Points League Hitters: Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball - Week 8

Welcome to Week 8 and our fantasy baseball waiver wire hitters. We'll be doing this roundup of points leagues every week here at RotoBaller, with waiver wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems of ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS, and Fantrax.

Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll make sure to highlight where players are the best and worst fits. We know points league players get neglected and we're here to help.

These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of May 15 - May 21, looking at players below ~50% rostered for ESPN, Yahoo!, or Fantrax. Position eligibility is taken from Fantrax and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of: C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings for charts are calculated using games through Friday, May 13.

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Know Your Scoring System

You'll likely find a suitable mirror to your own system if you look above. While every point counts, as long as they aren't seismic changes, you can get away with some "close enough" calls. IE. You're probably fine if everything is the same except for HBP (or something similar).

First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

LaMonte Wade Jr., SF, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Wade has seemingly hit himself out of a platoon, having now started 16 of the Giants past 17 games, batting leadoff in most games vs RHP. Over that stretch, he's slashing .333/.446/.685, with 5 HR and a .475 wOBA. I'd go on about the changes that make me bullish that this is more than just a hot streak...but I already have.

Spencer Steer, CIN, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 9%) - Steer posted a 41 APR over the past week and his everyday role gives him some low-key compiler power, even if his .315 wOBA/.252 xwOBA vs LHP leaves a lot to be desired. Luckily, the Reds are only scheduled to face one LHP in their six games in Week 8. And even luckier, that lone leftie is Austin Gomber (6.30 ERA, 5.69 FIP, 16% K%) and it'll be in Colorado.

Nick Pratto, KC, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Pratto has been absolutely gangbusters since getting called back up on April 28, slashing .370/.463/.565 over 54 PA, with a .447 wOBA and 188 wRC+, while posting a 21 APR over the past two weeks, and a 17 APR over the last week. He's only sat twice in those 15 games and with no left-handers on the schedule in Week 8, expect that trend to continue.

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - No one. Say. Anything. Kirilloff (and his wrist) have now made it five whole games without any complaints of injury. He hasn't hit for any power yet but has walked six times and collected four hits. So DON'T. Say. Anything!

Next Choices

Gio Urshela, 1B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 22%) - Flashy? No. Super useful for roto? Eh, I guess. Classic compiler profile that winds up scoring total points at an above-average clip? Yes! Okay, maybe that exclamation mark is a bit much but when playing every day, Urshela's average-ish per-PA scoring rates keep him a viable option if needed. And he has been playing on most days, starting the Angels last seven games and 15 of their last 17.

Gavin Sheets, CHW, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Sheets looked like a good add last week and ultimately held his own, running a 72 APR. And as long as the White Sox roster remains looking like an ER, so shall his playing time remain solid. And with Chicago only scheduled to face a left-hander once out of their six games in Week 8, Sheets should again rack plenty of PAs.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 46%) - Vargas is up to a top-100 APR but things remain solidly boom-or-bust. For example, in the seven games, since tearing up the Phillies last week (.385/.429/.846, 1 HR, 5 R, 6 RBI, 1 SB), Vargas has gone just 3-for-25 - but two of those three hits were home runs.

Isaac Paredes, TB, 1B/2B/3B (Yahoo: 31%, ESPN: 44%) - Paredes has a 96 APR for the year and a 128 APR over the last two weeks but is a Ray and therefore only plays about two out every three games. And don't expect him to pick up any extra games with Tampa Bay only scheduled to face one LHP; Paredes is slashing .345/.406/.517, with a .404 wOBA (but just a .286 xwOBA, though), compared to .250/.310/.413 vs RHP, with a .317 wOBA and .281 xwOBA.

Triston Casas, BOS, 1B (Yahoo: 30%, ESPN: 22%) - Casas has started to wake up in May, hitting 2 HR and slashing .346/.438/.615.

Matt Mervis, CHC, 1B (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 8%) - The power-hitting rookie's debut has started with a whimper, going just 5-for-28, with 2 walks and 13 strikeouts. He's still a solid stash but don't expect things to catch fire this week, as the Cubs are scheduled to face three left-handed starters.

Desperate Choices

Pavin Smith, ARI, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Smith only plays about two of every three games, but is slashing an impressive .308/.446/.481 over 65 PA vs RHP, with Arizona scheduled to face right-handers in five of six games in Week 8.

