RADIO
The playoffs are around the corner and players are starting to make the push. Three of these players will be counted on heavily in their teams’ pursuits. There is definitely a solid addition within this group that can help your roster achieve its own postseason plans. Some of these waiver wire pickups are good for AL Only and NL Only leagues, while others are better for mixed leagues.
Waiver Wire Options for Deeper Leagues
Edinson Volquez - SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues
An afterthought in the offseason, Volquez has surprised Pirate fans with a 10-7 mark thus far. In his last two starts, he handled the Tigers, limiting them to five hits, and then yielded only one earned run to the Nats. His roll extends even further with only one “blow up” start in last 10 outings, and he's on pace for a career-low WHIP. This is a big year for the right-hander, as he tries to earn his next contract with a strong finish. The Pirates are still in the race, so Volquez will be center stage as one of their reliable starters the rest of the way.
Recommendation: A decent back end, bench depth option.
Garrett Jones - 1B/OF, Miami Marlins
Owned in 13% of Yahoo Leagues
Jones, along with Casey McGehee, deserves a lot of credit for the Marlins' return to relevancy. Although he has been streaky lately, he has provided a big bat for the Fish with 47 runs and 45 RBI. His season fantasy output has surpassed heavily owned first sackers such as Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler and Mike Napoli. Jones is worthless versus left-handed pitching, though, so use him as a matchup guy to take advantage of his pop.
Recommendation: Due to come out of his recent funk, Jones could provide a nice power bat.
Avisail Garcia - OF, Chicago White Sox
Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues
Standing at a whopping 6'4'' and weighing 240 pounds, Garcia is young and powerful. The White Sox are on the outside looking in on the playoff race, so it is time to see the young bucks play.
Through his minor league work and limited big league experience, Garcia looks like a hitter. In less than 300 at bats for the Sox he has tallied nine HR with 39 R and 38 RBI-- not bad for a guy that is raw and still trying to figure it all out.
Garcia has recently returned from an injury many thought would keep him out the whole year, so you know the young power hitter is looking to make good on his potential during this unexpected playing time.
Recommendation: Garcia's ownership numbers will rise quickly with a few productive games.
Bud Norris - SP, Baltimore Orioles
Owned in 13% of Yahoo Leagues
Baltimore’s rise to the top of the AL East can be attributed to improved starting pitching, which includes the veteran Norris. Entering a June 9th start, he was 4-5 and looking like a prime candidate to move out of the rotation. Not only did he win that start in shutout fashion, but he has surged to a 7-2 mark over his last 10 starts. During that time he has lowered his ERA nearly half a run.
Recommendation: Norris is solid enough to trust down the stretch.
Omar Infante - 2B, Kansas City Royals
Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues
Infante continues to fly low in the fantasy world. All he has done is lead the Royals in RBI for most of the season. He is on pace to easily surpass most of his career offensive numbers. While his pace has slowed down lately, he did put together a 4 hit, 4 RBI performance against the Rockies on Tuesday. The Royals are on fire and there is no reason to believe Infante won't rejoin the party sooner or later.
Recommendation: Everyone else around him is heating up. Get ready to take advantage of the hot streak.
