I’m back baby! First, let me apologize for missing last week. I was sleeping under the stars, completely unplugged from the world for my birthday. Well, that’s not completely true. There was a bit of service in some remote locations where I would tell my wife “I’m just going down to see the river” but was really setting my fantasy lineups and checking box scores. I still got some much-needed R and R though and feel recharged and ready to go.
Well, that’s nice Austin, but who really cares? You’re right! Let’s get to these waiver wire pickups! This next group of studs are all rostered in 50% or less of Yahoo leagues and are broken down into categories of where they’re most likely to aid you. Many of them will help you in multiple ways, but their primary contributions should come under the category in which they are listed.
With the halfway point come and gone there’s no time to waste. Add these players now as needed and get back into the race!
And happy fourth everyone. Enjoy the week of celebrations!
Fantasy Baseball Category Pickups
Runs
Ezequiel Tovar (SS – COL): 35%
Tovar’s been a run-scoring machine lately, scoring eight runs over the last seven games. After a rough April, the Rockies’ top prospect (entering the year) has gradually improved. In May he produced a decent .760 OPS, but in June he went off. For the month, Tovar hit for a .323 average and .889 OPS. He also amassed five home runs, two stolen bases, 17 RBI, and 15 runs scored. Not bad for a 21-year-old.
Tovar was being drafted in the mid-teen rounds as someone who could contribute in all five categories and is now making good on those projections. The Rockies shortstop has been hitting near the top of the lineup in recent games and deserves a roster spot in all leagues.
Stolen Bases
Benson is my favorite add this week. He’s been excellent in all categories racking up hits, steals, and even homers. He’s also available in nearly every league. The former first-rounder didn’t enter the season with much hype, but the 6-foot-5, 230-pound outfielder can play. He’s got a great eye at the dish (13.9 BB%) and is extremely quick on the base paths. The recently turned 25-year-old has already swiped six bags in just 93 at-bats and has only been caught once. He’s also hit three homers to go along with three triples and two doubles. Benson’s been especially hot lately registering eight hits over his last four games.
The Reds are an exciting team on the rise and although Benson hasn’t got a lot of pub, it won’t be long until he’s part of the conversation. Add the talented lefty now if you’re lacking in speed.
Batting Average
Pham was arguably the Mets’ best hitter last month, raking against both righties and lefties. The well-traveled veteran hit for a .349 average in June while clubbing six home runs and driving in 18. His Statcast numbers are extremely impressive, placing him in the top 10% of nearly every major hitting category. He’s been able to hit nearly every offering thrown his way and is showing no signs of slowing down (he comically just hit a double as I write this).
I did mention Pham a few weeks ago as someone who could boost your RBIs but with the quality of at-bats he’s been taking, I now have to recommend him for batting average as well. Pham may not be your favorite player, but he’s been a fantasy stud over the last month. He should be rostered in the majority of leagues.
Home Runs
Joey Gallo (1B, OF – MIN): 11%
I don’t love rostering Gallo in most formats but if you’re short on homers, he can help. No stranger to the long ball, Gallo is now up to 14 on the season after launching four dingers in the last seven games. 30 long balls for the season are in reach and with a bit of luck he could hit above .200 again. He’s looked locked in after missing a few games last week so he could be valuable going forward.
RBI
Carlos Santana (1B – PIT): 11%
Santana’s been on a tear lately pushing the Pirates’ current winning streak up to four. The Buco’s first baseman has knocked in nine RBIs over the last eight games and now has 43 on the season. He’s also collected nine homers and six steals on the year, helping a bit in other categories as well. Santana hasn’t hit for a beneficial batting average since 2019 (.281) but at .247 he’s not a major liability. He’s not for everyone, but for those in deeper leagues, the 37-year-old Santana is worth a look while he’s hot.
ERA
Miley is back to his old tricks, putting up zeros and keeping offenses at bay. The 11-year veteran hasn’t given up more than three runs in a single outing all season and is currently sporting a fine 3.02 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. After returning from a month-long stay on the IL, Miley has started three games and only allowed a total of two runs. The 36-year-old lasted 15 innings in those contests and not only finished with a 1.20 ERA but surrendered just eight hits and five walks, good for a 0.86 WHIP. The crafty southpaw won’t get you many strikeouts but he can help lower your ERA. Miley’s a solid play in deeper leagues.
WHIP
Gavin Williams (SP – CLE): 40%
Gavin Williams is good at baseball. He doesn’t allow hard contact, throws four different pitches extremely well, and is a six-foot-six behemoth on the mound. Granted, he’s only pitched against Kansas City and Oakland, but out of the 46 batters he’s faced, only five have recorded hits. The real test will come this Monday as he’s scheduled to take on the Braves who currently hold the top record in the National League. Williams does have the stuff to shut them down, however, so the Braves may be in for a dogfight come Monday night.
Williams’ WHIP in the Minors was exemplary and should continue to shine in the Major Leagues. If you choose to sit him for his next start, I wouldn’t blame you. But he could end up as one of the league’s better pitchers in the second half, so he should be rostered everywhere.
Wins
Kyle Hendricks (SP – CHC): 33%
The changeup is dancing and Hendricks is winning games. In June, Hendricks registered a 2.51 ERA, with a 0.71 WHIP, and three wins over five starts (32.1 innings). The control/changeup specialist walked just four batters all month and pitched six innings or better in four out of his five starts. The longest active tenured Cub has been nothing short of spectacular this last month bringing back memories of his 2016 season when he finished third in the Cy Young race. Hendricks won’t repeat those numbers but while he’s pitching with impeccable controls, he’s a strong candidate to earn you wins.
Strikeouts
Bradish has been excellent lately. The tall righty has punched out 22 batters over his last 18 innings and has averaged 10.06 K/9 over his last six starts. He is also boasting a sterling 1.80 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over his last four games and his FIP on the year (3.68) is lower than his ERA (3.75). Bradish has been putting up some gaudy strikeout numbers against some of the league’s best teams and has become a solid addition in all fantasy leagues.
Saves
I have mentioned Harvey before but the closer market is slim these days. He’s registered three saves over the last ten days and looks to be the closer of choice in Washington.
Aroldis Chapman (RP – TEX): 36%
Chapman is also an option since being traded to Texas. He’ll likely be utilized in a setup role similar to his job in KC, but he could still earn the off-night save. The good news is, he went from a last-place team to a first-place team so saves shouldn’t be as hard to come by. Unfortunately, the Rangers’ current closer, Will Smith, has been solid, converting 14 out of 15 save opportunities so Chapman may still be stuck earning holds for now. Chapman’s strikeouts are a value in itself but his role could continue to evolve as the season rolls on. He is worth rostering in most leagues.
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Austin Lowell is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Austin, check out his archive.