Dominic Smith, NYM, 1B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Years pass, seasons change, and the "will he be good, or won't he" never leaves Dominic Smith, who has a 69 APR over the past week, 70 APR over the fortnight, and has started every game for the Nationals, save two. Washington has seven games in Week 8, with four scheduled vs LHP. That's good news for the left-handed Smith, who has always had more than a touch of reverse-splits-ism. In 2023, Smith is slashing .314/.400/.343 vs LHP, with a 10% K% and 13% BB%.

Ryan Noda, OAK, 1B/OF  (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 4%) - Ryan Noda doesn't care about your Roster% disrespect - he just keeps racking points. Noda has a 124 APR for the year and 137 APR over the past week, driven by a .419 OBP, 22% BB%, and 21 Runs scored. But continuing to count on an Oakland hitter's run production is a tough sell and Noda's 32% K% is an anchor in leagues with a strikeout penalty.

Luke Raley, TB, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - Raley doesn't start vs LHP but the Rays are only scheduled to face one out of their six games in Week 8 so he should get at least four starts. But a 33% K% and 5% BB% will limit his value in many scoring systems, even if a .800 SLG, 1.097 OPS, and .475 wOBA over the past two weeks are hard to ignore.

Brandon Belt, TOR, 1B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 3%) - Don't look now but Belt has now started six games in a row, and seven of eight, running a 24 APR over the past week. Not surprisingly, though, that one missed game was a matchup vs a left-hander, as Belt still can't much handle them, and I wouldn't expect Toronto to change things up. But with the Blue Jays only scheduled to face one LHP in Week 8, Belt should again keep getting PA, however, do be aware that he might be slashing .257/.358/.457 vs RHP, it still comes with a 41% K%.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 41%) - Donovan has reentered our eligibility zone after he (and most of the Cardinals offense) has spent most of the year disappointing his drafter. Donovan is still up to a 173 APR for the year and posted an 89 APR over the past week but unfortunately, his struggles vs LHP have caught up with his playing time, having not started against since April 11, including the Cardinals last three games. Donovan might be trying to find some of the magic again but don't count on it this week, as St. Louis is scheduled to face left-handers in three of their seven games.

Carlos Santana, PIT, 1B (Yahoo: 21%, ESPN: 11%) - Santana is coming off of a rotten week of production but that can happen when your team is spiraling as bad as the Pirates are. And in weeks where they don't see many LHP (one starter in Week 7), Santana's numbers probably won't pop, even with his point-friendly profile. It might be more of the same in Week 8, as Pittsburgh only has five games, with just one vs an LHP.

Connor Joe, PIT, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Joe still has a 91 APR for the season but like many Pirates hitters has really dropped off recently, with just a 173 APR over the past week. And also like his Pirate brethren, Joe will only get five games in Week 8, with just one scheduled against an LHP, against whom he's slashing .342/.457/.789, with a 17% K% and 17% BB%. Measure that against what he does vs RHP: .236/.321/.431, 33% K%, 9%.

Wil Myers, CIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 20%) - Myers hasn't done much of anything since returning from the IL, collecting just two hits in five games, and has been benched for two of Cincinnati's last three games in favor of Henry Ramos. But like most reasonable options, three games in Colorado make him worth a mention.

On the IL

• Seth Brown, OAK, 1B/OF (strained oblique - rehab assignment)
• Garrett Cooper, MIA, 1B (ear infection - rehab assignment)
• Darick Hall, PHI, 1B (torn thumb ligament - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - expected to miss six weeks)
• Ji-Man Choi, TB, 1B (strained Achilles - expected to miss two months)

Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Luis Garcia, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 15%) - Garcia (who has 900 PA in the big leagues but is still just 22 years old) is locked into the second slot in the lineup and second base in the field, and has a 24 APR over the past two weeks. Nothing about his triple-slash or counting stats (.258/.309/.387, 3 HR, 2 SB) looks very exciting for Roto but a 10% K% can be killer for strikeout penalty leagues, and even in ones without one, Garcia's above-average per-PA scoring rates make him more than viable. Plus, the Nationals will face four LHP in Week 8, against who Garcia is slashing .357/.333/.607 in 2023.

