Waiver Wire Pickups For Second Base (2B) & Shortstop (SS)

May 9, 2014

Read RotoBaller's week 6 waiver wire pickup recommendations for the shortstop and second base positions. The middle infielders can be owned in deep leagues.

So how’d you do in week 5? 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. All ownership percentages from Yahoo!

Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups

Omar Infante (KC) — 51.4% Owned

The veteran infielder has held up well in a new environment this year. Minus a few games off as a result of catching a fastball with his face, Omar Infante has been out there as the everyday second baseman in Kansas City and will continue to be out there. He’s been exceedingly productive so far from a fantasy perspective, having already driven in 19 runs and scoring 13 times. The average is going to be there at the end of the year, so don’t hesitate to snatch him up now as long as his lower back seems ok - he's supposed to be back in the lineup Saturday.

Baller Move: Add him when he's back in the lineup

Derek Dietrich (MIA) — 0.5% Owned

While he hasn’t formally been handed the starting second base job in Miami, Derek Dietrich is player nearly every day and has certainly made his case from a bench and platoon role as well. In his limited role, he’s impressed with a .373 OBP, and has already popped three homers in addition to his 11 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Check back in with this guy regularly—he’s a talented middle infielder, and you don’t want to miss out when he finally captures a full-time role as he could be a nice pickup for deep leagues.

Baller Move: Keep an eye on him

Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups

Chris Owings (ARI) — 5.2% Owned

So, uh, did you see who was the NL Rookie of the Month for April? This guy. I DID tell you to pick him up a couple weeks ago, but if you didn’t you still have a chance as he's only owned in the deepest of leagues. I’m not going to blow him up as the new savior of your roster, but the dude is still hitting over .300. The counting stats aren’t going to come in bunches, but once the Diamondbacks get in a groove and start putting up more runs, Owings will see more RBI and Runs. If you need a solid guy at middle infield in 14 team leagues who isn’t going to hurt you as a fill-in, this is your guy.

Baller Move: Add him in deeper leagues, keep an eye on him otherwise

Brandon Crawford (SF) — 4.5% Owned

The shortstop position is filled with light-hitting speedsters, but so far Brandon Crawford has proven himself an outlier. He’s got three jacks and 15 RBIs so far, which you will definitely take out of the old shortstop slot in deeper leagues. Do not—I repeat—DO NOT pick this guy up thinking that he’s going to be a consistent source of power. However, his power potential is not completely absent, and you could definitely do worse if you need a short-term fill-in or a middle-infield plug-and-play.

Baller Move: Add him in deeper leagues, keep an eye on him otherwise