Joe Panik is healthy and playing well for the Giants
Here’s a look at a few under-the-radar fantasy baseball pickups for this weekend.
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Hitters
Joe Panik (2B – SF)
ESPN 33% owned – Yahoo 30% owned
It’s been a rough year for Panik, as he’s dealt with some injuries this season, but the good news for Giants’ fans and fantasy owners is that he’s finally back in the lineup. And if you’re not an owner of Panik’s, you need to pick him up ASAP! Not only is he back in the Giants’ lineup, but he’s also tearing the cover off the baseball.
In his last 14 games, he owns a .703 SLG and .351 AVG. Those numbers are just outrageous! While I don’t expect his power numbers to be that high the rest of the season, I could see him hitting .300 the rest of the way. This is a guy that will boost your teams OBP and AVG, so go ahead and grab him if you’re looking to improve your squad in those departments. He could be that guy that carries your team to the promise land! That’s how good this kid is.
Scott Schebler (OF – CIN)
ESPN 15% owned – Yahoo 13% owned
I gave you a guy that I would keep the rest of the way, and now I’ll go ahead and give you a rental. And that guy is, Schebler.
I know Panik’s numbers were impressive, but Schebler doesn’t fall too far behind. In his last 14 contents, he owns a .341 AVG along with a .659 SLG. He’s been hitting for lots of power and a high average, so he’ll pretty much help you in every category. The best part about Schebler this weekend isn’t his numbers, but the fact that he will be playing at “Great American [Small] Park.” This is one of the most friendliest parks to hitters, so go ahead and keep that hot streak alive, Schebler.
The way you should approach the weekend: Think of Panik as that sports car you want to keep, and Schebler as the minivan you want to rent on your family vacation. That’s the exact situation we’re in this weekend. Panik is a keeper and Schebler is a rental.
Trevor Plouffe (1B/3B – MIN)
ESPN 16% owned – Yahoo 14% owned
I’m not sure if Plouffe is the minivan or the sports car, but regardless, he’s an excellent pickup. In his last 14 contests, he’s sporting a .288 AVG along with a .500 SLG. While his numbers aren’t as impressive as the first two guys I mentioned, he is hitting in the heart of the Twins’ lineup. That means that he has more opportunities to drive in and score runs. He’s another guy who’s back from injury and has been playing well, so go ahead and give him a shot. You also have to love his ability to play multiple positions.
Pitchers
John Gant (SP – ATL)
ESPN 0% owned – Yahoo 0% owned
I’m going to be honest – I don’t like any pitchers this weekend. There’s one that caught my eye and I’d go ahead and pick him up if you’re looking for an extra start this weekend. And that is northpaw Gant.
The 24-year-old will get the nod on Saturday against a Phillies’ team that has been ice-cold. In their last 14 contests, they are boasting a .258 wOBA (30th in MLB) and a 26.1 K% (highest in MLB). This is an excellent matchup for the youngster, so I expect for him to deliver a quality start.
Oh yeah — I almost forgot to talk about Gant. I guess I fell in love with his matchup and got carried away.
Gant has actually been pretty good this season. Yes, his ERA is over 4.50, but his peripherals look promising. He owns a 3.90 SIERA to go along with a 4.11 xFIP and 22.9 K%. He provides you with some nice upside, and he’s also going up against a Phillies’ squad that has been fanning like crazy. Go ahead and give the 24-year-old a shot if you’re looking for a spot-starter this weekend. He’s got the matchup and the numbers.
Nick Rodriguez is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Nick, check out his archive or follow him @NRodriguezDFS.