Adam Frazier, BAL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 16%) - Ho-hum, just Adam Frazier rolling a top-100 APR even with a .222 AVG, as he's compiled PAs and counting stats, currently with 3 HR - 20 R - 14 RBI - 6 SB. He's useful as long as he's playing every day, and as of now, he is, starting Baltimore's last seven games.

Next Choices

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 22%) - Dubon has hit the skids some lately but has little five-game hit streak working, and better yet, Houston is scheduled to face left-handers in four of their six games, against whom he's slashing .385/.448/.423 against in 2023, with a .393 wOBA and .383 xwOBA.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 36%) - Taylor was burning really hot for a quick minute but mostly starts vs LHP and the Dodgers only face in two in Week 8. Counterpoint: those two lefties are Steven Matz (5.62 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) and Jordan Montgomery (4.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) so a couple of weekend streams might be worth it.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 46%) - Vargas is up to a top-100 APR but things remain solidly boom-or-bust. For example, in the seven games, since tearing up the Phillies last week (.385/.429/.846, 1 HR, 5 R, 6 RBI, 1 SB), Vargas has gone just 3-for-25 - but two of those three hits were home runs.

Isaac Paredes, TB, 1B/2B/3B (Yahoo: 31%, ESPN: 44%) - Paredes has a 96 APR for the year and a 128 APR over the last two weeks but is a Ray and therefore only plays about two out every three games. And don't expect him to pick up any extra games with Tampa Bay only scheduled to face one LHP; Paredes is slashing .345/.406/.517, with a .404 wOBA (but just a .286 xwOBA, though), compared to .250/.310/.413 vs RHP, with a .317 wOBA and .281 xwOBA.

Geraldo Perdomo, ARI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 12%, ESPN: 37%) - Perdomo might be defying the gods of expectedness, with a .306 AVG backed by a .242 xBA and .433 BABIP, while his .429 wOBA has a .304 xwOBA behind it. The wheels are going to come off soon but you may want to try and ride it one more week, with Arizona set to face some suspect pitching in their series with Oakland and Pittsburgh.

Michael Massey, KC, 2B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 3%) - While Massey has sat twice in the past five games, the rookie has really started to heat up in May, slashing .379/.486/.655 over 37 PA with 2 HR, 1 SB, and a 14%. Unfortunately, he's still really struggling vs RHP (.184/.209/.276, .271 wOBA) and that's all the Royals are scheduled to face in Week 8.

Desperate Choices

Nick Senzel, CIN, 2B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 25%) - Ahh, we'll be telling our grandkids about the great Senzel-aissance of 2023 - okay, probably not. After going straight fireball for the last week of April, my fellow Nick has fallen right back into his mediocre ways. Since hitting his last home run on May 1, Senzel is slashing .176/.22/.265 over 36 PA, with a 25 wRC+. The problem is a classic one for MLB tweeners - mash lefties, get mashed by righties. And in Week 8, the Reds are only scheduled to face one LHP. Though, it does come against Austin Gomber in Colorado.

Emmanuel Valdez, BOS, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 4%) - Valdez has a 99 APR over the past two weeks but doesn't much start vs LHP, with Boston set to face three of them in Week 8.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - McKinstry has now batted leadoff for 12 straight games but hasn't started against a left-hander all season. He has a 107 APR over the past two weeks with a .778 OPS and a .354 wOBA but a .956 xOPS and .414  xwOBA look even shinier. But this probably isn't the week to get on board, as the Tigers only have five games, with two coming vs LHP.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Elvis Andrus, CHW, 2B/SS (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Ramon Urias, BAL, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Aledmys Diaz, OAK, 2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - expected to miss six weeks)
• Nicky Lopez, KC, 2B/3B/SS (Appendicitis - not timetable)

Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Spencer Steer, CIN, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 9%) - Steer posted a 41 APR over the past week and his everyday role gives him some low-key compiler power, even if his .315 wOBA/.252 xwOBA vs LHP leaves a lot to be desired. Luckily, the Reds are only scheduled to face one LHP in their six games in Week 8. And even luckier, that lone leftie is Austin Gomber (6.30 ERA, 5.69 FIP, 16% K%) and it'll be in Colorado.

