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Closing Time: Last call on Kolten Wong

Closing Time: Last call on Kolten Wong

Kolten Wong is the most-added player in Yahoo's game over the last half-day, so many of you already read the memo. But the overall ownership tag is just 22 percent, so there's still work to be done.

Wong's minor-league pedigree showed a second basemen who could hit for average, work the count and steal bases. That's enough for mixed-league value on its own, but maybe there's more to the story. Wong has a surprising four homers since returning to the lineup last week (off a shoulder injury), part of a 7-for-19 burst. He's also stolen two bases over that span.

Wong was in the lower third of the order for his initial five games back, but he was promoted to the No. 2 spot for Friday's win at Milwaukee (1-for-5, homer). Batting position is something we pay keen attention to, but it's especially notable when the player's fantasy value is tied to his running ability. Wong saw plenty of time in the No. 2 slot back in May and June; now is his chance to take the role and run with it.

Do what you need to do. Wong can be a difference maker in the second half.

• Is there a Wiggy in Stephen Vogt's future? You'll have to wait a little longer to find out. But in the meantime, let's salute Oakland's out-of-nowhere stud, someone who's slashing .376/.407/.564 over 101 at-bats. Vogt clocked his fourth homer of the year in Friday's loss at Seattle, connecting off Felix Hernandez, of all people.

Vogt is one of our favorite roto work-arounds, a catcher-eligible player who isn't saddled with the daily burdens of the job. Oh, he'll still catch occasionally, but he's seeing more time at right field and first base. He's waiting for your call in 75 percent of Yahoo leagues.

• Conor Gillaspie's had a strange couple of years, but maybe the opposing returns are starting to mesh a little bit. Last year the story was power (13 homers in 408 at-bats), at the expense of average (.245). This season, it's been all average (over .300 all year) but without any pop. He didn't have a single homer entering July.

Ah, but something's clicked lately - Gillaspie has four homers over his last nine games. He went deep three times in the Boston series (love you, Fenway). A .323/.373/.482 slash will play in most formats, especially with the power coming out of hibernation. Gillaspie also qualifies at two positions, first and third base. He's unclaimed freight (it's great) in 88 percent of the Y. Put it on the board.

• Mets righty Jacob deGrom is still a work in progress, but he's also an intriguing half-ending streamer to consider. He's at home Sunday, up against Miami, and he's coming off a dazzling 11-strikeout effort (his fourth consecutive useful start). The strikeout rate is almost up to one per inning, and a 3.38 ERA sells itself. He's a fun watch, too, with a fastball over 93 mph and three other pitches he fiddles around with.

You're not scared of the Marlins on the road, are you? You can make the deGrom play in 86 percent of Yahoo leagues.