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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
Derek Dietrich (MIA) - Owned in 5% of Fleaflicker leagues
The best part of a backup fantasy player is multi-positional eligibility, and Derek Dietrich currently can cover second base, third base and the outfield. Of course, you still need production, and Dietrich is currently bringing that to the table as well. So far he's batting .310 with 12 RBI, and should continue to see semi-regular starts at second base while Dee Gordon serves his 80-game suspension. He'll typically hit in the seven- or eight-hole, which means there will usually be a few ducks on the pond for him. Dietrich isn't starting material (unless you're desperate), but he makes for a nice plug-and-play.
Jose Ramirez (CLE) - Owned in 4% of Fleaflicker leagues
Speaking of plug-and-play! The Indians' nine-hitter has been playing left field and third base, and he should occasionally spell Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor in the middle infield slots. He's been hot to begin the season, hitting .310 with 12 RBI (whoa, deja vu...) and will find his way into the lineup most days. Once again, with the ability to cover shortstop, second base, third base and the outfield, he makes for a really solid bench player in any format.
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Jonathan Villar (MIL) - Owned in 42% of Fleaflicker leagues
Orlando Arcia is the Brewers shortstop of the future, but I don't see him coming up until June at the very earliest, and while he waits in the wings Villar has been doing a more-than-serviceable job starting for Milwaukee. Typically hitting towards the top of the lineup, Villar has acted as a terrific table-setter for a surprisingly decent offense--he's got a .364 OBP and has scored 12 runs in addition to an NL-leading eight stolen bases. He's got more value in roto formats thanks to his speed, but he's a good injury fill-in or backup in points leagues as well.
Brad Miller (TB) - Owned in 6% of Fleaflicker leagues
Miller got off to a terrible start early in April, but he's really turned things around in the last two weeks. Over his last 15 games Miller has hit .361 with three homers, and he should start scoring more runs as his OBP rises. I don't see the former Mariner as a threat for top-10 production, but I think he's got a 15/10 season in him if he stays healthy all the way through September. He's also outfield-eligible, further raising his value.
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Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
