Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Time to Take a Shot on Gary Sanchez

Plus, the Giants called up a rookie who might be a keeper.

It’s been a tough week for injuries, and no doubt fantasy managers will be looking to the waiver wire this weekend. If you’re looking for a replacement for Yordan Alvarez, Pete Alonso or Vinnie Pasquantino, there are a few options below that could fit the bill.

If you missed out on Elly De La Cruz two weeks ago, my advice is to be sure you put in a claim for the new Giants outfielder Luis Matos. Especially in keeper leagues, Matos should be a priority. Nolan Jones is also an interesting young player to consider.

Let’s get to it. 

Gary Sanchez, C (SD)

Ray Acevedo/USA Today Sports

\I know, I know. We’ve been fooled by Sanchez before, but it’s hard not to at least try to guess correctly this time. Sanchez has looked like vintage Sanchez since joining the Padres. He has six home runs and 15 RBIs since moving to San Diego. Who knows? Maybe a little sunshine was all he needed. At the catcher position, what do you really have to lose? 

Nolan Jones, 1B/OF (COL)

Since his season debut on May 26, Jones has hit .339 with four home runs, 12 RBIs and a 1.010 OPS. He’s also stolen four bases. His max exit velocity is in the 93rd percentile of the league, and he plays in the best home ballpark for a hitter. If you need a replacement for Pasquantino or Alonso, Jones is your guy. 

Marcell Ozuna, OF (ATL)

The veteran slugger is hot right now, with a hit in each of the last ten games he has played. His max exit velocity is in the top 3% of the league and his barrel-rate is in the top 10%. Ozuna has 13 home runs this season, with 11 of them coming in the last six weeks of play. 

Luis Matos, OF (SF)

Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports

The Giants rookie had a nice debut on Wednesday, going 1-for-3 and scoring a run. The 21-year-old was hitting .398 with seven home runs, six stolen bases and a 1.12 OPS across 24 games at Triple-A before his callup. Matos should be able to hit for both power and average at the major-league level.

Tarik Skubal, SP (DET)

Check to see if the lefty was dropped in your league, as his return should be very near. Skubal has looked sharp in his latest minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Toledo yesterday, pitching three scoreless and allowing only a single hit, walking none, and striking out five. Skubal should have only one or two more rehab starts before rejoining the Tigers. Last year, the lefty pitched to a 3.37 ERA with a 24.5%K rate, and it would be wise to get your bids in early. 

Paul Blackburn, SP (OAK)

Blackburn impressed in his fourth start of the season on Thursday, striking out nine Tampa Bay Rays and allowing only two earned runs. His season ERA now sits at 3.60, and if you’re in need of an arm, Blackburn should be available.