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.
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Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Brock Holt (2B, 3B, OF - BOS) - Owned in 34% of Fleaflicker leagues
Holt has been out since May 19th with a concussion, but it looks like he's ready to return to the big leagues. He has been (and was ticketed to be) a super-utility man for the Sox this year, but he may be inserted right into the starting lineup upon his return. An injury to Chris Young has left a big hole in left field, a hole the Sox are currently filling Bryce Brentz and Ryan LaMarre--don't worry, I had to Google them too. Few remember that Brock Holt was an All-Star in 2015, and despite a somewhat slow start to 2016 (.239/.310/.354) he has an opportunity to step in and make an immediate fantasy impact as a part of the explosive Boston offense.
Scooter Gennett (2B - MIL) - Owned in 5% of Fleaflicker leagues
The Brewers' second baseman has quietly turned it on in June, hitting a healthy .313 with three homers, two steals, 10 runs scored and 15 RBI in his last 30 games. The three homers bring him to seven on the season, and he has an outside chance to double his previous career-high of nine. The Brewers' offense isn't prolific in any way, but Gennett is finding a way to make himself regularly useful to fantasy owners, whether it's in the power department or with his batting average. He makes a solid addition for those in deeper or NL-only leagues looking to fill their middle infield spot.
More Options: Devon Travis (34%), Brett Lawrie (34%), Logan Forsythe (49%), Jose Ramirez (49%), Danny Espinosa (36%)
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Ketel Marte (SS - SEA) - Owned in 22% of Fleaflicker leagues
Marte makes for an interesting addition at the moment. The Seattle shortstop's main weapon is his speed, and curiously enough he hasn't been stealing bases. He's been swinging the bat well enough, hitting .283 over his last 15 games (.278 on the season), but he really hasn't done much in the way of stealing bags or scoring runs. He'll be lucky to collect 50 RBI this season, and five homers might even be a stretch, but I'm advising prospective owners with a gap at a shallow position to roll the dice on Marte--he will start stealing bases sooner rather than later. Add him and reap the rewards of this cheap source of steals before someone else does.
Didi Gregorius (SS - NYY) - Owned in 18% of Fleaflicker leagues
I know, I never expected to be writing about Sir Didi in this column either, but here we are. Gregorius has had a quietly spectacular 2016, hitting .282 with six homers, three stolen bases, 27 runs scored and 32 RBI. He's been especially hot in the latter half of June, tallying nine runs scored and 11 RBI along with a .333 batting average over his last 15 games. I am in no way suggesting Gregorius should be your shortstop for the next three months, but while he's hot you have nothing to lose by riding his coattails.
More Options: Marcus Semien (40%), Tim Anderson (18%), Zack Cozart (36%), Jose Ramirez (49%), Danny Espinosa (36%), Asdrubal Cabrera (18%)
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