Scott Kingery (3B/SS/OF, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 28% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: In the absence of outfielder Odubel Herrera (administrative leave), Scott Kingery has found himself earning more regular playing time for the Philadelphia Phillies, particularly in center field. Herrera’s season could potentially be over as he’s facing a likely suspension and potential jail time. The Phillies traded for Jay Bruce on Sunday to add another left-handed bat to replace Herrera, but the right-handed Kingery may be hitting too well this year to keep out of the regular lineup.

Kingery missed about a month this season with a hamstring injury, but over the 27 games he’s played, he has a slash line of .329/.369/.544 with three home runs, eight doubles and 10 RBI. He’s hit better against right-handed pitchers this year (.346 batting average) than he has against lefties (.296). His .279 xBA suggests his batting average should go down at least a little over the course of the season, but if he can remain anywhere in the .285 to .300 range while hitting somewhere near the middle of a productive Phillies lineup, he’s going to have some significant season-long value.

The Bruce addition certainly makes Kingery’s path to playing time more of a question, but Kingery’s versatility should allow him to play nearly every day as long as he continues producing. For now, he’s worth adding in 12+ team leagues and NL-only leagues, while owners in more shallow leagues should monitor the playing time and be ready to add if he keeps producing and suiting up every day.