Nate Lowe (1B, TB) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 16% of Yahoo! leagues

ANALYSIS: Rays first baseman/designated hitter Nate Lowe's overall numbers are solid, but are still being bogged down by his less than stellar big league start. Since July 4, when he was last recalled from Triple-A, Lowe is slashing .300/.397/.660 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 58 plate appearances. His 10.3% walk rate is exceptional, and while his 22.4% strikeout rate isn't great, it's an improvement over where he was earlier in the year.

Playing time is the big concern with Lowe, who has taken to sitting against left-handers despite very solid numbers against them (.286/.444/.452) in Triple-A. As long as he is limited to platoon duties, his fantasy value will be capped.

Regardless, Lowe's power and plate discipline make him a worthwhile target in 12+ team leagues, especially those that allow daily lineup changes. If he can weasel his way into everyday at-bats, he becomes an asset almost everywhere.