Welcome to Pickup of the Day, where every weekday we’ll pick an under-the-radar player whose immediate value is on the rise. The idea here is to identify a starter who can give you some solid innings off the scrap heap, a talented backup who’s been given a chance because of a starter’s injury, an unheralded regular with a favorable matchup, or a potential breakout player who’s starting to put it together. Unlike regular waiver-wire advice, Pickup of the Day is geared more towards interim success, but hopefully we’ll have the intuition to help you snag a waiver-wire gem a few times this season.
Since Mike Napoli was dealt to the Rangers last week, Travis Shaw has found himself seeing the bulk of the playing time at first base for the Red Sox. The 25-year-old has been outstanding in limited action for the Red Sox this season, slashing .326/.362/.628 with four homers and seven RBI in 43 at-bats, including a pair of home runs in Friday’s rout of the Mariners. Depending on the league format, he may also have eligibility at third base and in the outfield, making him a nice utility player who should be in the lineup on a nightly basis. For someone who can be snatched off the waiver wire for virtually no cost, he’s an interesting addition in deeper mixed leagues.
