four walks. Hernandez has been used out of the pen for most of the season, but it’s clear to see where he is most comfortable and useful. His fastball can reach 100, and he often limits barrels. Take a flier on the young righty and see how he does in his next start.

WHIP

Marco Gonzales (SP – SEA): 50%
Marco Gonzales is once again a pitcher you can rely on. After a dismal first half, Gonzales has turned it around and looked more like the guy we’ve become accustomed to over the last couple of years. In his last four starts, Gonzales has generated a 0.79 WHIP with only four runs allowed. He was a model of consistency the previous two seasons, regularly limiting walks and pitching deep into games. He looks to have gotten back on track and is worth an add in most leagues.

Wins

Tarik Skubal (SP – DET): 36%
Skubal is up to his old tricks, and you guys are missing out. Detroit has been winning ball games (16-9 since the All-Star break), and Skubal is a big reason why. The enigmatic southpaw out of Hayward, California, continues to show excellent promise. In his last two starts, Skubal shut down the Red Sox and the Orioles, giving up zero runs in both games. He has earned the victory in four of his last seven starts and five of his last 10. Skubal also continues to strike batters out, averaging nearly one per inning. Add the impressive Skubal before he faces the Angels next week.

Saves

Mychal Givens (RP – CIN): 20%
Givens has been the Reds’ closer of late, and for good reason. Since coming over from the Rockies, Givens has only surrendered two hits through seven innings and no runs. There are a few key arms close to returning for the Big Red Machine, but I see no basis for the club to move away from Givens. He not only has the experience but has been perfect so far. Add the side-arm slinging Givens now if you need help in saves.

Strikeouts

Luis Gil (RP – NYY): 21%
This was a tough call for me, judging by the amount of starting pitchers the Yankees have close to returning and Gil’s history of surrendering free passes. That said, there is no taking away from the two performances he has already given us. The young Dominican struck out 14 batters in his first 11 Major League innings and held the opposition to just six hits, three walks, and no runs.

Gil was a strikeout machine in the Minors this year, totaling 88 K’s in 61 innings, but he also walked 36 and gave up a few homers. His three-pitch mix, including a mid-to-high 90’s fastball, has kept hitters off-balance so far, however, and if he continues to exhibit control, then the sky is the limit for the young righty.

New York recently sent Gil down to make room for some extra relief arms, but he is scheduled to face the Angels on Monday. Whenever a young Yankees pitcher goes out and has performances like he did, it’s sure to draw attention, so he is not someone you can wait around for. One more similar outing, and it’ll be difficult to claim him, so if you believe in him, now is the time to add him.

*Quick side note: for some reason, he is listed as an RP in Yahoo leagues despite only being a starter in the Minors and Majors. Just something to be aware of.

View your league’s top available players with My Playbook

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy baseball, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you navigate your season. From our Lineup Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball season.

Austin Lowell is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Austin, check out his archive.