MLB fantasy waiver wire report
It's a long season; let us guide you through all of the potential names on the wire who can help your team. For more fantasy analysis, check out Sandlot Shrink.com.
Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners -- Bedard (shoulder) completed his rehab assignment and will be activated to start on Tuesday. He posted a 1.64 ERA and 14/3 K/BB ratio in his three rehab starts. Grade: B+
Josh Bell, Baltimore Orioles -- Bell, 23, was recalled to play third base and could be worth a shot in AL-only leagues if he stays up (he could be sent down when Felix Pie is activated). Bell is batting .266-10-44 with AAA Norfolk but has just a .311 OBP. The switch-hitter has some pop but don't expect a high batting average right now. He should be able to hit .270 with 15-20 homers when he matures. Grade B
Omar Beltre, Texas Rangers -- Used mostly as a reliever this year (five starts), the 28-year-old right-hander has a 2.39 ERA and a 44/18 K/BB ratio in 37 2/3 innings for AAA Oklahoma City. He will be used as the fifth starter for now but is not a top prospect, so you can pass on him. Grade: C -
Doug Davis, Milwaukee Brewers -- Davis will return to the rotation next week as he has finished up his rehab. Before being sidelined with a heart problem, he was 1-4 with a 7.56 ERA in seven starts. In his first two rehab outings with AAA Nashville, he allowed one run over eight innings, with 12 strikeouts. In his final rehab start, he allowed one run in seven innings for Class-A Wisconsin. Don't activate him right away if you own him. Grade: C
Barry Enright, Arizona Diamondbacks -- Enright, 24, posted a 2.88 ERA and an 83/15 K/BB ratio in 93 2/3 innings for AA Mobile but is not a recommended pickup. He throws around 90-mph with a slider, curve and change with decent control but is not a top prospect. Grade C
Travis Ishikawa, San Francisco Giants -- With Buster Posey now the full-time catcher and the need for another lefty swinger in the lineup, the Giants will give Ishikawa more playing time. Ishikawa, 26, swings a lively bat and is an excellent defensive player but struggles against left-handers. Grade B-
Matt LaPorta, Cleveland Indians -- LaPorta, 24, returned to a full-time spot at first base, where he is more comfortable, so maybe he will settle down with the bat. He was batting .362 with five homers with AAA Columbus, so that gives us hope as well. He is hitting just .243 in the majors so far but is worth picking up in AL-only leagues if he's still available. He has three home runs this week. He struggled early as he was favoring his hip, which had required surgery in the off-season. He also underwent surgery on his left big toe."I wanted to be ready for the start of the season and I just found a way to get it done -- but it wasn't the way I've always swung," he said. "I probably compensated, even if I didn't think I was. I'm getting back to where I've been in the past: using the legs and staying on the backside more. The swings are more comfortable." Grade B
Bengie Molina, Texas Rangers -- Molina, 36, is hitting.257 with just three homers but now moves to a better park for hitters. Still, switching to the AL could take a toll on his batting average. Grade C+
Travis Wood, Cincinnati Reds -- Wood, 23, is a finesse lefty so he has to be sharp to win. He was 5-6 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 15 starts for AAA Louisville. He will likely stay in the rotation until Edinson Volquez is activated. Grade C
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