Lose a stud bat to injury and need a fill-in in a pinch? Tired of that dead weight in your utility spot and looking to catch lightning in a bottle? Scott White has 10 recommendations for the upcoming scoring period, all rostered in less than 85 percent of CBS Sports leagues. They're not must-starts by any means, but they're the best you'll be able to do off the waiver wire.
All information is up to date as of Sunday afternoon.
Sleeper hitters for Week 15 (July 11-17)
It's true that Pasquantino hasn't delivered on the hype yet, but he's making a ton of contact and delivering top-shelf exit velocities. As long as that continues, it's only a matter of time, and an eight-game week that includes four games against the Tigers pitching staff seems like the right time.
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Greene is another recent call-up whose underlying numbers paint a much rosier outlook than the actual production. The plate discipline has been excellent, and he's moved up to the leadoff spot recently, putting him in position to take advantage of an eight-game week with some favorable hitter matchups.
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Paredes has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball over the past couple weeks, is eligible at three different positions, and gets to enjoy a seven-game slate that concludes with three games against Orioles pitchers. He's also been particularly productive at home, despite Tropicana Field's reputation, and that's where the Rays will spend the entire week.
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Cooper is in the 90th percentile for expected batting average and has been batting over .330 since the start of June, making him a gimme in a week with four games against the Pirates pitching staff.
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The Braves' matchups are merely so-so this week, but Harris' roster rate is nearing a point where I can no longer get away with calling him a sleeper. So here's once more, for old time's sake. The power/speed combo is too enticing to pass up, particularly from a hitter who doesn't beat himself with strikeouts.
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Lowe has been so hot for the past month, batting .324 (35 for 108) with seven homers and a .956 OPS, that I'd rather not get caught up in the matchups, which are merely OK. Bottom line is he deserves more attention than he's getting, particularly since this hot streak coincides with an improved launch angle.
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Voit has cooled off again after showing signs of life in mid-June. One of the venues that got him going then was Coors Field, where he went 5 for 10 with a home run and four doubles. The Padres are returning there for four games this week.
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Reyes' power stroke appears to be coming around with four home runs already in July. Strikeouts remain an issue, but having eight games on the schedule this week, including four against the Tigers pitching staff, gives him a greater margin for error.
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The Rays have been giving Ramirez more run lately, and he's responded with a bunch of multi-hit games. Statcast says it's no fluke either, putting him in the 98th percentile for xBA. A seven-game schedule, including three against the Orioles, makes Week 15 a good time to try him out.
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The Rockies' leadoff hitter remains an easy recommendation whenever they're home for an entire week, as is true in Week 15. Joe himself hasn't delivered much power in the most hitter-friendly environment in baseball, but he's reached base at a near-.400 clip, putting him in a position to be driven in by the big bats behind him.
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Best hitter matchups for Week 15
1. White Sox @CLE4, @MIN4
2. Royals DET4, @TOR4
3. Padres @COL4, ARI3
4. Tigers @KC4, @CLE4
5. Guardians CHW4, DET4
Worst hitter matchups for Week 15
1. Angels HOU3, LAD2
2. Nationals SEA2, ATL4
3. Twins MIL2, CHW4
4. Brewers @MIN2, @SF4
5. Reds @NYY3, @STL3
