Matt Duffy (2B/3B, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 19% of leagues

ANALYSIS: If I told you that there was a guy available in 89% of leagues who is hitting .323 in the month of June, you would probably go rush to take a look. If I told you that Tampa Bay Rays infielder Matt Duffy was available in 89% of leagues, you may wonder why I even took the time to tell you. Well, those two guys happen to be the same! It is time to give some attention to Duffy, who could be a useful add in corner/middle-infielder leagues and even in deeper single-position leagues.

The 27-year-old has performed well all season long, posting a career-high .315 batting average with four home runs, 23 RBI, and six steals in 65 games. His high batting average can partly be attributed to his increase in BABIP (.374 vs career .332). While some of this may be luck, Duffy is hitting the ball harder than he ever has in his career (32.9% hard-hit rate), so the increase in BABIP seems legitimate. He doesn’t hit for much power (.428 slugging percentage) but does have a bit of speed, so while he may have an empty batting average, he’s a guy that can consistently contribute to fantasy owners’ teams each week.

One last reason to go get Duffy now is his tasty matchups this week. The Rays will be on the road for a series against the Marlins and the Mets, whose pitching staffs have not fared well this season. If ever there was a time to add Duffy it would be now. He may not be the big bat some fantasy players are looking for, but he will provide solid production for this week and likely beyond, given how he’s hit so far this season.