Luis Valbuena (1B/3B, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 4% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Let's face it, the A.J. Reed era isn't coming any time soon. Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has declared him ready, but then admitted he will not be called up yet because they are happy with what they have on the roster right now. Luis Valbuena is a big reason for that statement, as he has been heating up after a slow start. Valbuena is slashing .253/.351/.434 with eight HR and 22 RBI in 198 AB this season. He is hitting .300 in the month of June and has hit safely in 13 of the last 14 games. Valbuena plays both corner spots, but has established himself at third base, so even if Reed is called up, it may not threaten Valbuena's playing time if Marwin Gonzalez becomes the utility or platoon guy.

Valbuena looks to be a late bloomer, as he is steadily improving his offensive game at age 30. His power surge from last season (25 HR) caught people's attention, but his .224 average fell in line with his disappointing career average of .230. If he can maintain a 20+ HR pace while keeping his average above .250, he can be a consistent option at CI for deep league owners, rather than simply a streaming option.