Cesar Hernandez: Waiver Wire Pickup
By Bill Pivetz
Jul 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) hits a bunt single during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies do not have much to cheer for. The team is in last place in the NL East. Players are hurt and their best pitcher might be traded soon. Despite all of that, there is hope for the future. Cesar Hernandez is playing well and should be picked up for your fantasy team.
In his first two seasons, Hernandez hit one home run, 14 RBI and a .264 batting average. For most of the 2015 season, he’s been a pinch hitter with brief appearances at second base. Now, with Chase Utley out, Hernandez has opened up some eyes.
This season, he has one home run, 18 RBI, a 31:22 K:BB rate and a .285 batting average. Since taking over the starting second base job (12 games), he has three doubles, one triple, eight RBI, six stolen bases and a .420 batting average. He will remain the second baseman until Utley returns at the end of July. What happens then, nobody knows.
Hernandez has six multi-hit games, including two three-hit and one four-hit games during this stretch of games. With the Phillies offense not putting up the numbers in previous seasons, Hernandez is doing everything he can to help.
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Hernandez isn’t known as a power hitter, .335 slugging percentage, he gets on base. His OBP is about 90 higher than his batting average, .374 and .285 respectively.
An added benefit to picking up Hernandez is his position eligibility. In ESPN.com leagues, he is eligible at second base, shortstop and outfield. Shortstop is the worst fantasy position this season, so adding Hernandez can help your team some.
There’s no remorse in dropping him if he gets demoted when Utley returns. You drop a bench player to ride the hot streak of Hernandez and then drop him when his playing time is no more.
Cesar Hernandez has been a top pick up. Over the last week, he’s been added in 40.7 percent of ESPN leagues. He has the playing time, for now, and providing stats across the board. He is worth the add in deeper leagues.