10-Team Leagues

Melky Cabrera (OF – KC): Cabrera is about 65-75% owned on most sites, but if he’s there in your league go grab him. Outfield has incredible depth so hopefully you can find a spot for him in your lineup. Since coming back to Kansas City a couple weeks ago he’s slashed .319/.353/.574 with a .383 wOBA. The Royals have slotted him right in the heart of their lineup and they’ll keep him there while he’s still hot. At this point in the season to be able to pick up a player batting in the meaty part of a lineup is a fantastic move for your playoff run.

Hyun-Jin Ryu (SP – LAD): Ryu is currently about 50-60% owned so you may only find him in shallower leagues. Hard to tell what’s gotten into this guy but he’s been lights out in his last few starts as the Dodgers continue their amazing push to the playoffs. Since coming off the DL he’s pitched 19 innings and struck out 20 batters. He’s given up just 2 earned runs on 11 hits and 4 walks. He draws the Padres later today and will likely see the hot streak continue against a weak lineup.

Tim Beckham (2B/SS – BAL): It’s almost a sin to piggy back off of Grande’s recommendation of Beckham just a few days ago, but he’s still under 60% owned in most formats so he seems worth mentioning just one more time. His slash line since August 1st is ridiculous: .500/.511/.868! That’s insane! Regression? Sure, probably. He’s not generating walks and he’s striking out 18% of the time, but overall he’s absolutely raking and should be picked up if you’re in the hunt for the playoffs.

12-Team Leagues

Aaron Hicks (OF – NYY): The timing of Hicks coming off the DL along with Clint Frazier going on the DL was just perfect. Sure he went 0-for-5 in his first game back, but he hit a crucial 2-run HR in last night’s contest against the Red Sox. Better yet he’s got a spot atop the Yankees lineup and should see considerable playing time going forward. If he can get back to the hot start he was on earlier this year he should keep his spot in the lineup for the Bronx Bombers. He’s currently about 50% owned.

Reynaldo Lopez (SP – CHW): Lopez came over from the Nationals in the Adam Eaton trade and is one of the many hyped up prospects the White Sox possess. He made his debut Friday night against the Royals and only struggled against Mike Moustakas who took him deep twice. He has great velocity with his fastball and will be a good source of strikeouts down the stretch. The walks may be a little concerning as he adjusts to big league hitters, but for now he should be added based on his potential alone. He’s under 30% owned across the board so he should be available in your league.

Cesar Hernandez (2B – PHI): It’s not very often that a leadoff hitter is available this late in the season for your fantasy playoffs, but Hernandez is right there for the taking. Since July 19th he’s slashing .349/.446/.523. He’s not a great source of power, but he will certainly help you with batting average and steals (he’s got 6 over that span). He’s currently around 30-40% owned and is a very nice addition in a 12-team league.

15-Team Leagues

Blake Parker/Cam Bedrosian (RP – LAA): If you’re on the cusp of fantasy baseball postseason action in a deeper league (or maybe even a shallower league) then Parker should be on your radar. He’s coming in at less than 10% owned and can be had in most leagues. Bud Norris was recently removed from the closer’s role after finally breaking down and struggling mightily over the past few weeks. Parker is a good enough set up man, but if he gets save opportunities the rest of the way he could bring value to your playoff team. He’s certainly a great source for K’s (64 in 50.2 innings of work) and he’ll help out in K:BB and K/9. If Parker doesn’t end up getting the save opportunities then go pick up Cam Bedrosian if he’s out there. It’s still unclear who will be the definitive closer the rest of the way for the Halos.

Kolten Wong (2B – STL): Wong has been red hot to start August. Since the beginning of the month he’s slashing .405/.489/.622 with a .456 wOBA and .452 BABIP. Sure he’s likely in line for regression and he’s only eligible at 2B in some formats so he doesn’t offer roster flexibility. But in deeper leagues he should be owned as he can help out with batting average as well as OBP. He’s also been hitting towards the bottom of the lineup, but if he keeps this up he could be moved up. If that happens expect his ownership to spike from the sub-10% he’s currently at.

Dinelson Lamet (SP – SD): It’s difficult putting Lamet in this piece because he’s prone to getting lit up.  However, since July 23rd he has a 2.31 ERA (with a 2.71 FIP) as well as 23 strikeouts in 23.1 innings of work. The other downside to Lamet is that he doesn’t pitch deep into games and he’s still giving up walks at a pretty high rate. He also won’t get much offense, but he’s keeping the ball in the park and gets a decent matchup against the Phillies next week.