Here are this week’s top fantasy baseball pickups (owned in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues). Check your waiver wire to see who’s available, and check back for updates throughout the week:
Joey Gallo, 3B, Rangers. While most fantasy baseball owners were anticipating the call-up of Carlos Correa, our top-ranked prospect, it was actually Gallo (No. 5) getting the call to help the Rangers replace the injured Adrian Beltre (thumb) at third for the next few weeks. Gallo’s power is well-documented, but so are the strikeouts. In 102 games at Double-A (371 at-bats), Gallo hit 30 HRs and whiffed 164 times (37.5 K%). He also has no experience above Double-A. Another issue is that Gallo may not have a lineup spot once Beltre returns in 2-3 weeks. If he shows well in this multi-week audition, though, Gallo could easily punt 1B/DH Mitch Moreland from the lineup.
Joey Gallo (Getty Images)READ MORE: Top 50 prospects | Risers, fallers | Gallo profile
Gallo is no sure-thing, but his power potential makes him a must-add flier in virtually every fantasy format. We’re afraid his daily fantasy price might be inflated for the first few games, but be ready to invest if he starts hitting value consistently. However, don’t expect much consistency at all from this all-or-nothing slugger.
Sergio Romo, RP, Giants. Closer Santiago Casilla was unscored upon in May until his final two outings when he allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits (two homers) and three walks in 1.2 innings combined against the Braves. We’re not sounding the alarm on Casilla in the ninth inning, but his owners and those scrounging for saves would be wise to stash Romo in case the Giants closer gets off to a rough start in June. Check our MLB Closer Depth Chart for updates.
Trevor Plouffe, 3B, Twins. Plouffe ended May on a tear and ultimately hit .312-5-21 for the month. Usually only a play against lefties, Plouffe has actually been doing a lot of damage against righthanded pitchers as well. One split to note, however, is that he was hitting .309-7-22 at home, but just .240-1-7 on the road through May. We’ve seen Plouffe get scorching hot and go on a homer binge before, so don’t ignore the streak. That said, be ready to sell high when that streak nears an end.
Joe Panik, 2B, Giants. Panik was also on fire to close May, hitting .314-4-15 with two steals. While we doubt Panik will keep it up, it’s hard to ignore those stats from a 2B/MI batting near the top of the lineup. The lefthanded-hitting Panik could even start seeing more time against lefthanders if he stays hot.
Nick Ahmed, SS, D-backs. Ahmed is starting to gain some fantasy attention with three quick homers to close May, but he was known more for his contact and speed than for his power in the minors. The pop is just an added bonus if Ahmed is truly starting to break out. He’s worth adding at a thin position if you need a little speed potential.
DJ LeMahieu, 2B, Rockies. Did you know the Rockies are in the midst of a 10-game homestand to open June? That puts LeMahieu (and most other Rockies hitters) on the radar in deeper leagues. Go get ’em!
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