Jed Lowrie (2B, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 23% of Yahoo! Leagues

ANALYSIS: A’s second baseman Jed Lowrie has quietly had himself a very solid season, and his spot hitting third in the lineup everyday has yielded some surprising fantasy value for the 32-year-old. Always an injury risk, Lowrie has managed to stay healthy all season and is slashing an impressive .286/.356/.481 with eight home runs and 25 RBI on the year. He has come on as of late, hitting .300/.369/.530 over his last 25 games with 13 of his 25 RBI. Lowrie has not looked this productive since his stellar 2014 season when he finished with 15 home runs and a .290 batting average, numbers he may be able to replicate this season. He has decreased his strikeout rate to 16% and increased his walk rate up to 9%, both which are factoring into his career high .356 OBP.

Lowrie is very likely to be traded at the deadline so that the A’s can recall prized prospect Franklin Barreto. Lowrie’s fantasy value going forward will be very dependent on where he ends up. He is almost assuredly going to move down in the order in his new home, but if he maintains a starting role on a new club he could see an increase in value by being in a better lineup and likely in a more hitter friendly park. Owners in 12-team leagues and beyond should grab Lowrie while he is hitting well. A trade may hurt his fantasy value in the long-run this season, but he is worth the roster spot at the moment.