Next Choices

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 36%) - Taylor was burning really hot for a quick minute but mostly starts vs LHP and the Dodgers only face in two in Week 8. Counterpoint: those two lefties are Steven Matz (5.62 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) and Jordan Montgomery (4.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) so a couple of weekend streams might be worth it.

Gio Urshela, 1B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 22%) - Flashy? No. Super useful for roto? Eh, I guess. Classic compiler profile that winds up scoring total points at an above-average clip? Yes! Okay, maybe that exclamation mark is a bit much but when playing every day, Urshela's average-ish per-PA scoring rates keep him a viable option if needed. And he has been playing on most days, starting the Angels last seven games and 15 of their last 17.

Isaac Paredes, TB, 1B/2B/3B (Yahoo: 31%, ESPN: 44%) - Paredes has a 96 APR for the year and a 128 APR over the last two weeks but is a Ray and therefore only plays about two out every three games. And don't expect him to pick up any extra games with Tampa Bay only scheduled to face one LHP; Paredes is slashing .345/.406/.517, with a .404 wOBA (but just a .286 xwOBA, though), compared to .250/.310/.413 vs RHP, with a .317 wOBA and .281 xwOBA.

Desperate Choices

Casey Schmitt, SF, 3B (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 28%) - After tearing up Triple-A (.313/.352/.410, 19% K%), Schmitt has hit the ground running in the majors, going 11-for-20, with a .450 ISO and .658 wOBA. Yeah, that'll play, rook. Or, at least it did while Brandon Crawford was on the IL. With Crawford set to return on Sunday, it remains to be seen what Schmitt's role will be going forward.

Nick Senzel, CIN, 2B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 25%) - Ahh, we'll be telling our grandkids about the great Senzel-aissance of 2023 - okay, probably not. After going straight fireball for the last week of April, my fellow Nick has fallen right back into his mediocre ways. Since hitting his last home run on May 1, Senzel is slashing .176/.22/.265 over 36 PA, with a 25 wRC+. The problem is a classic one for MLB tweeners - mash lefties, get mashed by righties. And in Week 8, the Reds are only scheduled to face one LHP. Though, it does come against Austin Gomber in Colorado.

Emmanuel Valdez, BOS, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 4%) - Valdez has a 99 APR over the past two weeks but doesn't much start vs LHP, with Boston set to face three of them in Week 8.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - McKinstry has now batted leadoff for 12 straight games but hasn't started against a left-hander all season. He has a 107 APR over the past two weeks with a .778 OPS and a .354 wOBA but a .956 xOPS and .414  xwOBA look even shinier. But this probably isn't the week to get on board, as the Tigers only have five games, with two coming vs LHP.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Jake Burger, CHW, 3B (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Josh Donaldson, NYY (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Ramon Urias, BAL, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Oswaldo Peraza, NYY, 3B/SS (sprained ankle - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Aledmys Diaz, OAK, 2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - not timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - expected to miss six weeks)
• Nicky Lopez, KC, 2B/3B/SS (appendicitis - no timetable)

Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ezequiel Tovar, COL, SS (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 31%) - The Rockies top prospect is slowly starting to come around, running a 38 APR over the past two weeks, while slashing .273/.304/.545, with 2 HR - 9 R - 10 RBI - 1 SB. And with one series at home in Week 8, perhaps he can keep it rolling.

J.P. Crawford, SEA, SS (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 5%) - Hi! I'm J.P. Crawford, and I have a great scoring profile in most point leagues and a 100 APR,  play almost every single game, and have terrific plate discipline, with a 20% K% and 18% BB%...Why won't you love me? Or, at least, get me out of this whole <10% rostered situation - it's so embarrassing.

Maikel Garcia, KC, SS (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Garcia came up hacking initially, starting off with a little six-game hit streak and starting each of his first eight games in the bigs. A high-contact, low-whiff profile can always be useful in most point systems but you need to rack a lot of PAs and Garcia has now sat in two of Kansas City's last four games. Right now, he's been splitting time at second and third but considering Matt Duffy is the other third baseman, I'd expect Garcia to get something near full-time at-bats as long as he's not a trainwreck at the plate. I don't love him this week with Kansas City not facing any LHP in their six games but Garcia could be a great add for the rest of the season, especially in leagues with a strikeout penalty.

