June 11, 2017

Ben Ruppert recommends some waiver wire adds at each position for deep points leagues. These are top points leagues waiver wire pickups for Week 11.

Points leagues are a different beast compared to rotisserie leagues, as you are looking for someone who can fill the whole stat sheet, and when you can find some of those guys on the wire, they are golden.

Here are a few guys who can contribute in deep points leagues, one at each position to consider for the next week. These are your deep points leagues waiver wire pickups for Week 11. Let's get to it.

Note: All ownership percentages are courtesy of Yahoo! Fantasy Sports.

Points League Deep Waiver Wire Adds - Week 11

C- Mike Zunino, Seattle Mariners- 10% owned

Mike Zunino is red hot at the plate for the Mariners right now. Since May 29 (nine games), Zunino is slashing a ridiculous .424/.459/.818 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in. He has hits in seven of those nine games, with a .394 ISO over that span. Clearly what Zunino is doing is unsustainable, but those struggling at the catcher spot should add him while he’s scorching. His current .354 BABIP is bound to come crashing down to his career .258 levels, and his strikeout rate is at a career-high 39.6%, so once he begins to cool off don’t be afraid to cut bait. However, there aren’t many catchers hitting as well as he is right now.

1B- Matt Adams, Atlanta Braves- 15% owned

Since being acquired by the Braves, Matt Adams has kicked things up a notch offensively. Over 17 games (75 plate appearances), Adams has hit .282/.320/.620 with six HR and 15 RBI. For comparison, over 53 plate appearances with the Cardinals this season he hit .292/.340/.396 with one HR and seven RBI. His .338 ISO with the Braves will likely drop down, though his .298 BABIP says he’s been a bit unlucky compared to his career average of .321. He is currently riding a six-game hitting streak, and has hits in eight of his past nine games. Hitting in the heart of the Braves lineup, Adams can be a decent first base option the rest of the season.

2B- Eric Sogard, Milwaukee Brewers- 6% owned

All Eric Sogard has done since making his season debut for the Brew Crew is hit and get on base. Once he got the call-up on May 12, he has been one of Milwaukee’s best offensive weapons. Over 22 games (74 plate appearances), he is hitting .414/.541/.672 with three HR and two steals. Even more impressive is his 20.% BB%, compared to his 8.1% K%. A new leg kick has helped turn this offensively-challenged utility man into an exceptional contact hitter. He is hitting the ball harder than ever before this season, and is pulling the ball more than in years past. Though he will not maintain these numbers, his new approach the plate should not be discounted. Sogard makes for a worthwhile add while he’s hitting.

3B- Scooter Gennett, Cincinnati Reds- 12% owned

If you didn’t own Gennett before his huge four HR outburst, you’ve already missed the best he’ll ever have to offer. Luckily, Gennett is capable of being more than just a one-hit, well, four-hit wonder. This season he is hitting .306/.338/.565 with seven HR and 31 RBI. His strikeout rate is up a bit this season to 24.6%, but the aggressive approach has come with more fly balls, less ground balls, and harder hit balls. His 37% hard hit % is a career high, and his 12% soft contact % ranks him 11^th best among qualified hitters. The best of Gennett has certainly passed, but he can still be a productive asset.

SS- Andrelton Simmons, Los Angeles Angels- 19% owned

Simmons isn’t going to blow you away in any one category, but can contribute in all five categories making him a reliable shortstop in points leagues. This season Simmons is hitting for more power; his six HR give him more than he’s hit each of the past two seasons. He also has seven steals, giving him an outside shot of being a 15-15 player this season. He is hitting a respectable .276/.339/.401 on the season, with a career-high 8.6% BB%. He is hitting the ball harder than ever before this season at 33.3%. Simmons is the perfect player to add if you need a reliable fill-in SS that can keep you afloat.

OF- Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians- 19% owned

Since being called up on May 16, Zimmer has been a huge boost both offensively and defensively for the Indians outfield. He is striking out at a similar rate to his minor league levels, but is walking at a 9.8% BB%. He has hit .273/.344/.564 with four HR, 13 RBI, and three steals. His hard hit % is at an above-average 45.9%, and he is hitting the ball to all parts of the field. He has three HR over his last seven games with nine RBI over that span. Zimmer should be picked up now while he’s hot, though you may be able to keep the rookie bat all season if he can keep up this production.

SP- Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians- 14% owned

Josh Tomlin had an April to forget, holding an 8.87 ERA and 1.76 WHIP, with an opponent’s batting average of .362 (!). He had a .412 BABIP which was bound to stabilize, and has over the past month of action. From May 1 onward Tomlin holds a 3.60 ERA and microscopic 0.98 WHIP, thanks to a 0.7% BB% over that span. He has held hitters to a much more manageable .248 average over that span. If you’re trying to win strikeouts for your week, look anywhere else before Josh Tomlin. However, if you’re in need of a solid , yet unspectacular start he’s you’re man. As he showed May 28 against the Kansas City Royals, he can go the distance if need be.

RP- Juan Nicasio, Pittsburgh Pirates- 17% owned

With the meltdown of Tony Watson now complete, it looks like Nicasio and Felipe Rivero will take over the closer role in Pittsburgh. Much like he did last season, Nicasio is flourishing in a relief role over being a starter. This season over 28 appearances he has a 1.35 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, holding hitters to a .204 BAA. He has nine holds this season, which is tied for second on the team behind only Rivero. Nicasio is the more widely available of the two Pirates relievers, but now since he is being given a chance to close he should see his ownership rise in no time.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

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