Injuries, poor performances and tough matchups make this week tougher than usual to field a winning and consistent roster. The good news is, I’ve combed through the numbers and found four guys at tough positions who should definitely add some potency to your lineup and increase your winning probability.
Note: All ownership statistics are current as of 11:00 pm EST on 6/8/14 and are an average of ESPN, Yahoo and CBS ownership numbers. <
Emilio Bonifacio - IF/OF, Chicago Cubs
Bonifacio had a hot start to the season before spending time on the DL, which is probably the reason his ownership numbers are so low at 30%. After being reinstated this week, he went 8 for 23 (.348) with two runs scored a stolen base. This week, the Cubs face a whopping six left-handed starting pitchers, something you rarely see. This is huge for Bonifacio, who’s best split is against lefties (same home and away), hitting .387 (24 for 62) with six doubles, a home run, a run scored and seven runs batted in. Bonifacio is absolutely a must-start all week.
Denard Span - OF, Washington Nationals
Span has been on a tear as of late, raising his season average to .289. Last week, Span hit .444 with five runs, two runs abtted in and two stolen bases, and was even hotter over the last two weeks; with a blistering .463 average, eight runs scored, two RBI and three stolen bases. This week, Span's splits perfectly support the Nationals’ schedule, with four games against right-handed starters (who Span is hitting .299 against and .342 at home), as well as three games against left-handers where he’s hitting .288 (.262 overall). Span is in line for a huge week, and given his favorable season-long numbers, it’s puzzling why he’s owned in just 55% of leagues. Scoop him up before everyone else finally catches on.
Jed Lowrie - SS, Oakland Athletics
Nothing about Lowrie's .243 average, .294 wOBA, -0.51 nERD, or really any of his stats scream “start me!â€. But he’s been on the uptick for a while now. Not only did he hit .300 this past week, but he’s actually hit .326 over the last 30 days, with 12 runs, a homer and 14 RBI. I’m always about the hot hand, which Lowrie can be considered for now, and he has extremely favorable matchups this week - except James Shields - but you can probably even start him that game if you need to.
Brock Holt - 3B, Boston Red Sox
After a hot start, Holt hit a bit of a cold streak, but he’s been on the comeback trail recently, hitting .284 in the last month with 13 runs, a homer and six RBI. All of the Red Sox games are at home this week, where Holt is hitting .311 on the season. He’s hitting .338 against left-handed pitching (Mark Buehrle and Chris Capuano) and .289 versus righties (the remaining four starters). Holt is still owned in just 73% of leagues, so you should really do your due diligence and try to add him to your roster if possible. He should have a good week.