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Every Tuesday from now until the end of the season, we will be taking a look at players with under 15% ownership (ESPN) that should be on your radar in deep leagues. The majority of fantasy baseball leagues are mixed leagues with 10-12 teams, however we know many of you play in 18-20 team leagues and/or AL/NL only formats. This column is for you all.
Alright y’all, it’s playoff time. This list gives you players to target if you are in need of saves, home runs, and ERA/WHIP stabilizers. It’s crunch time, and in deeper leagues some of these players could be the final piece toward taking home the crown.
Ryan Borucki, SP, TOR (5.0% owned)
Borucki stymied Baltimore on Tuesday, giving him three straight quality starts. He will likely get one more start, on Saturday against the Rays. He’s worth a stream in most, if not all, formats.
Jose Fernandez, 1B/2B, LAA (1.2% owned)
Since Albert Pujols went on the DL, Fernandez has been the regular starter at first base. He’s hit .265 with a pair of home runs in September. He doesn’t draw many walks, but he could be worth a look in deeper leagues for those who need some pop.
Nate Jones, RP, CWS (2.4% owned)
Jones is back and earned a save in his second outing off the DL. He is expected to split time with lefty Jace Fry in the closing role, and could get a handful of saves for the rest of the season. Snag him if you need saves.
Francisco Liriano, SP, DET (6.1% owned)
Liriano has one more start on the docket, facing the Royals on Friday. Liriano has faced the Royals four times this year, holding them to a .177 batting average with a 2.28 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He’s worth a final stream for teams looking for a handful of good innings.
Spencer Turnbull, SP, DET (0.1% owned)
Turnbull will make his first major league start on Wednesday against the Twins. He had a solid big league debut in one inning of work against the Indians, and can run his fastball up to 96 with heavy arm side run. I think he’s worth a speculative stream on Wednesday.
Daniel Vogelbach, 1B, SEA (0.1% owned)
Two games, two dingers for Vogelbach in the last two days. Nelson Cruz is battling an illness, but with the Mariners nearly out of contention it’s possible the slugging first baseman could get a longer look going forward. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues who are still in contention.