Adding the players to replace those who are injured is an essential part of seasonal fantasy baseball. But remember one thing, as savvy owners always do. Some players are returning from injury this week like Wilson Ramos, Clayton Kershaw, and Manny Machado. In most leagues these players are on the disabled list, which means someone will need to be dropped in order to make room. Be sure to monitor these transactions, as there could be a fantasy gem waiting on the waiver wire.
Whether it is a free agent pool, a budget-budget based system, or weekly waivers, playing the wire is a key element to winning your fantasy baseball leagues.
Each Wednesday, XN Sports will present an option at each position, and why you should add them.
Without further ado, let’s play the waiver wire:
Catcher
Dioner Navarro, Toronto Blue Jays
Only two catchers have more hits than Navarro, only six catchers have scored more runs, and only five catchers have more runs batted in. Navarro is hitting .314 with 11 runs scored and 14 runs batted in. If you need help behind the plate, there is no better option on the waiver wire than the Blue Jays catcher.
First Base
Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
Fantasy baseball players are starting to figure it out, but Dunn is well worth owning, especially in deep leagues and leagues where a 1B/3B is required. Dunn is available in 75 percent of fantasy leagues, but that number will continue to shrink. So far this season Dunn is hitting .280 with five home runs and 12 runs batted in. He has also scored 12 runs in a very good White Sox lineup.
Second Base
Omar Infante, Kansas City Royals
Infante leads all second basemen in runs batted in. That alone gives him value. He is also hitting .275 and is a career .279 hitter. Any time you can get production without sacrificing average from your middle infielders, be sure to hop on the opportunity.
Third Base
David Freese, Los Angeles Angels
This is for leagues that are very deep, or AL-Only leagues, but Freese may be a good add. He is only hitting .188 this season, but he is seven for his last 21, including a home run and five runs scored. If you really need help at third base, Freese is showing signs of improvement.
Shortstop
Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels
Aybar may be gone in your league, but he is still available in just about half of fantasy leagues. So far this season he is hitting .292 with 17 runs scored and 14 runs batted in. Add in his stolen base potential and Aybar is a four-category contributor. If you need help at shortstop, Aybar is your guy.
Outfield
Gerardo Parra, Arizona Diamondbacks
Parra is available in over 90 percent of leagues, and can contribute in almost every offensive category. He is hitting .265 with two home runs and two stolen bases so far this year, and has also scored 16 runs while driving in nine. In Arizona’s lineup, he is going to score runs, so if you need outfield help, Parra is your guy.
Starting Pitcher
Bartolo Colon, New York Mets
For the press that the ageless pitcher gets, he is not being given the same looks in fantasy baseball. Colon is available in well over half of fantasy leagues and is a good add this week, even if you just want to stream him. If you read this quick enough, add him for a start against the Phillies tonight (or soon if tonight is rained out). Colon has a 4.50 ERA this year, but he has only had one start (against the Angels) with over three earned runs. Add him and reap the benefits when he faces National League opponents.
Relief Pitcher
Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates
Melancon is just the next member of the revolving carousel of closers in fantasy baseball. With Jason Grilli on the disabled list, Melancon will get the save opportunities for the Pirates. Add him if you had Grilli, or if you are in need of saves.
