Austin Romine (C, NYY) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 12% of leagues

ANALYSIS: After costing the Yankees a game earlier this week by not running out a ground ball, starting catcher Gary Sanchez was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. With Sanchez on the shelf, Austin Romine will now have another opportunity to start. Some reports have Sanchez out for at least a month, giving Romine a longer shot at being a fantasy contributor.

On the year, Romine has compiled a .264 batting average with six home runs, 28 RBI and 18 runs scored. The runs and RBI are already career highs. Romine has solid splits in 2018, having a higher average, .282, against lefties and five of his six home runs against righties.

Arguably the best thing about Romine is the offense he is playing in. Currently, the Yankees rank fourth in the MLB with 515 runs scored. He normally hits at the bottom of the lineup, however, since he plays in the AL with a designated hitter, he'll always have an opportunity to produce or score runs.

Romine has been in this position before, and now should see regular playing time for at least 10 days and possibly a month. General Manager Brian Cashman has already said he trusts Romine as his starter and fantasy owners should too as Romine makes for a fine starting catcher in 12, and deeper 10-man leagues.