We’re roughly 40 percent of the way through the marathon that is baseball’s regular season. If it feels like it’s been a lot longer, you’re not alone. The action on the waiver wire in my leagues has slowed considerably as owners settle into lineups. I don’t have many difference-makers for you this week — just help at the bottom of your roster:
1. Justin Maxwell, OF, Astros: At one point, Maxwell was a highly touted prospect in the Nationals organization. Now he’s getting an opportunity in Houston and showing his athletic ability/power. Over the last 15 games, Maxwell is hitting .267 with five homers and 13 RBI. The Astros figure to be sellers again at the deadline, opening up plenty of playing time for Maxwell.
2. Rajai Davis, OF, Blue Jays: I was surprised to find Davis on my waiver wire in one head-to-head league a couple days ago. As one of the game’s best base-stealers, he can literally win the category for you weekly. Davis is getting regular starts in left field and has eight swipes in his last 15 games.
3. Andres Torres, OF, Mets: Torres’ outlook appeared bleak as Jason Bay came off the DL. But now Bay has sustained a concussion and is without a timetable for return. Torres’ power/speed combo is very viable again as part of that plucky Mets lineup.
4. Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Dodgers: Ted Lilly (shoulder) still appears a ways off from a return. But with the way Eovaldi is throwing, perhaps the Dodgers will find a way to keep him in the rotation. The fast-rising and hard-throwing 22-year-old has posted three quality starts in his last four outings.
