Fantasy Baseball Pickups from the Waiver Wire-Sleeper Central-June 22

Last night there were only six games on the Major League Baseball schedule as the sporting nation in the US focused on the coronation in South Beach. Internationally, it’s Portuguese soccer that grabbed headlines as they advanced to the semi-finals of Euro knocked off the Czech Republic. Whatever you were paying attention to, you can catch up on all the underowned contributors from the Bigs last night. These are players owned in less than half of ESPN leagues (ownership percentages in parentheses), but they contributed to their teams last night.

You decide if these players are an upgrade from the players on your roster now and for more pickup possibilities check out our archive.

Sleeper Starting Lineup

C– Wilin Rosario – Col: (7.1%) Rosario went yard for the second day in a row driving in two and going 1-4. He’s raised his average to .238 but the reason he’s worth a look are his 11 home runs and 32 RBI. He continues to play almost every day for Colorado and contributes in power categories which are rare for catchers to star in.

1B– John Mayberry Jr. – Phi: (12.3%) Continuing his recent hot streak, Mayberry wieht 2-4 with a double bringing his average to .249. He’s heating up and his 1B and OF eligibility make him a valuable bat to have in your lineup as long as the Phillies keep him in theirs.

2B– Chris Nelson – Col: (0.6%) Troy Tulowitzki’s injury opened up an everyday spot for Nelson and he looks ready to maintain it for the eight weeks Tulo needs to recover from surgery. He went 1-4 yesterday with a two-run home run to help the Rockies past the Phils. He has homered in two consecutive games and three of his last six giving him five on the year while batting .246 with 17 RBI in 118 at-bats.

3B– Greg Dobbs – Mia: (0.0%) Dobbs got the start at the hot corner for the Fish and went 2-4 with two runs, two RBI, and his second steal of the year. He plays a myriad of positions for Miami but doesn’t get enough playing time to make him worth owning in most formats. When he does play he is contributing with a .281 batting average, 14 RBI, three doubles, and eight runs scored in just 96 at-bats.

SS– Sean Rodriguez – TB: (11.1%) On a rough day for SS as a whole, Rodriguez 1-3 with an RBI was enough to earn him this spot. He’s only worth a look in deep leagues despite playing every day for the Rays. He’s hitting just .215 but does have some countables with 23 runs and 20 RBI in 205 at-bats. He will continue to see more time until the return of Evan Longoria so if you just need an everyday player he’s fine, but in most leagues you can do better.

OF– Daniel Nava – Bos: (9.7%) Nava got the nod in the leadoff spot for the Red Sox yet again and drove in the winning run while going 2-4 with a walk. His average is all the way up to .340 through 106 at-bats and he has 21 RBI and 21 runs scored. He’s a perfect 3-3 on stolen base attempts and has 20 walks with 22 strikeouts. He should continue to hit leadoff for the Sox and get plenty of at-bats until the Crawford or Ellsbury return which may not be until the All Star break. He’s a great short term addition and seems to be past his hand injury that limited him for a week and a half and made him available in many leagues.

OF– Garrett Jones – Pit: (1.7%) Returning to the lineup after a couple off days, Jones hit his eighth home run of the year while driving in three and going 2-4. He’s hitting .258 with 25 RBI on the year and is a bargain in many formats. He needs to continue his offensive surge to finish the month strong and maintain his spot in a crowded Pirate lineup.

OF– Tyler Colvin – Col: (2.4%) The Rockies keep finding ways to get Colvin in the lineup and it’s easy to see why. He went 1-2 with a double, walk, and run scored last night bringing his average to .291. In 134 at-bats he has 17 runs scored and 21 RBI with seven home runs. He can help you in average, runs, and RBI as long as the Rockies keep working him into their lineup at 1B or in the outfield.

AL Starting Pitcher– Travis Blackley – Oak: (0.7%) By far the best of our spot starters from yesterday, Blackley went eight strong innings against the Dodgers allowing just a run on three hits while striking out six. He didn’t figure in the decision since Clayton Kershaw matched him, but Blackley’s definitely worth a look from time to time in the right matchups if he can keep it going.

NL Starting PItcher– Jeff Francis – Col: (0.2%) Francis made his best start since joining the Rockies yesterday as he limited the Phillies to a first inning Jimmy Rollins home run. He pitched five innings giving up six hits and walking none while striking out three and not figuring in the decision. He’s gotten progressively better with each of his three starts and may be worth a look soon as a spot starter. Follow our daily spot starter posts to see who has the best matchup day-to-day.

Relief Pitcher– Scott Atchison – Bos: (0.2%) As horrible as they were at the beginning of the season, the Red Sox pen has turned into a real strength of the team. Yesterday, Atchison pitched two innings of scoreless relief allowing just a hit and getting the win to move to 2-0. He lowered his ERA to 1.17 with a 0.89 WHIP. He’s become the reliever of choice in multi-inning situations and has been solid throughout his 38.1 innings this year.