Luis Garcia, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 15%) - Garcia (who has 900 PA in the big leagues but is still just 22 years old) is locked into the second slot in the lineup and second base in the field, and has a 26 APR over the past two weeks. Nothing about his triple-slash or counting stats (.258/.309/.387, 3 HR, 2 SB) looks very exciting for Roto but a 10% K% can be killer for strikeout penalty leagues, and even in ones without one, Garcia's above-average per-PA scoring rates make him more than viable. Plus, the Nationals will face four LHP in Week 8, against who Garcia is slashing .357/.333/.607 in 2023.

Next Choices

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 22%) - Dubon has hit the skids some lately but has little five-game hit streak working, and better yet, Houston is scheduled to face left-handers in four of their six games, against whom he's slashing .385/.448/.423 against in 2023, with a .393 wOBA and .383 xwOBA.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 36%) - Taylor was burning really hot for a quick minute but mostly starts vs LHP and the Dodgers only face in two in Week 8. Counterpoint: those two lefties are Steven Matz (5.62 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) and Jordan Montgomery (4.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) so a couple of weekend streams might be worth it.

Gio Urshela, 1B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 22%) - Flashy? No. Super useful for roto? Eh, I guess. Classic compiler profile that winds up scoring total points at an above-average clip? Yes! Okay, maybe that exclamation mark is a bit much but when playing every day, Urshela's average-ish per-PA scoring rates keep him a viable option if needed. And he has been playing on most days, starting the Angels last seven games and 15 of their last 17.

Geraldo Perdomo, ARI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 12%, ESPN: 37%) - Perdomo might be defying the gods of expectedness, with a .306 AVG backed by a .242 xBA and .433 BABIP, while his .429 wOBA has a .304 xwOBA behind it. The wheels are going to come off soon but you may want to try and ride it one more week, with Arizona set to face some suspect pitching in their series with Oakland and Pittsburgh.

Desperate Choices:

Paul DeJong, STL, SS (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 3%) - DeJong has now started seven of St. Louis's last eight games at shortstop, slashing .292/.393/.458 over 28 PA, with 1 HR and 1 SB. But he's mostly always struggled vs LHP (career: .203/.297/.366, .663 OPS, .289 wOBA, 31% K%) and the Cardinals will face left-handers in three of their seven games in Week 8.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - McKinstry has now batted leadoff for 12 straight games but hasn't started against a left-hander all season. He has a 107 APR over the past two weeks with a .778 OPS and a .354 wOBA but a .956 xOPS and .414  xwOBA look even shinier. But this probably isn't the week to get on board, as the Tigers only have five games, with two coming vs LHP.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Elvis Andrus, CHW, 2B/SS (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Ramon Urias, BAL, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Oswaldo Peraza, NYY, 3B/SS (sprained ankle - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Aledmys Diaz, OAK, 2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Brandon Crawford, SF, SS (strained calf - no timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - expected to miss six weeks)
• Nicky Lopez, KC, 2B/3B/SS (appendicitis - no timetable)

Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Lane Thomas, WSH, OF (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 18%) - We all know by now that I'll be first in line to explain how mediocre Thomas is against anyone besides left-handers but even I will put aside bias when facing the right circumstances. And those are that the Nationals have seven games in Week 8, with four currently scheduled vs LHP. Thomas was already warming up after facing three left-handed starters in the past week, and posting a 68 APR. But with staring at this lefty-heavy week, now is the time to try and catch some of that fire.

LaMonte Wade Jr., SF, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Wade has seemingly hit himself out of a platoon, having now started 16 of the Giants past 17 games, batting leadoff in most games vs RHP. Over that stretch, he's slashing .333/.446/.685, with 5 HR and a .475 wOBA. I'd go on about the changes that make me bullish that this is more than just a hot streak...but I already have.

Randal Grichuk, COL, OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 9%) - Since coming off of the IL and making his season debut on April 29, Grichuk has hit safely in each of his 11 games, slashing .349/.417/.512. With three games at home in Week 8, he remains an excellent high-floor/high-ceiling play.

Nick Pratto, KC, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Pratto has been absolutely gangbusters since getting called back up on April 28, slashing .370/.463/.565 over 54 PA, with a .447 wOBA and 188 wRC+, while posting a 21 APR over the past two weeks, and a 17 APR over the last week. He's only sat twice in those 15 games and with no left-handers on the schedule in Week 8, expect that trend to continue.

