The MLB Waiver Wire Hustle

After a hot start, my Reds are 14-14 and in second place. But they’ll hopefully be getting a few starting pitchers back that will make things better. It’s still hard to believe that the Indians have the best record in baseball at 19-8.

The Red Sox continue to disappoint with a 12-15 record but they are 6-4 in their last 10 games so maybe they are about to turn things around. Philadelphia is 18-8 but with their top 4 starters, did anyone really expect anything less?

I’m in two leagues and was 4-0 in both. It looks like I’m going to go 5-0 in one and take my first loss in the other. My pitchers did well but my batters hit for a terrible average this week in that league. I’m already looking into some new hitters and will be checking out a few below. So let’s get to the list for this week and several players from my last list are still playing well right now.

Domonic Brown (OF, Phillies) – Brown was supposed to be on the Opening Day roster but broke a bone in his hand. He’s rehabbing in Single-A ball right now and went 2-for-4 with a home run so it looks like the hand is fine now. If he continues to hit well, he’ll likely be rushed back to the majors and he’s a legit contributor in many categories.

Wilson Ramos (C, Nationals) – The Nationals are still splitting time between Ramos and Ivan Rodriguez but Ramos continues to get more and more playing time. Ramos is hitting .358 with 2 home runs, 9 runs, 6 RBI and 7 Walks. As I stated before, there’s no way that average stays that high but you can see that he has potential and if given the full starting gig, he can help your team.

Madison Bumgarner (SP, Giants) – Looking at his season stats so far, you wouldn’t think to pick him up. He’s 0-4 and had given up at least 4 runs in three straight starts. But in his last start, he allowed just 5 hits and 1 run. He started off slowly last year too so maybe he’s starting to heat up now.

Mike Aviles (2B/3B/SS, Royals) – Chris Getz has the starting job at second base right now but after a hot start, he has cooled off. Meanwhile, Aviles has hit safely in eight straight games started. He’s only batting .250 but is hitting well recently. The good news is that he has 5 home runs and 21 RBI in only 76 at-bats. So you can use him while he’s hot and you should be able to find a spot for him as he’s eligible for three positions.

Sergio Santos (RP, White Sox) – It looks like the White Sox finally have a closer. For now, anyway. Santos has saved two games and hasn’t allowed a run in almost 12 innings of work.  He’s struck out 14 while only walking 5. The White Sox have several other guys that can close but they’ll use Santos until he shows that he can’t handle the job.

Ike Davis (1B, Mets) – There are always options at 1B but Davis is playing very well. He’s hitting .352 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI so far. He’s also scored 16 runs with a triple. If your starter is hurt or just off to a slow start, Davis could help fill in for awhile.

Chris Coghlan (OF, Marlins) – Coghlan has an injured shoulder that will require surgery later but he’s playing through the pain so far. He’s hitting .287 with 4 home runs, 17 runs scored, a triple and 16 RBI. The Marlins are hoping he can continue to play through that pain.

Darwin Barney (2B, SS) – Barney grabbed the starting second base job and it doesn’t look like he wants to give it up. He’s hitting .326 with a home run, 14 RBI and 15 runs scored. Only one stolen base but he does have 2 triples.

James Shields (SP, Rays) – Shields may not be available in your league, depending on how deep your rosters are. He’s 2-1 and was just going for his third consecutive complete game, which is pretty impressive. He was pulled in the eighth inning after striking out 12 and allowing one run. With a 2.14 ERA, he’s pretty hot right now.

Jorge De La Rosa (SP, Rockies) – De La Rosa has started 5 games and is 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA. He’s struck out 29 and walked 10 and batters are only hitting .177 against him. The Rockies are playing very well right now and it looks like De La Rosa can rack up several more wins if he continues to pitch like this.

Brian Fuentes (RP, A’s) – Fuentes has the closer gig while Andrew Bailey is out with injury. He’s racked up 7 saves so far but will have to give up the job when Bailey comes back. But if you need some saves right now, Fuentes can be used until that happens.

That all for this weeks edition of The MLB Waiver Wire Hustle.

-Charlie Hustle