2014 Fantasy Baseball Playoffs: 5 Must-Start Sticks In Round 1

Vargas was a spring call up that didn’t receive much attention, but the slugger has been crushing the ball. The rookie has an impressive .321 batting average in 20 games this season and has shockingly added 17 RBIs. If ever there was a time to get this power-hitter active, it is in the first round of the playoffs.

Round 1 Starts: 6 (KC, BAL)

A popular sleeper this season, Calhoun has finally become a reliable fantasy option. Calhoun has a gaudy .370 batting average (20-54) over the last 12 games, including six double and two homers. Calhoun will be a great OF3 to plug in for the first round of the playoffs.

Round 1 Starts: 7 (MIA, OAK)

After a brutal start to the 2014 season, The Kung Fu Panda has really stepped up this summer. He is hitting .321 this month, including a 6-12 over the past three days with three doubles and four RBIs. Sandoval is ready to make a huge impact in the playoffs this season.

Round 1 Starts: 7 Games (COL, MIL)

Aoki hasn’t put up All-Star numbers by any means, but he has been quietly productive this season. In 21 games this month, he has hit .278 and driven in 13 runs. Aoki will play in seven games this scoring period and he will be the ultimate sleeper stick to activate this week.

Round 1 Starts: 7 Games (NYY, MIN, CLE)

After months of sitting on the DL with a foot injury, Gyorko has been tearing the cover off the ball this summer. He has four doubles and four homers to go along with 20 RBIs in his last 21 games alone. Gyorko will be a top-tier 2B to start down the stretch this season.

Round 1 Starts: 6 Games (MIL, LAD)