Fantasy Baseball 2019 Week 19 Waiver Wire Picks

With about six weeks left to the fantasy baseball season, making the correct roster move is important for your championship hopes.

Four of the six months of the fantasy baseball season are in the books. Because of the long season, players start to feel the wear and tear and either land on the IL or start to struggle. With not much wiggle room for owners looking to make the playoffs, making a roster move could be make or break.

Luckily, in wake of the injured or struggling, other players are stepping up and showing their worth. These players could be a part of your team for as long as you’d like. Whether you cut them after a week or leave them on the bench until the end of the season, they are at your disposal.

Unless your league has a transactions limit, adding and dropping players, especially pitchers, can help you win a matchup or gain a few points. Hitters are a bit safer to add and drop because the volume of at-bats is greater than innings pitched.

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As usual, the players I have listed are owned in less than 35 percent of ESPN leagues. I have three hitters, two starters and one relief pitcher for your roster considerations.

Mike Tauchman, NYY

One of two Yankees to make my list. Tauchman is taking advantage of the “next man up” mentality in the Yankees locker room. He’s benefitted from injuries as he’s been getting more playing time over the last month.

As the primary left fielder, Tauchman is hitting in the bottom third of the Yankees lineup but he’s still producing. Over the last week, he has five home runs, 14 RBI and a .429 average.

Things may change when Giancarlo Stanton is healthy. Until then, he’s going to keep hitting.

Gio Urshela, NYY

The other Yankee has been one of the team’s MVPs. He was claimed from the Blue Jays as infield depth last August. With the number of injuries the Yankees have suffered, he’s stepped up greatly.

Urshela is hitting .320 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI, all career highs. Over the last week, he has a .435 average, five home runs and 10 RBIs. With Miguel Andujar out for the year, Urshela is the starting third baseman and has moved up in the batting order since the All-Star break.

J.D. Davis, NYM

Many questioned the Mets decision to be buyers at the trade deadline. Since then, they are 9-1 and are tied for the second Wild Card spot. One of the main contributors to their recent success is Davis.

Davis is 10-for-25 with four homers, eight RBIs and eight runs scored over the last week. He’s been playing left field mostly, but is eligible at third base. With Michael Conforto and Pete Alonso hitting in front of him, Davis will have his opportunity to rack up the counting stats.

Jeff Samardzija, SF

Samardzija continues his great 2019 season. He has three quality starts and a 2-2 record in his last five games. He has a 110:36 K:BB ratio with a 3.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this year.

Samardzija had a great outing in his most recent start. He went 8.0 innings with two hits, one run, and five strikeouts against the Phillies. He makes his next start in Chase Field against the Diamondbacks.

The Shark needs to be owned in more leagues heading into the playoffs.

Anibal Sanchez, WSH

Another veteran, Sanchez has pitched well this season too. While he doesn’t have the strikeouts Samardzija does, he has a 3.67 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 112.2 innings. As of this writing, he’s in the middle of a start against the Mets.

Sanchez pitched to three quality starts and a 2-0 record in his last five games. The Nationals offense is one of the best and can give Sanchez enough run support. The bullpen is the weak link, recording just six saves since the break.

Seth Lugo, NYM

Lugo is the fourth player on my list from New York. The Mets bullpen is also a question mark. Edwin Diaz isn’t the same pitcher he was in Seattle.

Since July 2, 14 games, he has a 0.00 ERA, 19 strikeouts, one walk, seven holds and two saves. If you are looking for a few extra saves, Lugo can help you out. He’ll be a bigger help in holds leagues. The strikeout rate will separate him from the rest of the available relievers.

As long as the Mets keep hitting, Lugo will be out on the mound trying to prevent the opposition from scoring.

The waiver wire is going to be full of players with high risks. But, if you’re eyeing a playoff berth, then that shouldn’t bother you. The reward will outweigh the risk as you continue to win. Six weeks left, make them count.