Here are five players to seek out on your fantasy baseball waiver wire heading toward the third week of May.
5. Minnesota Twins RP Trevor May
With Glen Perkins‘ ongoing shoulder issue and Kevin Jepsen‘s struggles (5.65 ERA), it looks like a matter of time before May gets a chance as Twins’ closer. He’s only a speculative add-and-stash right now, and save opportunities aren’t likely to be plentiful for anyone in Minnesota, but deep mixed league owners could get ahead of the curve on May.
Yahoo! Ownership: 8%
4. Detroit Tigers OF Cameron Maybin
Wrist and shoulder issues have delayed Maybin’s 2016 start, as he continues to embody the injury-prone label. But he is slated to be activated on Monday, and with a spot in Detroit’s lineup and speed to offer (23 stolen bases in 2015) Maybin belongs on the fantasy radar while he’s healthy.
Yahoo! Ownership: 5%
3. Atlanta Braves SP Mike Foltynewicz
Foltynewicz pitched eight shutout innings on Saturday, and he has a 2.89 ERA and a 16:2 K/BB ratio over three starts (18.2 innings) since being called up on May 2. There’s immediate value in NL-only leagues here, but if Foltynewicz keeps things going he will land on the mixed league radar in due time.
Yahoo! Ownership: 2%
2. Chicago White Sox SS Jimmy Rollins
Rollins is off to a solid start this season, hitting .299 with seven RBI and 18 runs scored. His ability to sustain fantasy relevance all season at 37 years old is a question, but when it comes to middle infielders fantasy owners can’t be too choosy.
Yahoo! Ownership: 4%
1. Houston Astros SP Lance McCullers
McCullers returned from a shoulder issue to make his season debut on Friday night, and he did not fare too well (five runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings). But things should get better going forward, so even though McCullers is probably widely owned on all league hosts his availability is worth investigating.
Yahoo! Ownership: 76%