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Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come.
As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Devon Travis (TOR) - Owned in 16% of Fleaflicker leagues
While Travis won't be back with the Jays until at least May, I'm writing about him again this week because if you don't grab him now, you likely won't get him. The rookie second baseman was forced to end his season early thanks to shoulder problems that sprang up in June, and he's still on the road to recovery from a surgery to fix the problem. When he was healthy, Travis was outstanding. In just 217 at-bats, he hit .304 with 38 runs scored, 35 RBIs, eight homers and three steals. He's got 15/10 potential even without any at-bats in April, and hitting in the ferocious Toronto lineup will yield plenty of opportunities for counting stats. Travis could be a top-10 second baseman by the end of the season, and you'll want to get the jump on him now.
Jed Lowrie (OAK) - Owned in 7% of Fleaflicker leagues
The veteran infielder has been juggled back and forth between Oakland and Houston over the last few years, and 2016 finds him in the meat of the Athletics batting order. He's put that position to good use so far, tallying 10 RBI and six runs scored in the first couple weeks. Lowrie hasn't yet popped a long ball, but that's part of the reason I'm advocating for him as a pickup--the man is due. His .178 ISO last year (albeit in just 263 at-bats) indicates his above-average power, and assuming he can play at least 140 games he is a good candidate for 15-20 homers.
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Eduardo Nunez (MIN) - Owned in 27% of Fleaflicker leagues
Nunez is red-hot right now, as he's hitting .432 with eight runs, eight RBI and four stolen bases through 14 games. The Twins certainly won't keep his bat on the bench when it's this hot, and given that Trevor Plouffe is on the DL Nunez should start most days at third base, with some time at shortstop mixed in. He may not be a long-term answer, but if you've got an immediate need in the middle infield, Nunez could be your guy.
Chris Owings (ARI) - Owned in 8% of Fleaflicker leagues
Owings has been the main playing time beneficiary of the A.J. Pollock injury, as he's seen plenty of starts in center field (although he is an infielder normally). While not the greatest outfielder, he's done a decent job at the plate with eight runs scored and four steals through the first three weeks. He should continue to see playing time, and as a part of the dangerous Diamondbacks lineup I expect his run-scoring opportunities to continue to manifest. There's no power here, but the speed is legit to an extent.
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Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