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - No one. Say. Anything. Kirilloff (and his wrist) have now made it five whole games without any complaints of injury. He hasn't hit for any power yet but has walked six times and collected four hits. So DON'T. Say. Anything!

Austin Hays, BAL, OF (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 48%) - Hays has struggled some since starting off hot but still has a 110 APR for the year, slashing .303/.349/.496 over 129 PA, with 4 HR and 20 R. And since missing four games with a sprained finger, Hays has come out firing, going 7-for-21 in his last five games. The Orioles play seven games in Week 8, with five coming vs RHP, against whom Hays is slashing .325/.373/.532, with a .390 wOBA and .374 xwOBA.

Leody Taveras, TEX, OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 5%) - Could this be the year we finally answer the question of "Is Leody Taveras actually good, or not"? Cou-uuld be! Taveras is slashing .299/.361/.425 for the year and has a 45 APR over the past two weeks and 15 APR for the last week. While he is better vs LHP, Taveras still holds his own vs RHP but more importantly, he's playing every day, starting the Rangers last 10 games in center field.

Jack Suwinski, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 12%, ESPN: 36%) - Suwinski only has a 204 APR over the past two weeks but on the bright side, has started 10 games in a row, including two against left-handers. The dark side, though, is that he remains a trainwreck vs LHP, slashing just .125/267/.167 over 30 PA, with a 33% K%. While I do like the overall changes to his approach, the Pirates only have five games in Week 8, with just one scheduled against a leftie. But as mentioned in other places today, that one LHP is Austin Gomber in Colorado, so maybe some magic can still happen.

Jorge Soler, KC, OF (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 24%) - Soler is as streaky as they come and now might be a good time to catch some of that lighting, as he's posted a 28 APR over the past week, slashing .364/.440/.773 over 25 PA, with 3 HR, 5 R, and 7 RBI.

Jurickson Profar, COL, OF (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 10%) - Profar and his lovely point-friendly profile have a 90 APR over the past two weeks, a 36 APR over the last week, and will get three games at home in Week 8, likely batting 1st or 2nd in each.

Kevin Kiermaier, TOR, OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 4%) - I don't what has gotten into the normally glove-first Kiermaier but we can't ignore how lava-hot he's been in May, slashing .394/.487/.636 over 39 PA, with five multi-hit performances in those 10 games. With seven games in Week 8 (and only one LHP), trying to ride the lighting for one more week is a viable option.

Adam Frazier, BAL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 16%) - Ho-hum, just Adam Frazier rolling a top-100 APR even with a .222 AVG, as he's compiled PAs and counting stats, currently with 3 HR - 20 R - 14 RBI - 6 SB. He's useful as long as he's playing every day, and as of now, he is, starting Baltimore's last seven games.

Next Choices

TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 22%) - Friedl has an 88 APR for the season and an 80 APR over the past two weeks but is dealing with a side strain and may end up hitting the IL after missing the last three games.

Charlie Blackmon, COL, OF (Yahoo: 21%, ESPN: 14%) - Blackmon is healthy and hitting but has also found the pine for the last three games vs LHP, with the Rockies rocking a crowded outfield. But he will get a home series in Week 8 and could start all three with no left-handers currently on the docket.

Gavin Sheets, CHW, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Sheets looked like a good add last week and ultimately held his own, running a 72 APR. And as long as the White Sox roster remains looking like an ER, so shall his playing time remain solid. And with Chicago only scheduled to face a left-hander once out of their six games in Week 8, Sheets should again rack plenty of PAs.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 36%) - Taylor was burning really hot for a quick minute but mostly starts vs LHP and the Dodgers only face in two in Week 8. Counterpoint: those two lefties are Steven Matz (5.62 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) and Jordan Montgomery (4.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) so a couple of weekend streams might be worth it.

Andrew Benintendi, OF, CHW (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 44%) - Benintendi hasn't given his roto drafters much love outside of his 20 runs scored but he's still been pretty useful under most scoring formats in points, posting a 114 APR for the season, and an 88 APR over the past week. But he's also much better vs LHP and the White Sox are only scheduled to face one in their six games in Week 8.

