With only the American League East and National League Central division races primed for a close finish, let’s take a look at how the wild card standings are shaping up. In the AL, the New York Yankees sit atop the wild card standings by 3.5 games, followed by the Minnesota Twins. However, six teams are closely trailing the coattails of the Twins – the Los Angeles Angels (1.5 games), Seattle Mariners (1.5 games), Baltimore Orioles (2.0 games), Kansas City Royals (2.5 games), Tampa Bay Rays (3.0 games), and the Texas Rangers (3.0 games). Over in the NL, the Arizona Diamondbacks lead the wild card standings by 1.5 games, followed by the Colorado Rockies – both NL West teams. While the AL wild card race is much closer, only two teams are still somewhat in contention for the two wild card spots in the NL – the Milwaukee Brewers trail by 3.5 games while the Miami Marlins trail by 4.5 games. With a recap of the standings, here’s a look at the best MLB week 22 waiver wire pickups.
Kevin Kiermaier, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
While many people predicted that Kevin Kiermaier would have his breakout season this year, injuries have derailed him thus far. However, he’s back into the swing of things and currently batting atop the Rays’ lineup. In Kiermaier’s first four games back, he’s hit safely in all four while recording multi-hit games in three out of the four. So far on the season in 68 games started, Kiermaier has posted a .265/.332/.440 slash line with 10 HR, 28 RBI, 36 R, 11 2B, and 11 SB. Additionally, over his last eight games, Kiermaier has slashed .314/.351/.657 with 3 HR, 8 RBI, and 6 R. If he can continue to add a much-needed spark for the Rays, they might just find themselves sneaking into the second wild card spot.
Nick Delmonico, DH/LF/1B, Chicago White Sox
In only 22 games started this year, rookie Nick Delmonico has been a major bright spot for an otherwise lost season for the Chicago White Sox. In his limited sample size, Delmonico has posted a .307/.429/.573 slash line with 6 HR, 12 RBI, and 17 R. Additionally, Delmonico has reached base in 19 of his first 20 games played, set a team record by reaching base safely in his first 13 games, while also being the first White Sox player to hit 6 HR in his first 19 games – not a bad start at all. He has absolutely tormented right-handed pitchers, posting a slash line of .339/.431/.625. Although Delmonico will likely not be able to keep up this type of production, anything can happen with the 2017 regular season soon coming to an end.
Wilson Ramos, C, Tampa Bay Rays
Another Ray makes this week’s waiver wire in catcher Wilson Ramos. Although Ramos has only posted a slash line to-date of .243/.283/.382, he’s been rounding into form after recovering from ACL surgery. Over the last two weeks, he’s posted a slash line of .444/.500/.639 with a .452 BABIP, 2 HR, 5 RBI, and 6 R in only nine games started. While other catchers will be feeling the effects of playing in September, Ramos will be well rested and will likely be able to continue his torrid pace.
The Rays looked like they might be a playoff contender earlier this year but they have faded. They are currently 65-67 on the season and nine games out of first place in the American League East. However, they are only three games out of a wild card spot.
Luis Castillo, SP, Cincinnati Reds
With the Cincinnati Reds desperate for a viable starting pitcher, rookie Luis Castillo has been a positive revelation. While his 2-7 record is anything but desirable, it is important to look beyond a pitcher’s win-loss record and dig deeper. Castillo has posted a 3.26 ERA, 3.98 FIP, 1.14 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9 while only allowing batters to slash .208/.293/.372. However, he has looked much better over the past month, although failing to earn a win, which falls less on him than on the Reds as a team. While posting a 2.76 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, opponents have struggled to hit Castillo, slashing .178/.291/.307. All signs are pointing to Castillo having an above average season next year, so pick him up for the remainder of the regular season while you still have the chance.
The MLB season is in full swing, so if you’re looking at betting lines, in-game betting and World Series futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI
