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Bill Dubiel's week 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers for second base (2B) and shortstop (SS). Read his MLB middle infield analysis and advice.
Middle Infield Waiver Wire Options
So how’d you do in week 4? Whether you came out of the gate strong or stumbled at the start, your team can always use a shot in the arm…or in this case, the roster. Here’s a look at some middle infielders who could be useful in the early goings—if they are available, snatch them up. At the very least keep them on your radar…
Scooter Gennett (2B, MIL) - 8.9% Owned
This young hitter is looking like a better and better option as each week goes by. He’s still hitting over .300, and while the counting stats aren’t there he does have three steals already. He’s definitely a guy who can swipe 20 on the year, and he’s got a relatively low strikeout rate. Second base is an outrageously thin position, and this guy could make for a very good plug-in at this point in the season.
Baller Move: Add him in deeper leagues
Brandon Hicks (2B, SF) - .3% Owned
Alright, so just give me a chance to explain this one. Hicks is filling in for the injured Marco Scutaro, who as of right now if out indefinitely. In a limited amount of at-bats, Hicks has already cracked four homers this year. This isn’t a fluke, as he does have a significant amount of pop for a middle infielder. His batting average is never going to surpass .275 (hell, if you get that out of him you’re in great shape), but power out of the second base spot is a rarity.
Baller Move: Plug-in for an injured player
Erick Aybar (SS, LAA) - 57.5% Owned
This guy just keeps on keepin’ on so far. In previous years, we’d consider Aybar’s main asset his speed, and with only one stolen base so far it would appear that he’s declining. However, his run and RBI totals this year have been a very pleasant surprise.
The batting average isn’t spectacular, which is a contributing factor to the lack of steals. Assuming that the steals pick up, Aybar could evolve into a very solid option at the shortstop position.
Baller Move: Add him in deeper leagues, keep an eye on him otherwise
Jhonny Peralta (STL) - 42% Owned
Peralta has displayed one asset so far this year—power. Six home runs and 12 RBI are awfully solid for a shortstop at this point in the season, but alas, the batting average hasn’t been there. Hitting just .193 at the time of this writing, Peralta has been killing owners in the average department. But here’s the thing—he’s not that bad a hitter. He’s started the season off cold, but that won’t be the case all season. It just won’t be. This guy is in a potent lineup, and the counting stats are going to keep on coming. Trust me, jump on him sooner rather than later.
Baller Move: Add him in deeper leagues, keep an eye on him otherwise