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 22%) - Dubon has hit the skids some lately but has little five-game hit streak working, and better yet, Houston is scheduled to face left-handers in four of their six games, against whom he's slashing .385/.448/.423 against in 2023, with a .393 wOBA and .383 xwOBA.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 46%) - Vargas is up to a top-100 APR but things remain solidly boom-or-bust. For example, in the seven games, since tearing up the Phillies last week (.385/.429/.846, 1 HR, 5 R, 6 RBI, 1 SB), Vargas has gone just 3-for-25 - but two of those three hits were home runs.

Edward Olivares, KC, OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 3%) - Olivares struggles vs LHP but isn't scheduled to face one in Week 8.

Desperate Choices

Andrew McCutchen, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 38%) - McCutchen keeps trucking along with above-average scoring rates but the swoon of the Pirates offense is hurting his overall value.

Pavin Smith, ARI, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Smith only plays about two of every three games, but is slashing an impressive .308/.446/.481 over 65 PA vs RHP, with Arizona scheduled to face right-handers in five of six games in Week 8.

Alex Call, WSH, OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Call has done a majority of his damage vs LHP, and luckily the Nationals are scheduled to face left-handers in four of their seven games. Slashing .294/.395/.441 vs LHP, with a 14% K% and 16% BB%, Call is an excellent option if needing a one-week fix.

Stone Garrett, WSH, OF (Yahoo: 0%, ESPN: 1%) - A personal favorite, Garrett has started five of Washington's last seven games but can really only be relied upon to be in the lineup vs LHP, against whom he's slashing .444/.500/.667 to start the season. With the Nationals facing lefties in four of their seven games, Garrett could be in for a real sneaky stream.

Jake Fraley, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 13%) - Wait a second; Jake Fraley SZN? Surely, that can't be right. Probably not but Fraley is up to a 109 APR for the year and has now started five games in a row, including one versus a left-handed starter. While Fraley is still a liability vs LHP, for now, Cincinnati only faces one in Week 8 and it's against Austin Gomber, with another two games in Colorado being the cherry on top.

Ryan Noda, OAK, 1B/OF  (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 4%) - Ryan Noda doesn't care about your Roster% disrespect - he just keeps racking points. Noda has a 124 APR for the year and 137 APR over the past week, driven by a .419 OBP, 22% BB%, and 21 Runs scored. But continuing to count on an Oakland hitter's run production is a tough sell and Noda's 32% K% is an anchor in leagues with a strikeout penalty.

Luke Raley, TB, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - Raley doesn't start vs LHP but the Rays are only scheduled to face one out of their six games in Week 8 so he should get at least four starts. But a 33% K% and 5% BB% will limit his value in many scoring systems, even if a .697 SLG, 1.097 OPS, and .464 wOBA over the past two weeks are hard to ignore.

Jesus Sanchez, OF, OAK (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - Sanchez has been burning down Oakland lately, posting a 66 APR over the past two weeks, while slashing .419/.419/.839 over 31 PA. But be aware that he doesn't start vs LHP and the A's will face two in their six games this week.

Dominic Fletcher, ARI, OF (Yahoo: 0%, ESPN: 1%) - Since he was called up on May 2, Fletcher is slashing a ridiculous .457/.486/.629 over 39 PA, with a 15% K%. But he has been a liability vs LHP, with Arizona scheduled to face two out of their six games.

Nick Senzel, CIN, 2B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 25%) - Ahh, we'll be telling our grandkids about the great Senzel-aissance of 2023 - okay, probably not. After going straight fireball for the last week of April, my fellow Nick has fallen right back into his mediocre ways. Since hitting his last home run on May 1, Senzel is slashing .176/.22/.265 over 36 PA, with a 25 wRC+. The problem is a classic one for MLB tweeners - mash lefties, get mashed by righties. And in Week 8, the Reds are only scheduled to face one LHP. Though, it does come against Austin Gomber in Colorado.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - McKinstry has now batted leadoff for 12 straight games but hasn't started against a left-hander all season. He has a 107 APR over the past two weeks with a .778 OPS and a .354 wOBA but a .956 xOPS and .414  xwOBA look even shinier. But this probably isn't the week to get on board, as the Tigers only have five games, with two coming vs LHP.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 41%) - Donovan has reentered our eligibility zone after he (and most of the Cardinals offense) has spent most of the year disappointing his drafter. Donovan is still up to a 173 APR for the year and posted an 89 APR over the past week but unfortunately, his struggles vs LHP have caught up with his playing time, having not started against since April 11, including the Cardinals last three games. Donovan might be trying to find some of the magic again but don't count on it this week, as St. Louis is scheduled to face left-handers in three of their seven games.

