Fantasy: 3 players to target on waivers

Every Sunday, theScore's MLB editors will shed light on three potential targets to claim on the waiver wire in your fantasy league in a player-versus-player format.

*Players must be owned in 30 percent or less of Yahoo fantasy leagues to qualify.

Andre Ethier vs. Angel Pagan

Andre Ethier has taken full advantage of his extended playing time since Yasiel Puig landed on the disabled list. With the Cuban outfielder still weeks away from returning, expect Ethier to continue to be a regular presence in the lineup. A subject of trade rumors all offseason, Ethier is hitting .306 through 39 games and his five home runs already give him one more than last season - in 233 less at-bats. The 33-year-old has been a focal point in the Los Angeles Dodgers' offense, recording six extra-base hits, seven RBIs and nine runs scored this month.

Angel Pagan's grit and determination may not benefit your fantasy team as it does the San Francisco Giants, but that doesn't mean the 33-year-old can't bring value. Pagan has been a key cog in manager Bruce Bochy's lineup, hitting at the top of the order. While his speed isn't what it used to be, Pagan is still quick enough to stretch hits for extra bases, as evidenced by his seven doubles and three triples in 42 games. Pagan offers little power, and injuries have always been a concern. Keep an eye on a lower-back injury that has already cost him a handful of games.

Pick: While Ethier's job isn't guaranteed when Puig comes back, given the injury history of the Dodgers' outfield, it's a safe bet he'll still receive his fair share of at-bats. Pagan's speed advantage isn't enough to make up for Ethier's power, making Ethier the more attractive fantasy option.

Nathan Karns vs. Jimmy Nelson

Unrelenting injuries to the Tampa Bay Rays' rotation has opened the door for 27-year-old Nathan Karns. While the team might skip the occasional start to limit his innings, Karns appears to be in the Rays' plans for the season. The right-hander has been exceptional over his past five starts, going 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 26 strikeouts. He's allowed two or fewer runs in six of nine starts and is averaging almost a strikeout per inning.

Jimmy Nelson has emerged as one of the Milwaukee Brewers' best young arms. The right-hander has struggled to pick up wins, going 2-4 on the season, though it isn't a result of pitching poorly. Nelson owns a 3.49 ERA across four starts this month, holding the opposition to a .212 average. Though he's been susceptible to the home run ball - five over his last three starts - his 1.11 WHIP is tops among Brewers starters.

Pick: Karns has hit his stride over his last five starts and is expected to collect more wins as he's the benefactor of playing on a much better team. Karns' strikeout numbers are also better than Nelson's, and given the lengthy injuries to Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly, he's expected to remain in the rotation for the rest of the season, taking away what would have been Nelson's biggest advantage.

Nick Hundley vs. Caleb Joseph

Caleb Joseph has done a tremendous job filling in as Matt Wieters' injury replacement with the Baltimore Orioles. But with the three-time All-Star set to return early next month, Joseph's playing time could decrease. Manager Buck Showalter is, however, likely to ease Wieters back after a year-long absence, so Joseph may continue to play a major role for the time being. After a red-hot April that saw him hit .327, Joseph has slowed in May, hitting .224 - though, he does have five extra-base hits and 10 RBIs.

After spending last season with the Orioles, Nick Hundley has taken full advantage of hitting at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies. The 31-year-old boasts a .301 average - he hit .243 last season - and is on pace to equal his career-high with 13 home runs. Hundley's hitting .321 with seven extra-base hits at home and has the fourth-highest average among catchers.

Pick: While Joseph's playing time is likely dwindling, Hundley has a lock on the starter's job in Colorado and is on pace to reach career highs in almost every statistical category. Though both catchers have comparable numbers now, the discrepancy in playing time in the coming months makes Hundley the more attractive option.