Fantasy baseball: Finding nuggets in the bargain bin

While most fans are focused on teams still in the playoff chase, fantasy owners understand the benefit of trolling the rosters of the also-rans. Staff writer Tim Hubbard looks at some newer talent currently on display in the MLB’s outposts.

Scooter Gennett

2B | Milwaukee

Amid the Ryan Braun turmoil and disappointing 59-75 record before Saturday, Milwaukee is having a season to forget. But all is not blue with the Brew Crew, as the emergence of Gennett and shortstop Jean Segura could give them a strong middle infield for years to come. Since taking over for the injured and woeful Rickie Weeks (.209, 24 RBIs in 350 at-bats), Gennett has been a hitting machine, particularly since the All-Star break. In the second half, Gennett is hitting .405 with four homers in 74 at-bats, and his 1.073 OPS is tops among second basemen during that stretch.

Darin Ruf

1B-OF | Philadelphia

Ryan Howard’s knee injury opened the door for Ruf, who has shown nice power, with 11 home runs in just 168 at-bats before Saturday. On the downside, the 27-year-old had knocked in only 20 runs, the byproduct of his team’s offensive limitations and his .138 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Tyson Ross

SP | San Diego

The right-hander, who grew up in Berkeley and pitched at Cal, added a changeup to his arsenal in an effort to become a full-time starter and it’s paying off. Since the All-Star break, Ross is 3-3 with a 2.53 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP, while averaging more than a strikeout per inning.

tim.hubbard@latimes.com

Twitter: @timhubbardLAT