JJ Bleday, OAK, OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 7%) - The former Marlin has found his groove in Oakland, slashing .353/.389/.706 over his first 10 games. But he has yet to start against a left-hander, with the A's scheduled to face two in their six games in Week 8.

Connor Joe, PIT, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 88%) - Joe still has a 91 APR for the season but like many Pirates hitters has really dropped off recently, with just a 173 APR over the past week. And also like his Pirate brethren, Joe will only get five games in Week 8, with just one scheduled against an LHP, against whom he's slashing .342/.457/.789, with a 17% K% and 17% BB%. Measure that against what he does vs RHP: .236/.321/.431, 33% K%, 9%.

Wil Myers, CIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 20%) - Myers hasn't done much of anything since returning from the IL, collecting just two hits in five games, and has been benched for two of Cincinnati's last three games in favor of Henry Ramos. But like most reasonable options, three games in Colorado make him worth a mention.

On the IL

• Seth Brown, OAK, 1B/OF (strained oblique - rehab assignment)
• Mike Yastrzemski, SF, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Garrett Mitchell, MIL, OF (shoulder subluxation - no timetable)
• Austin Meadows, DET (anxiety - no timetable)
• Victor Robles, WSH, OF (back spasms - no timetable)
• Max Kepler, MIN, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Aledmys Diaz, OAK, 2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Kerry Carpenter, DET, OF (sprained shoulder - no timetable)
• Avisail Garcia, MIA, OF (back tightness - no timetable)
• Austin Slater, SF, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Kyle Isbel, KC, OF (strained hamstring - expected to miss six weeks)

Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Elias Diaz, COL, C (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 48%) - Apply all of the small-sample caveats necessary but it's still remarkable that we're nearly at the season's quarter-pole and Diaz is slashing .330/.385/.468 with a 110 APR. And while his numbers at home are obviously better than away, Diaz is still more than serviceable (.281/.369/.333, 11% K%, 20% K%), especially in leagues with a strikeout penalty. But three games at home in Week 8 is nice, nonetheless, and makes Diaz the clear top catcher option off the wire for Week 8.

Next Choices

Yasmani Grandal, CHW, C (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 19%) - In the midst of White Sox chaos, Grandal is quietly having a nice bounce-back season after 2022's disaster. He has a 172 APR on the year, slashing .270/.349/.426 over an impressive (for a catcher) 129 PA.

Yan Gomes, CHC, C (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 13%) - It's just 79 PA and he's only been off the IL for a few games but eventually, we'll have to pay attention to Gomes's stellar start. The 35-year-old is slashing .324/.354/.581 and has 6 HR, with a puny 13% K%. He sharing time with Tucker Barnhart but after returning from the IL earlier this week, Gomes should go back to getting the lion's share of games.

Desperate Choices

Francisco Alvarez, NYM, C (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 17%) - The heralded rookie is starting to heat up, slashing .276/.344/.586, with a .930 OPS over the past two weeks but a  .770 xOPS says tougher times lie ahead.

Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 24%) - The .310 AVG is impressive but it's also been pretty empty in the counting department (1 HR - 7 R - 16 RBI - 1 SB). And while a 22% K% is fine, a 4% BB% won't do you any favors in points. But maybe six games on the road against the substandard pitching of Oakland and Pittsburg can get things moving.

Christian Bethancourt, TB, C (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 10%) - Bethancourt only plays around three games a week and Tampa is only scheduled to face one LHP in their six games, against whom Bethancourt has a .408 xwOBA (.334 xwOBA vs RHP).

On the IL

• Logan O'Hoppe, LAA, C (shoulder surgery - out 4-6 months)
• Mitch Garver, TEX, C (sprained knee - no timetable)
• Omar Narvaez, NYM (strained calf - no timetable)

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