Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come.

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, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.

Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups

Chris Owings (2B, SS, OF - ARI) - Owned in 22% of Fleaflicker leagues

While David Peralta did return on Monday night, it won't impact this guy's playing time. Owings has continued to hit as the season has progressed, and he currently has his average all the way up to .285 after another multi-hit effort. A big part of why he's breaking out this year has to be his success against lefties. In 2015 he hit just .171 against them, while he's managed to figure them out in 2016 (.292 BAA). He's going to continue to get at bats by hook or by crook, and there is no reason he can't hit .280 and chip in 20 stolen bases this season. He's an ideal plug-and-play utility man for fantasy purposes.

Jurickson Profar (2B - TEX) - Owned in 50% of Fleaflicker leagues

Profar's ownership percentage varies across the different platforms, and if he is still available in yours then now is the time to snatch him up. The once-touted prospect came up initially when Rougned Odor was serving his suspension for the infamous brawl with Jose Bautista, but he's forced his way into more playing time even with Odor back. Since breaking into the lineup, Profar has hit .370 with 11 runs scored, two homers and three RBIs. He has all the makings of a post-hype sleeper, and the Rangers seem to think that's the case--they're working him out at first base in an attempt to keep his bat in the lineup more often. Profar will obviously regress a bit, but he has the tools to be an above-average second baseman in the MLB, and he just might be on the verge of a legitimate breakout.

Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups

Ketel Marte (SS - SEA) - Owned in 24% of Fleaflicker leagues

The switch-hitting Seattle speedster had been on the DL with a sprained thumb since May 22nd, but his injury proved to be very minor--he returned on Monday night when first eligible. After a very slow start, Marte turned things around in May, and he had raised his batting average all the way up to .276 before being sidelined. His best asset is his speed, and he should be a great source of stolen bases and runs scored once he returns (he stole a bag in his first game back). He's not a superstar by any means (yet), so many owners will have abandoned him thanks to the injury. Any owner would do well to snatch him up immediately and reap the rewards in the coming months.

Jhonny Peralta (SS - STL) - Owned in 24% of Fleaflicker leagues

After missing the first two months of the season with a torn ligament in his thumb, Peralta is apparently ready to make his season debut, and may be activated on Tuesday. He makes for an immediate add at a very thin position, as the demotion of Kolten Wong means he'll have a starting spot right when he returns. Since Aledmys Diaz is the shortstop of the future for St. Louis, it looks like Peralta will slide over to third base and Matt Carpenter will move back to second. While the 34-year-old is no longer in his prime, he proved last year he is still a very capable hitter. Last year's .275 batting average is still well within his reach, and while he likely won't approach 20 homers due to the lost time, 12-15 is still a possibility. Peralta is a top-10 fantasy shortstop when healthy, and will be immediately valuable across all formats.

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