Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Additions (August 8)
If you're new to this feature, here are the ground rules.
No player in this space will be mentioned in back-to-back weeks, as we don't want to spam you with the same choices over and over again. We'll also limit the waiver wire suggestions to players owned in fewer than 40 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Got it? Let's get to this week's pickups:
Catcher
Cameron Rupp, PHI (11.1% owned)
After a recent power surge, Rupp is up to hitting .273 with 13 HR, which are more than respectable numbers for a catcher. Although the run and RBI opportunities are scarce in Philly, Rupp will get to bat near the middle of the lineup and his .524 slugging over his last 30 days will keep him there. Ride him while he's hot.
First Baseman
Brandon Moss, STL (16.8% owned)
He's been off the DL for about a week now, but his ownership still remains low. Moss has legitimate power (18 HR in 244 at-bats this year) and will hit regularly for the 5th best lineup in baseball in terms of OPS. So long as he can keep that batting average up (.262), he'll be a great addition for the home run power.
Second Baseman
Yangervis Solarte, SD (23.3% owned)
He has eligibility at three different infield spots, which makes him a pretty useful bench bat. Solarte's .293/.358/.498 slash line is really solid, even if his numbers don't necessarily pop out in any one single category. Use him for his versatility.
Third Baseman
Hernan Perez, MIL (39.6% owned)
One of the biggest risers over the last week has been Perez, thanks in large part to his stolen bases. Perez has seen a 28.4 percent increase in ownership and has stolen 9 bases over his last 22 games, bringing his total up to 19 on the season. With a little smidge of power thrown in (8 HR) and dual OF/3B eligibility, Perez is worth adding to provide some speed in your lineup.
Shortstop
Brad Miller, TB (29.7% owned)
Don't look now, but the Rays SS is up to 20 HR on the season. Miller has 5 HR in his last 12 games and is slashing .301/.370/.639 over the last 30 days. Those are crazy power numbers for a shortstop owned at this rate. You'll have to bench him against left-handed pitching, but Miller's pop can't be ignored any longer, as his ownership has spiked up from 7.4% over the last week.
Outfield
David Dahl, COL (22.2% owned)
It's unclear how long it will last, but the rookie LF is on a tear to start his career. Dahl has a 13-game hitting streak and is slashing .370/.393/.593 during that span. As you're well aware of, fantasy players can bloom out of nowhere in Coors Field, and Dahl has earned more playing time with his torrid start.
Starting Pitcher
Carlos Rodon, CWS (34.1% owned)
The ERA (4.49) and high walk-rate is a little troubling, but Rodon is throwing gas right now and is picking up strikeouts at a high rate. He's now up to 105 K in 104 IP, which covers up for some of his other sins. If you need help in the strikeout department, go get him.
Relief Pitcher
Edwin Diaz, SEA (41.2% owned)
We're cheating a little bit since he's owned over 40 percent, but it's criminal that he's not owned more. Diaz went from 2.8% ownership to this mark after Steve Cishek was relieved of his closer duties, and for good reason. Diaz has a ridiculous 56 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched, and he's converted four straight save opportunities. There's no reason why he shouldn't be owned at this point.