Carlos Ruiz, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Following a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has finally made his 2013 season debut. As an All-Star last season, Ruiz hit .325 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs in just 114 games. Obviously his numbers could be slightly elevated given the circumstances, but expect “Chooch” to be an above-average catcher from this point on. A career .275 hitter, he immediately returns as the Phil’s starting backstop, hitting fifth in Charlie Manuel’s lineup. The 34-year-old went 1-for-4 with a double on Monday, already giving his new fantasy owners a small glimpse of promise.

Nate Schierholtz, OF, Chicago Cubs

Giants fans sure remember Nate Schierholtz for his BIG arm and terrific glove out in San Francisco’s treacherous right field. Now as a member of the Cubs, it’s “Nate the Great’s” bat that has landed him in this weeks’ waiver article. Since being traded from Philadelphia to the Windy City, Schierholtz is hitting .296 with 3 bombs and 9 RBIs. This is a good sign considering that he has averaged just a hand full of home runs each year since joining the Big Leagues in 2007. Don’t expect Schierholtz to rip the cover off of the ball, but there’s nothing wrong with having a guy batting around .300 coming off of your bench.

Top 2013 Fantasy Baseball Waivers - Nick Tepesch

Nick Tepesch, SP, Texas Rangers

With the brilliant season that Yu Darvish continues to put together out in Texas, you could say that his teammate and fellow starting pitcher Nick Tepesch tends to get lost in the shuffle. The 24-year-old right-hander returned from last weeks injury (right wrist contusion), holding the Twins to just one earned run in six and two-thirds innings, picking up his second win of the season. The former 14th-round draft pick didn’t exactly blaze through the minor leagues, but the Rangers must be thrilled with his stingy 2.53 earned run average and ability to pitch for ground balls. With the devastating injury to Matt Harrison, Tepesch’s contribution has been huge for his pitching staff. Owners should ride with Tepesch while his fantasy production continues, but don’t be alarmed if and when reality appears to catch up with him.

Travis Wood, SP, Chicago Cubs

Cubs left-hander Travis Wood is having quite a respectable start to the 2013 campaign. If numbers don’t lie, Wood’s are certainly beginning to tell the truth. Owned in only 23 percent of ESPN leagues, the 26-year-old has posted a 2-1 record with a 2.25 ERA. Through 5 starts (32 innings), he has a 23:11 strikeout to walk ratio to go along with his sub-1.00 WHIP. We all know that the Cubs aren’t going to supply him with a ton of run support, not to mention how terrible their bullpen has been, but if pitching depth is desperately needed on your fantasy squad, I’d keep him in consideration.

Mark Ellis, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis seems to be owning National League pitching this year, hitting a flashy .342 with 10 runs scored and 11 RBIs. Not normally known for his offense, Ellis doesn’t usually display much power (2 homeruns), but he appears to be seeing the ball quite well this year. Now in his 11th season, the veteran has missed the past few games while nursing a quad injury, but is considered day-to-day at this point. I would pick him up if he returns to the field sooner than later, knowing that his numbers are solid for a second baseman, which is a tough position to fill in fantasy baseball.

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