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
Evan Gattis, HOU (28.8% owned)
Gattis gained catcher eligibility in the last few weeks, which makes him much more useful. His bat has also warmed up a bit as of late, as he's 5-for-14 with a HR in his last seven games. He hit 27 homers last year, so we can expect more power on the way.
First Baseman
Justin Bour, MIA (18.4% owned)
Bour was one of my favorite sleepers to start the season, and his power is starting to shine through. He has 3 HR in his last seven games, and he's hitting nearly .300 at the plate over the last month. Remember, Bour hit 23 homers in just 409 at-bats last year, so the recent surge definitely seems for real.
Second Baseman
Dee Gordon, MIA (33.5% owned)
If you want to get the jump on your league and can afford to stash Gordon on your bench for another month, you should go for it. Gordon won't be eligible to return from his 80-game suspension until July 28th, but you'll be getting a game-changing player once he's back. Gordon stole 58 bases and hit .333 last season, and he was a second-round pick in a lot of leagues. You likely won't sign a more talented free agent all year.
Third Baseman
Cheslor Cuthbert, KC (2.9% owned)
He never showed a big bat in the minors, but Cuthbert is worth keeping an eye on. He's just 23 years old, and he's slashing .284/.327/.505 over his last 30 games. The power might not be sustainable, but he may be worth a speculative add to see if he can keep up this pace.
Shortstop
Zack Cozart, CIN (34.2% owned)
Cozart has a little pop in his bat with 11 HR already this season, and more importantly, he's regularly batting at the top of Cincy's lineup. While the Reds aren't exactly a juggernaut, they do have some good bats behind Cozart, which could help you in the runs scored department
Outfield
Melvin Upton, Jr., SD (22.3% owned)
We've cautiously recommended him here before, but now we're a little more sold. Upton continues to hit for power (12 HR) and steal bases (18) at a high clip, which makes him a valuable commodity. Not many players can add both, and while the power probably won't continue at this rate, the speed should be just fine.
Starting Pitcher
Daniel Mengden, OAK (9.7% owned)
Ignore the 1-3 record for now, as Mengden has pitched really well in his rookie year. He has three quality starts in four chances, owns a 26-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio and is limiting the damage elsewhere (2.81 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). He was a big time strikeout pitcher in the minors, so there's plenty of reason to get on board.
Relief Pitcher
Arodys Vizcaino, ATL (28.4% owned)
With the trade deadline not too far away, it might be a good idea to pick up Vizcaino in hopes that he gets dealt to a team where save opportunities come more than once a week. Vizcaino has been really good this season (2.16 ERA. 46 K in 33 IP) and could become a star if he lands in the right place.
