Waiver Wire: Graveman, Sano headline this week's top options
Need some help in your fantasy league? We all do at some point during the season. Fantasy sports producer Bette Marston, who’s filling in for Michael Beller this week, provides her best waiver wire additions this week. All players are available in at least 60% of leagues.
Starting Pitchers
Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics: We touted Graveman as a deep option for a weekend spot start this week, but his start warrants his owning in deep leagues. Graveman has pitched seven innings in each of his last two starts, giving up zero runs and earning the win in both games. Through 77 innings pitched, Graveman has a 3.16 ERA and 45 strikeouts. He won’t be a huge boost for strikeouts, but can certainly keep your ERA from ballooning.
Patrick Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin made his first start on Saturday since having Tommy John surgery last year. He tossed five innings, striking out three and giving up two runs; 56 of his 76 pitches went for strikes. In his last full season (2013), Corbin made 32 starts, posting a 3.41 ERA and racking up 178 strikeouts. Chances are, he won’t reach that level again, but he should come close.
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Relievers
LaTroy Hawkins, Colorado Rockies: John Axford is on the seven-day family emergency list for the week, so Hawkins will be useful until Axford returns. If you need a closer to hold you over until the All-Star break, Hawkins is your guy. There’s always the chance that if Hawkins does well, he could retain the position when Axford returns.
Jason Motte, Chicago Cubs: Who really knows what Joe Madden is doing with the Cubs bullpen right now, but one thing’s for sure: Jason Motte has been Madden’s favorite as of late. His ERA swelled in mid-May, but it’s steadily decreased to 2.93 since then. If you have an open spot in your roster, plug him in, in case the Cubs get a save opportunity.
Corner Infielders
Justin Bour, Miami Marlins: Marlins’ star Giancarlo Stanton went on the DL with a broken bone in his left hand last week, but the team has hardly missed his power bat, thanks to Bour, who’s hit a homer in four of his last five games. This is probably just a lucky stretch for the rookie, but there’s no harm in taking advantage of his current hot streak, especially if you’re hurting for power.
Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins: The Twins called up their prized prospect this week in an attempt to breathe some life into their lineup (Sano won’t be expected to play the field for a while, as his glove has been struggling lately), and in three games, Sano has already recorded four hits and an RBI. In Double-A this year, Sano hit .274/.374/.544 with 18 doubles and 48 RBI. Owners lacking in power categories should jump on him, if he’s still available.
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Middle Infielders
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Cesar Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have been awful this year, but Hernandez is one of the few bright spots on the team. Hernandez, who’s serving as Chase Utley’s replacement while the veteran is on the DL, is in the midst of a nine-game hit streak, during which he’s hit .447/.488/.526 while scoring seven runs and driving in four RBI. Even though his slugging numbers aren’t great, he’s on track to crack .300 for his season average. Hernandez’s ownership numbers are skyrocketing, so run, don’t walk, to the waiver wire to pick him up.
Brad Miller, Seattle Mariners: Miller has struggled somewhat at the plate this season, hitting .243/.321/.418, but he belted two homers against the A’s on Friday, bringing his season total up to eight. The Mariners called up Chris Taylor, but manager Lloyd McClendon seems to be sticking with Miller at shortstop. Unless that trend shifts, owners in need of a middle infielder would benefit from Miller’s play.
Outfielders
Gerardo Parra, Milwaukee Brewers: After an incredibly slow April, Parra’s numbers have steadily climbed. The outfielder has recorded a hit in 19 of his last 23 games, and he’s currently hitting .306/.344/.467. There have been some rumors that Parra could be traded at the deadline, thanks to the Brewers horrid record.
Alejandro De Aza, Boston Red Sox: After starting the season in Baltimore, the Red Sox acquired De Aza after a series of injuries to their outfield corps, and De Aza has thrived in Boston. In 73 at-bats, he’s hit .319/.356/.623 with three homers and 14 RBI. He’ll surely cool off in due time (or be replaced when players come off the DL), but take advantage of his bat while it’s hot.
