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Fantasy baseball waiver wire

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It's time for the playoff push in head-to-head fantasy leagues, and the waiver wire is still churning out hidden gems that are ready to help. Let's get right to it.

J.D. Martinez, Astros -- Houston is a complete mess and is going to be one of the worst teams in recent memory, but Martinez is providing at least a measure of enjoyment for Astros fans. The outfielder made the jump straight from Double-A Corpus Christi, where he was hitting .338/.414/.546, to the majors at the trade deadline. He has only accelerated that pace with the Astros, belting four homers in his last six games. Despite a low profile, he can undoubtedly hit. If you need an outfielder, give him a look.

Jesus Guzman, Padres -- Guzman continues to hit, racking up 17 hits in his last 10 games. His .383 BABIP on the season suggests some luck, but when you're knocking out line drives at a 22.2 percent rate, you're going to have a high BABIP. He's probably not a guy to consider as a starting first baseman, but if you're in a league that requires a corner infielder, he's likely available in your league.

Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays -- Forever a disappointment, Encarnacion is once again showing the baseball world what he can do when he's hot. When the calendar turned to July, Encarnacion was carrying a .250/.283/.406 slash. He has raised that line to .281/.333/.459 with five homers and 10 doubles in the last six weeks. Things could turn south at the drop of a hat for Encarnacion, but third base has been a problem position all year, and he's swinging a hot bat.

Kevin Slowey, Twins -- The Twins placed Scott Baker on the DL with an elbow injury, clearing the way for Slowey to get back in Minnesota's rotation. In 50 innings combined at Double-A Fort Myers and Triple-A Rochester, Slowey struck out 38 batters while walking just six with a 3.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. I'll admit I'm more bullish on Slowey than most, but this is a guy who should have been in the rotation from Opening Day this season. I'd grab him now, with the understanding that he is not matchup-proof.

Jon Rauch, Blue Jays -- This one is pretty academic. Rauch appears to have taken over the closer's role in Toronto, picking up saves in four of his last six appearances. It's not often you can pick up a closer for free this late in the season. If he's available in your league and you're looking for a closer, grab him while you can.

Mike Minor, Braves -- Minor will take Jair Jurrjens' spot in the rotation while the latter is on the DL. Assuming he's in the rotation for three turns, he'll face the Cubs twice and Giants once. Those are friendly matchups.

Nathan Eovaldi, Dodgers -- Eovaldi looked great in his major league debut, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in five innings. He struck out 99 batters in 103 innings at Double-A Chattanooga and should stick in the Dodgers' rotation.

Trayvon Robinson, Mariners -- Robinson hit .289/.374/.552 in the minors this year with 26 homers. He hit the first homer of his major league career in just his second game. As long as he gets playing time, he'll have value.

Robinson Chirinos, Rays -- Chirinos, who came over to Tampa from the Cubs in the Matt Garza trade, seems to be settling in to a starting role. The Rays might as well give him a shot now to see if he can be their regular catcher for the next few years.

Chat with me 140 characters at a time on Twitter, @MBeller.