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Deeper Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 16 (American League)

By Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tony Peters analyzes some American League players to target as fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups & adds in Week 16. These AL-only targets can be sleepers.

As a long-standing fan of WWE (despite and in spite of its glaring issues), I am excited for the roster draft that shall have already happened by the time this comes out. In an attempt to shake up stagnant TV ratings, the company is holding a roster draft live Tuesday night where two on-site general managers draft for their respective TV show not unlike how we drafted our fantasy teams earlier this year (minus the pre-determined parts, of course).

If you could shake up your roster today and redraft, would you? Do you wish you could have a pick or two back or all of them? A decent draft is one of the keys to fantasy success, but doesn't mean it's not possible to remake a team over time using the waiver wire. Whether you have one or all the roster holes, here are some choice picks to help your second half push, all owned in 25% or less of Flea Flicker leagues.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller offers the best Premium MLB Subscription - only $1.99 per week. All the tools you need to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Under-the-Radar Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, plus daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

American League Waiver Wire Targets

Hitters

Ryon Healy (3B, OAK) - 2% Owned

Rookie third baseman Ryon Healy makes the list this week following a successful MLB debut last week. Though he has generally flown under the radar in terms of prospect notoriety due to mild power and defensive question marks, a hot start to his Triple-A career this season (a .318 average and six home runs in 210 at-bats) has pushed him firmly into the Athletics' sights as a future starter. In his first taste of the Majors, Healy is hitting a respectable .267 with one home run and four RBI in 15 at-bats. With Oakland committed to letting him start as long as he hits, owners in need of a third baseman should be sure to pick up this lottery ticket.

Yulieski Gurriel (3B, HOU) - Not Available At Time Of Publishing

If a player isn't available in the system, why would he be worth talking about? Because newly-signed Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gurriel is considered a can't-miss talent that is said to be weeks away from making his MLB debut after signing with Houston last week. In his youth, he was considered one of the best players in Cuba, but at 32 years of age, he comes with some wear on his tires. Regardless, Gurriel's coming off a huge 2015 campaign in Cuba that saw him hit .500 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI in only 174 at-bats. The moment he is added to the player pool in your league, he's a must-add.

Sandy Leon (C, BOS) - 16% Owned

To make sure, dear readers, that we are on the same wave length, let me start by saying that catcher Sandy Leon isn't the second coming of Jason Varitek. The 10-year minor league veteran has been ablaze since making his season debut last month, slashing an absurd .452/.493/.694 with two home runs and 12 RBI in only 62 at-bats. But after averaging about two home runs and a .238 average during his minor league career, this is a classic fantasy catfish scenario. But as anyone in a two-catcher league can attest to, a short-lived hot streak from a temporary piece is a lot better than nothing or something negative.

Steve Pearce (1B/2B/OF, TB) - 25% Owned & Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) - 14% Owned

Tampa Bay got some reinforcements for the second half this past week in the form of disabled list activations for utility man Steve Pearce and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Both are returning from minor injuries to a team in need of an offensive spark, though only Pearce can be counted on right away. He has rebounded from a rough 2015 to hit .322 with nine home runs in 174 at-bats, making him a must-add if he was foolishly dropped. Kiermaier, on the other hand, has continued his slow start to 2016, going 1-for-10 since being activated. There's still plenty of time for the offensively-average outfielder to turn things around, but until then, he's nothing more than a bench stash.

Kurt Suzuki (C, MIN) - 14% Owned

Catcher Kurt Suzuki is quietly pushing himself back into fantasy relevance and past his disappointing 2015. After hitting .240 with five home runs and 50 RBI in 433 at-bats last season, he's currently at .285 with five home runs and 31 RBI. With the Twins set to be deadline sellers, there's a high chance that Suzuki's hot streak is actually an audition for suitors in playoff contention. Grab him now and hope for any destination outside of Minnesota, as anywhere will be a fantasy upgrade.

