Nationals Danny Espinosa: Waiver Wire Add

By Bill Pivetz | Jul 4, 2016

Jul 3, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa had an amazing Week 13. If he’s still available in your league, pick him up because he’s shown no signs of stopping.

The Washington Nationals just put another starting pitcher on the disabled list. But, let’s focus on the positives. The team is still in first place and have won seven of their last eight games. One of the reasons for that is the explosive bat of Danny Espinosa. He had a big week, and season, so pick him up while you still can.

Espinosa is in the middle of a huge season, missing just two games in the process. So far, he has 18 home runs, 49 RBI and a .241 average. He has a 72:28 K:BB ratio as well. The average and strikeouts may be a downer, but the power numbers outweigh that.

Over the last 30 days, he’s been the best Nationals hitter. He has 29 hits, 11 home runs, 28 RBI and a .434 on-base percentage. His career high is 21 home runs and at this rate, he can surpass that sometime this week.

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Yet, the reason for this article now instead of weeks ago, is because of the four-game series against the Cincinnati Red. In those games, he went 7-for-18 with five homers, 15 RBI and six runs scored. He had two two-home run games in that span.

While many fantasy owners are hoping for Trea Turner‘s call up, it doesn’t look like it will be happening any time soon. Daniel Murphy is not going anywhere and if Espinosa continues to hit like this, he will stay in the starting lineup for a while longer.

After all of this, Danny Espinosa is only owned in just 35.4 percent of ESPN leagues. He is eligible at both second base and shortstop, making him a little more valuable. Comparing him to other players at those positions, Espinosa is the highest-ranked middle infielder on the Player Rater over the last 30 days.

Next: Joe Ross Placed on 15-day DL

Like I said earlier, Danny Espinosa is not someone to add if you need help with contact or speed. He only has four steals and his average is below .250. However, this kind of power is not available in this many leagues this late into the season.

The Nationals face the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets this week. The Nationals crushed the Mets last week, so pick him up now.

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