Alex Rios has been one of the most disappointing fantasy outfielders this year but don’t bet against him in the second half of the season.
Analysis: Alex Rios’ awful season comes down to one thing completely out of his control and that thing is BABIP. Rios’ .216 BABIP is 92 points below his career average. If Alex’s BABIP was in line with his career average he would be hitting over .280 but all he can do is continue to put the ball in play and with some luck it will fall at a more consistent rate. Rios’ walk rate is in line with his career mark and his strikeout rate is actually at a career low of 10.5%. Rios is owned in just sixty percent of fantasy leagues nationwide and it’s a huge mistake to let a guy of his talent go. Against the Tigers Sunday Rios recorded his first multi hit game in over two weeks while knocking in one run and scoring another. Very few outfielders possess the power-speed combination that Rios has and if he’s available in your fantasy league snatch the slugger up.
Projection: Expect a .270 batting average, seven bombs and ten swipes in Rios’ remaining games.