Fantasy baseball waiver wire: It’s time to pick up Seattle’s Kyle Lewis

May 27, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kyle Lewis (1) rounds third base after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kyle Lewis (1) rounds third base after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Lewis was activated by the Seattle Mariners ahead of Friday’s game against the Houston Astros. Now it’s time for you to grab him off the waiver wire if he is still available in your fantasy baseball league.

Fantasy baseball waiver wire: If Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners is available, pick him up

Lewis may have gone 0-for-3 in his first game back after suffering a concussion due to being hit in the head by a pitch from Houston starter Jose Urquidy on May 28, but his return to the field is a positive sign for a Seattle Mariners team that is looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2001.

During that 0-for-3 performance, don’t forget that Lewis was this close to likely plating two runs in a pivotal eighth inning before Jeremy Peña made an incredible play. That would have made his return and line score much more appealing.

The 27-year-old Lewis didn’t make his 2022 debut until May 24 while dealing with ongoing knee issues that prematurely ended his 2021 season. He played in just four games before suffering the concussion, so Lewis has not been able to be a part of Seattle’s success before this season’s All-Star break. However, that should change in the coming days as he is expected to slowly work his way back into the Seattle lineup, with a mix of playing in the outfield and serving as the team’s designated hitter.

In his 10 rehab games prior to being activated by the Mariners in time for Friday’s game, Lewis punished High-A and Triple-A pitching, posting a .261/.400/.913 slash line with five home runs. With career MLB batting numbers of .256/.341/.454 in 117 games (425 at-bats), Lewis has shown he can be productive when healthy, and the Mariners will give him every chance to return to his spot in right field when they are fully confident in his health.

Entering Friday, Lewis was rostered in just 13.2 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a player who will be given every chance to fit into a Seattle lineup pushing for the postseason.

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Plenty of fantasy baseball owners have ignored Lewis or shied away from him because of his extensive injury history, but now is the time to put that in the past and see what he can do to boost your fantasy team’s outfield.