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Over the course of the season, I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come.
As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Luis Valbuena (2B/3B, HOU) - Owned in 29.6% of Fleaflicker leagues
Valbuena has evolved into a somewhat steady source of power in 2015. The veteran lefty has slugged 16 homers so far to go along with 35 runs scored and 30 RBIs. Four of those home runs and 10 of the RBIs have come in his last 15 games, which proves he’s not slowing down from his hot power start. As great as the home runs are, the batting average is a tough pill to swallow. Valbuena is hitting .185 on the season with plenty of strikeouts, making him more useful in roto than points formats. As long as the homers keep coming though, he has value in either format.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Scooter Gennett (2B, MIL) - Owned in 4.7% of Fleaflicker leagues
Gennett has been en fuego since returning from the DL on June 11th, hitting .310 with four RBIs in that time. He is still a very weak hitter against lefties, but his ability to destroy right-handed pitching makes him a valuable fantasy asset. His power ceiling is understandably low, but you want him for the runs scored and the batting average. He may chip in five steals by the end of the year, but don’t expect much more than that out of him. He makes for a nice injury replacement or middle-infield plug-and-play option for now.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
J.J. Hardy (SS, BAL) - Owned in 12.3% of Fleaflicker leagues
Hardy has been lighting it up lately, and is currently riding an 11-game hit streak. During that streak he’s hitting .390 with seven runs scored and six RBIs. He missed a large chunk of time this year due to a DL stint, and he’s been productive since he returned. The former All-Star won’t give you much in the way of power or speed, but as long as he’s hitting in the potent Orioles lineup the counting stats should be there. I wouldn’t hesitate to start Hardy while he’s hot.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Addison Russell (SS/2B, CHC) - Owned in 45.2% of Fleaflicker leagues
As the hype has cooled off on Russell, he has quietly heated up a bit. Over his last seven games, he’s batting .350 with four RBIs, two runs scored and a homer. He’s also striking out at a much lower rate, a problem that has plagued just about every Cubs prospect in the last two years. If he can continue to improve his plate discipline and find his power stroke, Russell could prove to be a useful fantasy asset come the dog days of summer. He’s no Kris Bryant, but Russell is still an incredibly talented young player who figures to remain part of the Cubs plans to make a postseason run.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
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