Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Additions (June 1)
Before we begin, let's talk about Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez.
Hernandez was scheduled to start on Wednesday, but he was scratched and sent to the 15-Day DL with a strained calf. James Paxton will take his place on the ML roster.
What should you do if you're a Felix owner? Other than panic just a tiny a bit, nothing. Hernandez hasn't been his usual self so far this season (4-4, just 53 strikeouts in 63 IP), so perhaps this ailment is to blame. Ultimately, this might be for the best, as Felix can rest up and perhaps pick up his velocity. Don't cut him, obviously, and don't trade him for less than he's worth until we hear something to make us think this is nothing other than a minor injury.
One other note: with Brad Boxberger headed to the DL, Alex Colome will be the long-term closer in Tampa Bay and is a fantastic pickup if he's available in your league.
And now, on to your regular scheduled programming. 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 fantasy baseball waiver pickups:
Catcher
Jason Castro, HOU (6.1% owned)
It's slim pickings at catcher, as per usual, but Castro had a nice month of May, hitting .268 in that timeframe. The Astros will put some runs on the board, and Castro does have double-digit pop. Ride him while he's hot.
First Baseman
Yangervis Solarte, SD (6.3% owned)
While I do like Byung Ho Park better because of his crazy power, we can't suggest him every two weeks in good faith. Solarte has been hitting well since returning from injury (8-for-22, 3 HR over last seven games) and can give you eligibility at third base as well. After hitting .270 with 14 HR last year, he could be in for a slight improvement this season.
Second Baseman
Devon Travis, TOR (16.8% owned)
Travis is finally back from injury, and he's looking to follow up a brilliant rookie year where he hit .304 with 8 HR in 217 at-bats. Travis is a better hitter than Darwin Barney. So, his spot at second base shouldn't be in question. Since he's part of a potent Blue Jays lineup, Travis should put up a high average and score plenty of runs. He's a sneaky good pickup.
Third Baseman
Danny Valencia, OAK (39.9% owned)
I've been pimping Valencia all year, but he's still owned in less than 40 percent of leagues. This is probably the last time we'll be able to list him here, because his stats are insane. He's hitting .333 this year with a .928 OPS and a 1.250 OPS against southpaws. Even if you only platoon him against lefties, who he historically mashes against, Valencia should absolutely be on your roster if he's available.
Shortstop
Marcus Semien, OAK (26% owned)
It hasn't necessarily been pretty, but Semien is up to 10 HR on the season, meaning he's on pace to hit 30. Even though the average and OBP aren't great, Semien's power warrants a pickup if you're in need at that category, as he'll also drive in some runs.
Outfield
Billy Hamilton, CIN (39.8% owned)
We're early enough in the season where you can make up major ground in the stolen bases category, and here's the guy who can help you do it. Hamilton swiped 57 bags in 412 at-bats last year, making him the league's best in this area. His average is actually up this year from .226 to .243, so he won't kill you there. Chances are, you can take the small hit in AVG, HR, RBI for the major uptick Hamilton can provide in SB and runs in roto leagues.
Starting Pitcher
Julio Urias, LAD (11.6% owned)
Fantasy owners are so quick to quit on prospects. Urias was bad in his debut, no doubt, but this is still the same guy with the nasty stuff who was dominating AAA. One start doesn't make a pitcher. Even though his pitch count will be limited, Urias has the kind of strikeout power to be a major force down the stretch. With Alex Wood on the DL, he'll get his chance to rebound and show what he's capable of. I'm buying, big time.
Relief Pitcher
Arodys Vizcaino, ATL (24.2% owned)
Sam Dyson is the better closer pickup, but we used him last week, and I'm a stickler for the rules. Vizcaino won't get many save chances playing for the Braves, but he's been great this year (1.66 ERA, 31 K in 21.2 IP) when he's been able to pitch. If you desperately need saves, he's the next best thing to Dyson under 40% ownership.
