The Staff: Waiver Wire Update

MLB Ultimate Resources

Waiver Wire Update

By KFL Writer Min Lee

It’s official. Francisco Liriano is relevant in fantasy leagues once again. Managers in all formats scrambled to the waiver wire after witnessing his six-inning shutout against the Indians. Many worried the Tommy John surgery would permanently compromise his control and strikeout numbers, but the outing was a positive sign to dispel that notion. Save for a bases-loaded jam, Liriano looked fairly comfortable, holding the Indians to three hits.

And now for an update on some worthy pick-ups:

Kelly Shoppach, C, Cleveland Indians

As long as Martinez remains sidelined, Shoppach is a viable option at catcher. Consider this: Ryan Doumit (.339 avg, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 41 R) is owned in 100% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues while Shoppach (.280 avg, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 35 R in 60 less at-bats) is owned in only 28.5%. Shoppach has a high strikeout ratio, but he’s currently on a hot streak, hitting .413 with 5 HR, 15 RBI last 12 games.

Fernando Tatis, OF, New York Mets

Ryan Church still has not started on his rehab assignment so Tatis will get the nod in the outfield for some time. Tatis has a 10-game hitting streak despite the Mets scoring only seven runs the last three games. In that span, he is hitting .385 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, and his numbers should get better as the Mets pick up their offense.

Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Votto is learning to maximize his chances at the plate (1 K in last 5 games) and also hit .429 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, and 3 R in those games. With Jay Bruce wielding the hot bat, Votto will get more opportunities to score.

Melvin Mora, 3B, Baltimore Orioles

Mora showed life in mid-July, hitting home runs in three straight games. He now has hit safely in five of last six games, including two multi-hit games. His batting average is 25 points higher than what it was in the beginning of July.