As the calendar gets set to flip to August, here are five guys to seek on your fantasy baseball waiver wire.
5-Minnesota Twins SP Jose Berrios
Berrios was not good in his brief big league stint earlier this season, with a 10.20 ERA over four starts, but a 2.71 ERA over his last 13 starts for Triple-A Rochester has more than earned him another chance. It’s unclear when exactly he’ll re-join the Twins’ starting rotation, but Berrios is absolutely worth a shot in AL-only and deep mixed leagues.
Yahoo! Ownership: 14%
4-San Diego Padres OF Alex Dickerson
Dickerson’s recent power surge, with a home run in four straight games, was derailed a bit by a scary outfield collision on Friday night that left him with a right hip contusion. But it appears he avoided a serious injury, and the Padres’ trade of Matt Kemp on Saturday should open up even more regular playing time between both corner outfield spots. His injury status, currently day-to-day, is worth watching, but Dickerson can absolutely be an asset to fantasy owners as the season winds down.
Yahoo! Ownership: 22%
3-St. Louis Cardinals IF Jedd Gyorko
Gyorko has made some news with his power output in double headers this year, but that should not obscure a strong July (.300/.347/.614 slash-line, seven home runs) overall with one game to go. A .790 OPS for the season is not all that sustainable, but Gyorko’s solid output and multi-position eligibility (third base, second base, first base) has to appeal to fantasy owners.
Yahoo! Ownership: 35%
2-Los Angeles Angels SP Tyler Skaggs
Skaggs made his 2016 debut last Tuesday night, and he promptly shut out the Kansas City Royals for seven innings while allowing just three hits. A much tougher matchup is coming in his next start against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, but as long as he avoids any further shoulder issues Skaggs is a viable mixed league starter.
Yahoo! Ownership: 34%
1-New York Yankees RP Dellin Betances
With trades sending Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller out of town, Betances is now the Yankees’ closer. Any questions about his worthiness for the role should be quickly dismissed by 89 strikeouts in 50.1 innings this season, and assuming he’s even available anyone that wants to add Betances will have to act equally fast.
Yahoo! Ownership: 78%