Blake Swihart: Deep Waiver Wire Pickup

Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (71) swings during a spring training baseball game at McKechnie Field. The Boston Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries are, unfortunately, a big part of baseball. It also affects fantasy baseball. If a player you drafted gets injured, there’s always someone ready to put in his place. Depending on the length of the injury, that new player could develop into a superstar by the end of the season. Case in point, Blake Swihart could end up as a top-15 catcher. He should be a top pickup throughout the week. 

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Boston Red Sox catcher Ryan Hanigan suffered a fractured hand off of a foul ball on Friday. The team called up Swihart to be his replacement until he is ready to return. As a result, Swihart is one of 30 starting catchers in the league and will see regular at bats. Finding an everyday starter off the waiver wire is rare, so take advantage of it.

Swihart’s minor-league numbers were impressive. In Double- and Triple-A last season, he had 122 hits, 13 home runs, 64 RBI, eight stolen bases, 31 walks and 80 strikeouts with a .293/.341/.469 line. In 18 games in Triple-A this season, he had 11 RBI, six walks and 12 strikeouts with a .338 average.

The big number that stands out to me is the 31 walks in 2014. It shows that he can stay patient at the plate as he awaits his pitch. That can come in handy with the dangerous Boston lineup. He gets on base and someone else drive him home; simple concept.

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In his first major-league game, Swihart went 1-for-3 with a run scored. It’s obviously just the beginning for Swihart. He will have plenty of time to improve and become a fantasy-relevant player. Hanigan is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break, maybe longer.

With the lack of depth at catcher, Swihart should be a priority add if you need help at that position. Like I mentioned, he is guaranteed at bats. Owners are already jumping on board, added in 6.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues.