The All-Star break just concluded, but these two outfielders may be ready for a big second half based on the first week back from break.
Randal Grichuk
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk is owned in some fantasy baseball leagues, but owners should have luck finding him on the waiver wire.
Grichuk has played in four games since the All-Star game, and he’s driving in runs. Grichuk is batting .333 in those four games, with six RBIs and two homers. His on-base percentage is .500.
Basically all of his damage came against the New York Mets on July 18, with a 3-for-3 day with two home runs and six RBIs. However, despite all of his production coming in one game, it shows his ability to produce in multiple categories, especially his on-base percentage.
It’s not just since the All-Star break that Grichuk has swung a quality bat. In his last 24 games, he has 14 RBIs, to go along with a .354 on-base percentage. He ranks 10th among outfielders during that time in RBIs and 14th in on-base percentage.
With his recent power numbers and ability to drive in runs, he may move up in the batting order to provide even more opportunities for RBIs.
Alex Rios
Kansas City outfielder Alex Rios would likely be a quality addition off the waiver wire now.
He may be owned in less than 40 percent of leagues because of an earlier injury. He’s back now, and he has at least one hit in 10 of his last 11 games.
During that time period, he’s shown a great ability to score runs with nine runs in 11 games. He’s added three stolen bases during that time.
He’s not going to total many RBIs or home runs, but when healthy, he can steal bases and offer a steady run production. Finding a player who can steal bases on the waiver wire is rare. Rios is still probably available on the waiver wire, meaning fantasy baseball owners should seriously consider picking him up, especially if he continues his streak of getting on base.
