As the All-Star break draws near and teams lick their wounds, many infamous second half performers have begun to heat up. Joining the usual suspects on this week’s list of free agents available in over half of fantasy league’s are several players who have heated up enough to earn everyday jobs - and melt their anonymity.

Jerry Hairston and Fred Lewis have sparked stagnant lineups from the leadoff spot, while Cody Ross and newcomer Alexi Casilla are developing pieces in the Marlins’ and Twins’ playoff puzzles.  

The full list:

Cody Ross, OF, Florida Marlins
Status: Earning everyday outfield job
Key Stats: .457 average, 3 HR, 18 RBIs during 11 game hit streak
What to Watch For: More contact and less strikeouts (43 K, 16 BB)
Other Notes: Went 12-for-20 with 2 HRs and 15 RBIs in 4 game series vs. Rockies

Jerry Hairston, SS, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Status: Producing from leadoff spot
Key Stats: .435 average, 4 RBIs, 3 SBs last 7 games
What to Watch For: Average to level out, but stolen bases to remain constant
Other Notes: Hitting .359 since returning to lineup June 26

Andre Ethier, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Status: Playing everyday for Joe Torre
Key Stats: .400 average, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs last 7 games
What to Watch For: Consistency to increase with playing time
Other Notes: Hitting .312 against right-handed pitching, but only .194 against lefties

Chris Iannetta, C, Colorado Rockies
Status: Splitting time with Yorvit Torrealba
Key Stats: 3 HRs, 9 RBIs in last 6 games
What to Watch For: Thin Coors Field air will help power stroke
Other Notes: Ranks 5th among MLB catchers with 9 home runs

Chris Davis, 3B, Texas Rangers
Status: Playing his way into Rangers lineup
Key Stats: 4 HRs in first 11 MLB games
What to Watch For: More contact as he adapts to Major League pitching
Other Notes: .333 average, 23 home runs, 73 RBIs in minors this year

Fred Lewis, OF, San Francisco Giants
Status: Providing a leadoff spark for struggling Giants
Key Stats: .316 average, 3 SBs during 9 game hit streak
What to Watch For: Stolen bases to increase with average
Other Notes: .304 average in June and .333 in July

Alexi Casilla, 2B, Minnesota Twins
Status: Playing himself into everyday role
Key Stats: .333 average, 5 RBIs last 7 games
What to Watch For: Increased stolen base production
Other Notes: Hitting .419 with runners in scoring position

Skip Schumaker, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Status: Everyday outfielder for Tony LaRussa
Key Stats: Hitting .333 with 4 RBIs in last 8 games
What to Watch For: More power as he settles into leadoff spot
Other Notes: Batting .339 against RHP but only .167 against LHP

Adam Jones, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Status: Beginning to heat up at the plate
Key Stats: .370 average, 7 RBIs last 7 games
What to Watch For: Stolen bases to increase with his OBP
Other Notes: Hitting .319 with 19 RBIs at home

Marcus Thames, OF, Detroit Tigers
Status: Eyeing one of many hot streaks
Key Stats: .309 average, 6 HR, 16 RBIs at Comerica Park
What to Watch For: More hot streaks than cold in second half
Other Notes: Hit .306 with 10 HR and 16 RBIs in June

Dave DeIuliis will be a senior at Penn State’s School of Journalism. He can be reached at dmd5042@psu.edu.