Week 5 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Smaller Leagues

Despite being named NL Player of the Week late last month, Ruiz continues to fly under the radar. The backstop has raised his average up to .297 on the year and he currently has a jaw-dropping .416 OBP. Chooch can be a serviceable fantasy option in any format.

Ownership: 40.4% (ESPN)

Ever since heading to the Rays something has clicked for Loney. In 183 games in Tampa, Loney has posted an impressive .299 batting average (192-642). He has become a much more patent hitter and is finally seeing everyday at-bats. As a result, he has emerged as a reliable low-end option and deserves to be owned in more than 40% of ESPN formats.

Ownership: 40.8% (ESPN)

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

Ownership: 31.7% (ESPN)

Aybar has always been a sporadic hitter, but he appears to be in one of his hot streaks. The stopgap has shockingly racked up five multi-hit performances over the last nine games and he has scored 10 runs in the process. The stopgap has raised his average up to .280 and always makes solid contact.

Ownership: 66.4% (ESPN)

Uribe has continued his power surge from late last season. The veteran has now slugged nine home runs in his last 51 games stretching back to last year. Uribe is doing with his bat this year as well, as he is currently has a robust .327 batting average. He has developed into a low-end starter at the hot corner and is a must-start when he is swinging the bat like this.


Ownership: 44.2% (ESPN)

Viciedo has been quietly putting together a breakout season. The outfielder is currently second in the AL with a .348 batting average and has added a respectable .410 OBP. He has smacked 11 doubles through the first 26 games and the Tank is starting to pick up some momentum.

Ownership: 47% (ESPN)

Hammel is finally getting some recognition this week for his hot start. He has a 4-1 record with a glimmering 2.08 ERA and 0.69 WHIP. He has also pitched seven innings in four straight starts and the veteran has become a legitimate hurler. If you have been ignoring Hammel all year, it is time to finally pick him up.

Ownership: 53.0% (ESPN)

Slick Wily has a sizzling 2.56 ERA through his first five starts of the 2014 season. The fireballer has averaged 95.2 MPH on his heater and he has been baffling opposing hitters all year. The 24-year-old is one of the best young pitchers in fantasy, and while his ERA will likely start to creep towards 3.00, he has proven that he can be a reliable low-end stater.

Ownership: 47.8% (ESPN)

The Angels started the year with Ernesto Frieri as their closer. He unfortunately lost the job after two losses, two blown saves, and a 7.59 ERA. Smith will now have control of the ball in the ninth inning and the control specialist will instantly have fantasy value. Smith will be the full-time closer for the Halos until further notice, so don’t be afraid to add him in all formats.

Ownership: 63.9% (ESPN)