In many leagues, the semifinal round of the fantasy baseball playoffs are halfway finished. That’s right, just one week remains before managers will win their matchup and play for the right to be called fantasy baseball champions. Before some can get there, though, a miracle or two might be in order. If that is the case, don’t lose hope just yet. Even now, there are widely available players on the waiver wire that can mean the difference between advancing and going home. Of course, that is where this fantasy baseball semifinal waivers edition comes into focus.

Those that have read my articles throughout the season know that I welcome discussion and debate. Once again, that is the case here. Let me hear you! Additionally, as has been the case from the very beginning, all roster percentages are taken from ESPN. Last, but not least, best to everyone as this semifinal week comes to an end. Let’s get down to business!

Mauricio Dubon, 2B, SS, OF, Houston Astros, 11.1% Rostered

When looking at the American League West Standings, it should come as no surprise that the Houston Astros are first in the division. It took a little longer than expected, but here they are. One of the reasons they have risen to take the lead is the play of Mauricio Dubon. He has been steady all year, but has really stepped it up of late.

Over the past seven days, Dubon has hit .318 with two homers and three RBIs. Further, he has seven hits and scored four runs. Those in points leagues will be happy to know he has 17 points in that time. For the year, Dubon is hitting .275-9-40 with 117 hits and 69 runs. His 13.6 SO% is below his career percentage (15.8) and well below the league average (27.9). He has risen his SLG% from last year’s .404 to .636.

For certain, Dubon was an unlucky player last season, as his .222 BAbip indicates. This season, it is up to .301. He should have no issues maintaining that the rest of the way. Of course, the best news is that Dubon hits in a very good Houston lineup, which will afford him many opportunities to build his stats, both in real and fantasy baseball. That statement is true, even with Dubon hitting in the lower part of the order. He plays many positions, which increases his fantasy value. If infield or outfield is a team need, add Dubon to the roster.

Mark Canha, 1B, OF, DH, Milwaukee Brewers, 7.3% Rostered

When looking at the hottest hitters currently in baseball, undoubtedly, Mark Canha ranks at the very top. Unbelievably, he has escaped the notice of most managers in fantasy baseball, as his roster percentage clearly indicates. He is below 10 percent rostered, yet in his last seven days, Canha is hitting a robust .450, with nine hits, four RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. He has hits in 13 of his last 14 games, including six 2-hit games and a 3-hit game.

Even more eye opening, he has 22 fantasy points in the last week. Certainly, anyone in a points league will take that. On the season, Canha has a .263-9-48 batting line. His 132 OPS+ is his highest since 2019. His bat has really come alive after being acquired by Milwaukee. In New York, his SO% was 17.2. While with the Brewers, he has cut that down to 12.7, which is far below the league average (22.1). At the same time, Canha has maintained his walk rate (10.5) just above his career average (10.1).

The Milwaukee offense is blazing hot. Just ask the Yankees, as the Brewers scored 17 runs in the first two games of their weekend set. In the first nine days of September, the team has scored seven or more runs five times. Canha is hitting in the middle of that lineup. His eligibility at first and the outfield add to his value. If a manager is looking for offense, adding Canha ranks as the highest recommendation on this fantasy baseball semifinal waivers edition.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, 3B,DH, Cincinnati Reds

While not quite as hot as Canha, Christian Encarnacion-Strand is producing some impressive numbers of his own. In his past seven games, Encarnacion-Strand is hitting an impressive .348. In his last 10 contests, he has two 2-hit games, a 3-hit game and an incredible 4-4 night. For the season, he is hitting .265-6-22 with a .317/.412 slash line. In the minors, his slash averages of .386 and .604 indicate he can improve on both as he gains more experience.

Additionally, Encarnacion-Strand possesses impressive power potential. He hit 32 home runs during three minor league stops last season. As with most home run hitters, he tends to strike out a lot. Those managers weighing adding Encarnacion-Strand need to be aware of that. However, his other stats will overcome that deficiency.

As with the three above, his eligibility at three positions only enhances his value. If the first two players are not available, adding Encarnacion-Strand will strengthen a roster almost as well. If the need exists, don’t hesitate to make a move on him.

Mike Clevinger, SP, Chicago White Sox, 15.1% Rostered

This needs to be said right up front on this fantasy baseball semifinal waivers edition. Unquestionably, Adding Mike Clevinger to a fantasy roster is a risky maneuver. However, if a manager is trailing by a significant amount and needs a boost, Clevinger is a target worth a dart throw. Just glance at who he matches up with on Wednesday and you will understand. That team would be the Kansas City Royals.

Often, the matchup is almost or just as important as how someone is playing. That is the case here. Except for stolen bases (4th), the Royal offense has been MIA all season. They rank 25th or lower in runs, home runs, RBIs, walks and OPS. Further, they are 20th or lower in average, hits and slugging. Any pitcher going against them is worth a close examination.

As for Clevinger himself, he is coming off one of his most impressive starts of the season. Pitching against Detroit, he went seven innings, allowing no runs on three hits while striking out seven and walking none. This is the same Tigers team that blasted him for eight runs in four innings in his previous start. That is what I mean by starting him is risky. 

If it makes a manager feel better, in the start before that, Clevinger was masterful. He shut Oakland down completely on a single hit in seven innings. Further, he struck out 10 and walked two in that game. In his last five starts, he has pitched seven innings in three of them.

On the year, Clevinger is 7-7 with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. His ERA is a big improvement over his final season in San Diego (4.33). Without question, he doesn’t get much help from the dysfunctional team he plays for. Even so, Clevinger can be counted on to build some strong stats against the Royals. As stated at the top, if a miracle is needed, swing for the fences, so to speak, with Clevinger. What is there to lose?

Logan Allen, SP, Cleveland Guardians, 13.8% Rostered

Even though the Giants are in the playoff hunt, their offense leaves little to fear. As that is the case, Logan Allen is worthy of attention from managers in the final week of the semifinals of fantasy baseball. San Francisco ranks 22nd or worse in runs, hits, average, OBP, SLG and dead last in steals. The only aspect at the plate they are good at is not striking out, ranking fifth best in baseball.

As for Allen, don’t look for him to go deep into the game, as he has pitched just five innings in each of his last two starts. However, he did put up a solid line against the Angels his last time out: one run on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Best of all, he was credited with the win. A similar stat line can be expected from Allen against the Giants on Wednesday.

For the season, Allen is 7-7 with a 3.68 ERA. Most likely, the Guardians will be eliminated from playoff contention soon enough and Allen’s season will be over. Even so, that is not a concern going into the game against the Giants this week. Pitch him if needed in this game and then cut him immediately after. That may seem harsh, but it is a solid fantasy strategy.

Other Options to Look Into:

Wade Miley, SP, Milwaukee Brewers, 13.2% Rostered,

Brusdar Graterol, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers, 7.2% Rostered

CJ Abrams, SS, Washington Nationals, 27% Rostered

Zack Gelof, 2B, Oakland A’s, 15.5% Rostered

Enrique Hernandez, 2B, SS, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers, 7.3% Rostered

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy baseball semifinal waivers edition! Again, as stated at the top, I always welcome suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss!

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Lastly, the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show will be live next Sunday night, September 17 at 8 eastern. We will thoroughly cover the championship round of fantasy baseball. Make sure to tune in on whatever social platform you use!