Alex Verdugo (OF, LAD) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 31% of leagues

ANALYSIS: One of the top prospects in the Dodgers' system, Alex Verdugo had failed to impress in brief MLB cameos in each of the last two Septembers. Over the course of 111 plate appearances, the 22-year-old hit a pedestrian .240/.309/.360 with two home runs and was thrown out on his only stolen base attempt. Combined with the depth on the big-league roster, it seemed unlikely that Verdugo would make much of a fantasy impact in 2019.

However, the rookie managed to break camp with the Dodgers and has found his way to reasonably consistent playing time. Verdugo is currently hitting .337/.377/.561 with four homers, 36 R+BI, and a stolen base in just 106 plate appearances. He's managed to add some lift to his swing without sacrificing his high-contact approach.

With A.J. Pollock sidelined for at least another month, Verdugo should continue to play almost every day that a lefty isn't on the hill for the opposition.