Yolmer Sanchez (2B/3B, CHW) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Playing the waiver wire isn’t always about hunting for hidden gems; often times it’s about finding a player who can patch up a recent injury or replace a slumping hitter for a few days. Chicago White Sox second and third baseman Yolmer Sanchez could be that guy for fantasy players this week. Whether you have a slumping starter or just lost Paul DeJong or Howie Kendrick to the DL, Sanchez is a serviceable short-term replacement that is available in 81% of leagues.

Sanchez has put up a respectable .280 batting average with a .317 on-base percentage and a .427 slugging percentage in 161 plate appearances this season. He doesn’t walk much and really doesn’t hit for that much power but does have some speed, posting four triples and three steals so far. Sanchez has also been lucky on balls in play this season, posting a career-high .336 BABIP. While some negative regression is likely to follow over the course of the season, fantasy players can take advantage of his good luck while it lasts.

If you’re still on the fence about picking up Sanchez, take a look at his schedule this week. The White Sox face juicy matchups against the Orioles and at the Tigers, two of the worst teams in batting average allowed, ERA, and runs allowed. So while Sanchez may not be the most glamorous waiver wire pickup, he should provide some decent production for fantasy owners this week, particularly in points leagues.