Patrick McDermott/Getty Images. Pictured: Kolten Wong #16 of the Milwaukee Brewers.
It took longer than in 2020, but Jose Abreu is out here leading the way in the RBI streets. The 2020 A.L. MVP is the poster child for RBI’s showcasing opportunity over talent, but Abreu may go down as one of the best in recent vintage to put the ball in play when runs need to be scored.
He is 7th in White Sox history in RBI’s in 1,083 games despite playing on some offensively lean teams. Frank Thomas averaged an RBI once every 1.33 games, slightly ahead of Abreu’s 1.41 pace.
If Abreu had started his major league career prior to his age 27 season, it would not have been unfathomable to think he would be the greatest run producer in White Sox history.
Pick Them Up
Myles Straw – OF/SS, Cleveland Indians
Yahoo: 57%, ESPN: 43%
It took two months but Straw is officially in the 50% rostership club. His arrival in Cleveland has boosted his numbers and solidified their centerfield conundrum. Straw’s run production has risen the past two weeks and he has collected four stolen bases since being acquired from Houston. 22 steals on the waiver wire are inexcusable.
Kolten Wong – 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Yahoo: 42%, ESPN: 51%
Injuries are piling up amongst Brewers infielders, locking in Wong’s role at second base. A weekend series against the Twins is promising and his bat will play during Milwaukee’s road series in San Francisco. Wong had a three-game multi-hit streak snapped August 25.
Frank Schwindel – 1B/OF, Chicago Cubs
Yahoo: 37%, ESPN: 21%
Four hits, four runs, and three walks will play, even on a dreadful Cubs roster. Tough not to like the later career breakout for the 29-year old.
Worth A Look
Jazz Chisholm Jr. – 2B, Miami Marlins
Yahoo: 59%, ESPN: 51%
That bat has been hit-or-miss more than I would like, but three stolen bases this week have kept him in the waiver periphery.
Cesar Hernandez – 2B, Chicago White Sox
Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 42%
Hernandez has reached base in five of his last six games and ended an eight-game RBI drought August 26 against Toronto. He is batting at the top of the lineup against righties and towards the middle against lefties, giving Hernandez the opportunity to score and drive in runs weekly.
Nick Solak – 2B/3B/OF, Texas Rangers
Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 46%
After a month in the minors, Solak has returned with vengeance. In four games, he has six hits, one home run, three RBI’s and a stolen base.
Short-Term Solutions
Aledmys Diaz – 1B/2B/3B/OF, Houston Astros
Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 27%
Diaz is filling the super utility role for the Astros and has rewarded management’s faith in him with a six-game hitting streak and has reached base in 18-of-21 August games.
Brandon Nimmo – OF, New York Mets
Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 42%
The fading Mets at least have Nimmo playing well, right? Nimmo’s recent play has lifted his batting average, on-base percentage, and BABIP to career-highs which is why Nimmo is a good fill-in for the next 7-10 days. The Mets have the Nationals and Marlins next on their schedule.
I Am Skeptical
Bobby Dalbec – 1B/3B, Boston Red Sox
Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 9%
The addition and rumors of putting Kyle Schwarber at first base had led to one good game for Dalbec. Prior to his seven-RBI outburst August 26, Dalbec had not driven in a run since August 14 when he ended his four-game streak that included 12 RBI’s. Not a fan of chasing peak games.