RADIO
Andrew Ericksen analyzes Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Yandy Diaz as a waiver wire pickup or add target for Week 12 of the 2019 fantasy baseball season. After a short stint on the IL, he's back on track.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 35% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays corner infielder Yandy Diaz took the fantasy world by storm in April, when he hit .291 with six home runs, 17 RBI and a .980 OPS. He then cooled off significantly in May and had his month cut short with a stint on the 10-day injured list with a left hand contusion. Since returning to the Rays on June 2, he has looked much more like his April self than his May self. He is hitting .361 with three home runs and nine RBI in June. He’s started each game for the Rays since his return.
Diaz’s power numbers this year are supported by his increases in barrel rate and launch angle. His barrel rate is up from 4.4% in 2018 to 11.9% this year, while his launch angle has increased from 4.4 in 2018 to 6.2 this year. He’s shown solid plate discipline with a 0.68 walk-to-strikeout rate and he should continue to hit for a solid average based on his .290 xBA. He should be added in all leagues as he can be a great source of all hitting stats other than stolen bases for the rest of the year.
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