The playoffs are here! For many of you the pressure is just picking up. If you’ve been in cruise control, you have to start paying attention again. If you’ve clawed your way into the postseason, you need to maintain your diligence.

This edition of my weekly column is here to help you with your playoff squad. The players listed are all guys I think can be difference-makers in the race for the title. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.

Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.

Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups

Kelly Johnson (NYM)—Owned in 6.4% of ESPN leagues

Johnson has been an important part of the Mets run since the All-Star Break. He’s picked it up in the last two weeks especially, hitting .324 with eight runs scored, seven RBIs and three jacks in his last 15 games. The Mets offense has been (surprisingly) explosive of late, and as long as Johnson is hitting in the meat of that lineup, he’ll be productive. His multi-positional eligibility is the ultimate fantasy bonus, as he is eligible at both corner infield spots, second base, and the outfield. With Daniel Murphy and Lucas Duda missing time with lesser injuries, Johnson should find his way into the lineup most nights.

Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams

Addison Russell (CHC)—Owned in 32.0%% of ESPN leagues

Russell hasn’t been terrific batting average-wise all season, hitting just .243 across 407 at-bats. This has continued in September, but he’s been flashing some power in the last two weeks. He has four homers and 10 RBIs in his last 15 games along with eight runs scored. As long as he’s contributing in the counting categorie,s he’s worth having as a middle infield option. He won’t lose at-bats down the stretch as the Cubs are still very much in the playoff race, and they’ll ride their young talent as they have all year.

Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/ add in roto leagues with 10+ teams

Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups

Jed Lowrie (HOU)—Owned in 14.3% of ESPN leagues

Jed Lowrie is back! He was one of my favorite middle infield sleepers in the preseason, and was well on his way to achieving that status when he suffered a thumb injury that required surgery. He’s been terrific in the last two weeks, hitting .275 with three homers, seven RBIs and eight runs scored. He’s one of the better sources of power at the shortstop position, and I love him as an option for the stretch. What’s not to love about a guy who hits in Houston?

Baller Move: Add in all points leagues/add in all roto leagues

Shawn O’Malley (SEA)—Owned in 2.1% of ESPN leagues

With the Mariners well out of the playoff hunt, there will be plenty of opportunities for some of their young call-ups to see playing time. Since his debut on September 2, O’Malley has gone 7-for-16 with five runs scored, a homer, four RBIs, two stolen bases, and seven walks.

Quality plate discipline and marginal power/speed is exactly what you’re looking for from a fantasy standpoint in the middle infield, and O’Malley fits the bill. Of everyone I’ve mentioned, he’s the longest shot to maintain fantasy relevance. In the fantasy playoffs, it could be a Hail Mary pickup like O’Malley that makes a difference.

Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams

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