Waiver-Wire Targets:
Oakland Athletics Outfielder Ramon Laureano — This week we’re missing a surefire waiver-wire target, but there are still solid options that can help our rosters. Laureano is demonstrating a power-speed combination that is always fantasy relevant. The outfielder has hit four home runs since June 30 and if it wasn’t for his suspension to start the year, he would be on pace to hit more than 15 home runs. What makes Laureano even more attractive is his ability to steal bases, as he has eight in 53 games. Laureano will hover around a .250 batting average, but if he can continue to provide some pop with base-stealing ability he’s a solid fantasy option.
Philadelphia Phillies First Baseman Darick Hall — After the firing of manager Joe Girardi, the Phillies are finally playing like a team that has playoff aspirations. Even with the injury to outfielder Bryce Harper, the team continues to play well. Hall has only played eight games but has the most of them, hitting four home runs. The .290 batting average is strong as well even though the sample size is extremely small. Hall’s power is legit, as he had 20 home runs in only 72 games prior to his promotion. I don’t believe the batting average will be sustainable as Hall does strike out a lot, but the power should remain, meaning he fits perfectly in a Phillies lineup that relies on the long ball.
Boston Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran — In only 20 games, Duran is batting .309 with one home run and five stolen bases. Duran has always been a solid performer in the minor leagues, but he struggled in his first stint in the majors last year. Even more encouraging, Duran has been hitting leadoff which is fantasy gold.
Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman/Outfielder Nick Senzel — Another hitter in the midst of a hot streak is Senzel. He has totaled eight hits in the month of July, including two home runs. For the season, Senzel is batting .251 with three home runs and five stolen bases. Senzel has never been a great fantasy contributor because he doesn’t do anything great. We’re targeting a hitter who is playing well and hopefully can give our teams a boost for the next week or so.