 

Pitchers

Daniel Norris (SP, DET) - 3% Owned

Starting pitcher Daniel Norris made his first rehab start Monday as he works his way back to the Tigers' rotation. He looked sharp, allowing one run over four innings while striking out four. On the disabled list with a strained oblique, Norris was just finding his groove before he went down, striking out eight Marlins in a win the start before he was injured. A top prospect in the minors, Detroit is expecting a lot from him going forward. If he can deliver on that, he'll be a more than worthy fantasy addition.

Nate Jones (RP, CHW) - 20% Owned

Relief pitcher Nate Jones has carved himself out an important role in the White Sox's bullpen this season, emerging as the man to own behind closer David Robertson. Since June 1st, he's 2-1 with two saves, six holds, a 1.37 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 19.2 innings, hence the hike in ownership. Robertson has a firm hold over the closer role, but is clear that Jones is his handcuff, and a productive one at that. Grab him for whatever fantasy needs you have, he helps with them all.

Ryan Dull (RP, OAK) - 12% Owned

Another emerging closer handcuff, rookie Ryan Dull inherited the role from injured setup man Sean Doolittle. He picked up his first save of the season July 9th on a night when closer Ryan Madson was unavailable. With the Athletics another team on the selling side of the upcoming trade deadline, the free-agent-to-be Madson is a likely player to be moved. If so, look for Dull and his 2.05 ERA and 9.3 K/9 to slide into that role until Doolittle returns to health.

Trevor May (RP, MIN) - 1% Owned

Relief pitcher Trevor May has returned from the disabled list performing like the pitcher he was expected to be this year. In four July innings, he's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and five strikeouts. With the closer role currently being held by one of the Twins better trade chips, minor league signee Brandon Kintzler, there's hope that May can show some consistency and be more than just a dark horse candidate for saves. Even if the saves don't come, he has the strikeout ability to help fantasy teams if he can suppress runs effectively.

Miguel Gonzalez (SP, CHW) - 2% Owned

Starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez isn't a great starting pitcher, but that doesn't mean he is incapable of throwing quality starts it seems (last year's Orioles beg to differ). Over the past month, he has one win, a 3.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 32 innings. Those numbers surely won't help a fantasy team take first place or likely to last all season. But a life preserver is a life preserver: it only needs to get you to next thing, it's not a boat for all your friends that you'll never forget.

 

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Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Good to Go For Thursday Night Football
Tucker Kraft

Suffers "Little Knee Tweak," Checks Out OK
Jaylen Waddle

Expected to Play and be a "Big Factor" on Thursday Night
Tucker Kraft

Suffers Knee Injury During Thursday's Practice
Clayton Kershaw

Will Retire at the End of the Season
Malcolm Brogdon

Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon Both Staying with the Knicks?
Detroit Pistons

Charles Bediako Agrees to a Training Camp Deal with Detroit
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery, Uncertain for Training Camp
Charlotte Hornets

DaQuan Jeffries Waived by the Hornets
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Questionable For Saturday
Braden Schneider

Limited in Training Camp
Lars Eller

Recovering From Abdominal Procedure
Nick Jensen

in Danger of Missing Start of Season
Brandon Montour

to Miss Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery
Gabriel Landeskog

a "Full Go" for the Season
Samuel Girard

Avalanche Hope to Have Samuel Girard Available for Start of Season
Mackenzie Blackwood

Out Week-to-Week
Alex Tuch

Day-to-Day With Undisclosed Injury
Jordan Greenway

to Sit Out Training Camp
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Simon Edvinsson

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Mikael Backlund

Signs Two-Year Extension
Connor Ingram

to Be Waived by Mammoth
Zach Hyman

Misses Start of Training Camp
Nick Paul

Out Until November
Kris Letang

Cleared for Training Camp
David Pastrnak

Out for Start of Training Camp
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Be Out Until December
NBA

Trevelin Queen Joins Chinese Team
Damian Lillard

Not Rushing His Return
Brooklyn Nets

Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss

RANKINGS

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WR
TE
K
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RANKINGS
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1B
2B
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RP