You know what? After talking about wins last week, it’s time to get back on the offensive side of the ball. Let’s talk batting average. A high batting average can likely help in other categories, but moreover, we are going to pick up some hot hitters who are seeing beach balls when they are up at the plate. Finish the week off strong with some streaky hitters to make a final push in the category for the scoring week.

Batting Average

Tim Beckham, SS BAL – Beckham is a streaky hitter, but right now, he’s on the right side of the meter, if you know what I mean. He has 30 hits in his last 62 at-bats. In the 36 at-bats before, he had just five hits. Just how long can he maintain this torrid pace? I don’t know, but he’ll be on my fantasy team until that time happens. The trade to Baltimore not only looks like a genius move by the Orioles, but it could rejuvenate Beckham’s career. He couldn’t figure it out with the Rays, but he’s figured it out, and then some, during his brief time in Baltimore. Through 15 games with his new team, he’s slashing .484/.500/.855 with four home runs, 10 RBI and a would-be career low strikeout percentage of 17.2 percent. He’s aided by a BABIP of .553 with the Orioles, but who the hell cares!? Look at these numbers, people! His ownership percentage is skyrocketing, so if he’s still available in your league, you need to get him. Listen, I’m not going to tell you how to live your life, but I will tell you to go add Beckham.

Eddie Rosario, OF MIN – Over the last two weeks, Rosario is as hot as they come in Major League Baseball. During this 15-day span, Rosario has not only hit five bombs, but he’s hitting .354 (17-for-48) with 12 runs scored. He’s getting regular playing time and has recorded three multi-hit games in his last five contests. Rosario almost hit .290 in the first half of the year, but through about 30 games in the second half, Rosario boasts an excellent .323 batting average. August has been kind to him, as his .354 average would easily be the highest of his 2017 campaign. His numbers are right in line with his career norms, minus his power, so whilst there could be some regression in power and average, the drop off shouldn’t be too steep. The Minnesota outfielder should be able to maintain a more than respectable batting average the rest of the way. His ownership percentage is creeping towards 50 percent, and rightfully so.

Howie Kendrick, 2B/OF WSH – Kendrick was toiling in and out of the lineup, but recent performances and the injury to Bryce Harper seemed to have open more frequent time for Kendrick. Right now, he’s seeing the ball well, including homering three times in as many games. He’s hitting .441 over the last 15 days and he’s making it hard for Dusty Baker to keep his name off the lineup card. Kendrick has been a tough out this year, as seen by his outstanding .783 OPS with two strikes in the count. When a southpaw is on the mound, Kendrick is a near lock for a spot in the starting lineup. Not only can teammate Adam Lind not hit lefties, but Kendrick has a well-hit average of .298 against southpaws, which is more than 140 points above the average for part-time hitters. He’s owned in just 15 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. That number should rise in the coming days, so don’t miss out on the Howie Kendrick sweepstakes.

C.J. Cron, 1B LAA – It’s been a trying year for Cron to say the least. After a near-.280 average and 16 long balls in 2016, Cron is hitting just .260 with nine home runs through 58 games in 2017. His role has been altered on numerous occasions throughout the year and while it could likely change again, his recent performance has allowed him to maintain a spot in the lineup. Cron is hitting .372 through 11 August games and his four home runs thus far are already his high in any month this season. There’s no real split disadvantages for Cron this season, but it’s not like he’s been truly spectacular against lefties or righties. Cron is making harder contact this year than last year and he’s dispersing the ball similar to last year, but the big problem lies in the strikeouts. In 116 games last year, he struck out just 75 times. This year, he’s punched out 45 times in 58 games. His strikeout percentage of 21.6 would be the second highest of his career. With all that in mind, there is optimism for Cron moving forward. He’s batting .395 against righties since the All-Star break and he’s making better contact of late. Add him while he’s hot, ladies and gents.