Week 5 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Larger Leagues

Saltalamacchia has really shined down in Miami this year. Salty has crushed four homers in the last 11 games and has suddenly emerged as a respectable power option from behind the plate. Saltalamacchia is seriously worth a look in leagues with 10-plus owners.

Ownership: 8.2% (ESPN)

Dunn has never been a reliable hitter for average, as he has a career .239 average, but he will always be a source of power when in the lineup. The veteran has already slugged five home runs this year and he has been a surprising source of walks as well (.402 OBP). If you need a power hitter to bring up your home run/walk totals, Dunn can be an instant upgrade.

Ownership: 27.1% (ESPN)

Infante has been a hitting machine lately. In 25 games, Infante has a .289 average and he has shockingly racked up 19 RBIs. He has become a very reliable option in one of the most underrated set of sticks on baseball. Infante will likely hit the wall or end up on the shelf at some point, but take advantage of his hot-streak while you can.

Ownership: 31.7% (ESPN)

Escobar has quietly developed into a low-end fantasy shortstop. He has raised his average up to .286 and the speedster will always be a source of stolen bases (5 SBs). He isn’t a top-five option, but he can pull his weight as a top-10 option.

Ownership: 43.7% (ESPN)

Castellanos has been a popular prospect for some time, but he finally won an everyday job in Detroit at the hot corner. Through 20 games, the 22-year-old has slugged three homers and racked up 14 RBIs. He is starting to see the ball very well and he is about to go on a real tear. If you need a backup 3B, or even a low-end option, grab Nicky C this week.

Ownership: 29.2% (ESPN)

Byrd is riding a five-game hitting streak and the veteran has managed to raise his average up to .277. He is also showing his typical power, as he has three homers and 17 RBIs on the year. As long as Byrd is healthy, he will be a 20 HR-80 RBI threat.

Ownership: 35.2% (ESPN)

After a very uninspiring start to the 2014 season (1-3), Kennedy has started to turn things around. The right-hander has recorded a 1.39 ERA over his last two starts (13 IP) and has struck out 15 batters. Kennedy is finally pitching like a reliable option; so don’t be afraid to add him as an end-of-the-rotation arm.

Ownership: 34.4% (ESPN)

Eovaldi has pitched like an All-Star over the last month. In his last three starts (19 IP), the fireballer has recorded a sizzling 0.947 ERA. He has become a master at inducing ground-ball outs and has now recorded 61 ground balls outs compared to 47 fly-ball outs. Eovaldi will be a steal off the wire right now.

Ownership: 32.5% (ESPN)

Melancon will step into the full-time closer role with Jason Grilli on the DL with a oblige injury. Melancon filled in for Grilli last year and the veteran closed out 16 games in his stead. He likely won’t have the job for more than a couple weeks, but every closer is worth owning in larger fantasy leagues.

Ownership: 57.9% (ESPN)