If you need a fantasy baseball boost, one option to consider off the waiver wires is Texas Rangers outfielder David Murphy who here grounds out in the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
As we get ready to flip the calendar to June, the worst strategy in fantasy baseball is to stay inactive. That doesn’t mean all activity is good activity, to be sure, but the most successful fantasy owners know when their roster needs a tweak. If you are hunting on the waiver wire for options on the rise, check out our full lineup of sleeper picks available in over half or ESPN leagues. In fact, today’s lineup is even more available as none of them are owned in 20% of leagues, but all are definitely on the rise.
Not all options are good moves for all teams, but consider your needs and options and be ready to pull the trigger to put your team in position to climb up the standings. Here’s our Sleeper Starting lineup updated through games of 5/29:
Sleeper Starting Lineup
May 13, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
C– Jason Castro-Houston Astros: (16.4%) Castro has gone 8-14 over the last week with four RBI and a pair of home runs. He has six homers now on the season with a .279 average. He was the first Astro to be named Player of the Week in the American League earlier this week and is a decent option if you need a run-producing catcher.
1B– Adam Lind-Toronto Blue Jays: (5.7%) The Blue Jays 1B/DH usually gets the nod in the cleanup spot against righties. In face he only has six at bats against lefties all year. He’s been effective lately going 11-23 in the last week with three doubles, seven runs scored, and his fourth home run of the season. Lind is hot right now, and if he gets the starting nod for Toronto, feel free to insert him into your lineup in a daily league or in a platoon situation.
2B– D.J. LeMahieu-Colorado Rockies: (3.9%) D.J. has taken over regular 2B duties for the Rockies but has struggled a little bit lately. He was hitting as high as .345 earlier this week but has gone 0-7 while his average dropped to .278. He has only played 13 games but already has a pair of steals, three RBI, and two doubles. At a thin middle-infield spot, a starting role at Coors Field is enough to merit consideration and LeMahieu is one to watch going forward.
3B– Matt Dominguez-Houston Astros: (5.6%) Dominguez was a popular pickup after belting four home runs in four games last week. He has seven home runs on the season and a solid 25 RBI. As the Texas weather heats up and run totals elevate, Dominguez could be worth a look in the Astros lineup especially in home-heavy stretches since most of his damage has been done at Minute Maid Park.
Mar 15, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin (right) is congratulated by catcher Jesus Montero (63) after scoring during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
SS– Nick Franklin-Seattle Mariners: (8.0%) The Mariners called up the 22-year old Franklin and he collected his first MLB hit last night in San Diego. He’s 1-8 with a walk in his first nine plate appearances. He was destroying the hitter-friendly PCL in Tacoma hitting .324 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 39 games. Franklin is expected to get plenty of playing time at 2B and will have the chance to show if he’s ready for the big leagues.
OF– David Murphy-Texas Rangers: (18.3%) Murphy’s offense is starting to come around although he took an ugly 0-6 against Seattle on Sunday. In May, he’s hit .270 with four home runs, 16 RBI, and nine runs scored. The Rangers could use his bat and speed as they try to stay in front in the AL West. As the summer heats up, I think Murphy’s production will too, so grab him if you need some outfield depth going forward.
OF– Andy Dirks-Detroit Tigers: (19.3%) Another outfielder with a solid overall game having a good month, Dirks is seeing regular time against right-handed starters for Detroit. He continues to pile up strikeouts, but has put together a solid month of production. For May he hit .268 with four home runs and 11 RBI. He also is a perfect 5-5 in stolen base attempts and should be able to score and drive in runs as he earns playing time in the Tigers lineup.
OF-Carlos Quentin-San Diego Padres: (2.1%) Quentin isn’t an everyday player for San Diego, but he’s been performing when he’s been in the lineup with multiple hits in three of his last five starts. He has a pair of home runs in his last ten games during which time he’s raised his average from .179 all the way up to .220. He’ still primarily an NL-only or deep league pickup, but he may eventually be known by fantasy owners for more this year than just injuring Zack Greinke.