Nick Pollack from Pitcher List here for a weekly segment at FantasyPros where I’ll be looking at the deeper options available in your leagues, highlighting my 10 favorite pitchers each week that could quickly return value despite hanging out on your waiver wire. We’ve set the threshold to under 15% owned according to ESPN, leaving a vast majority of leagues to take advantage of these arms that will cost you nothing and possibly return plenty.
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10. Tyler Skaggs (LAA): 3.6% owned
It’s risky and he’s not even back in the majors yet, but Skaggs could help you down the stretch once he gets into his rhythm. An 8.90 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, and 3.53 FIP should not be overlooked during his brief five starts in April, and while you shouldn’t expect a No. 4 starter from Skaggs, there’s plenty of room for him to be productive as you search for arms for your playoffs.
9. Jason Hammel (KC): 13.2% owned
He’s far from flashy, but 10 of Hammel’s last 11 starts have come with three or fewer earned runs, holding a 3.69 ERA and low 1.17 BB/9 in that time. The warts are clear with a 4.62 xFIP and sub 7.00 K/9 in that time as well, though you’d be hard pressed to find another start who has been this consistent productive under 15% owned.
8. Nick Pivetta (PHI): 5.7% owned
The rules are simply with Pivetta: sit against strong teams (Houston, Miami, Arizona) and start him against weak teams (Padres, Braves, Mets). He has a 9.18 K/9 to his name thus far, with three straight one walk games in a row. Pick your spots well and you will be rewarded.
7. Vincent Velasquez (PHI): 14.5% owned
Velasquez had himself a nightmarish start against his former team last week – 3.0 IP and 4 ER – but rebounded to display his upside against the Braves, fanning six without allowing a run through seven frames. The real Velasquez is somewhere in the middle and shouldn’t be expected to show his face as he heads to Coors this week, however, there are good starts ahead if you work with the Phillies’ schedule. There’s upside to be had here that may come in handy down the stretch.
6. Sean Newcomb (ATL): 10.3% owned
Here’s the bad news: Newcomb’s schedule is a little questionable, getting the Dodgers and Coors in two of his next three starts. However, he’ll get some respite against the Phillies in between and could be a solid play down the stretch.
He’ll come with his 9.00 K/9 upside, while six of his nine starts have combined for just eight ER. There’s plenty of risk given he’s a two-pitch pitcher, but don’t overlook the upside for your squad.
5. Jerad Eickhoff (PHI): 12.5% owned
Outside of Aaron Nola, Eickhoff is the Philadelphia pitcher to own. After his early season struggles, Eickhoff has looked more like his 2016 self in his last four starts, holding a 3.27 ERA and whopping 10.23 K/9 in 22 frames. Remember, 2016 showcased a starter that could consistently pitch through the sixth frame and hold a 1.20 WHIP, and the rest of 2017 could spell the same fate.
4. Luke Weaver (STL): 5.3% owned
With Adam Wainwright nursing a hamstring strain, Weaver is getting more time in the Cardinals’ rotation. As long as he’s starting, Weaver provides some serious value, with a fastball/changeup combination that has missed bats at both the minor and major league level.
He’s getting the Brewers Wednesday night, and if he sees another start in the rotation, he’ll get to face the Royals. With so many injuries floating around, it wouldn’t be surprising if a door opened that gave more time for Weaver, making him a great pickup in the short term with long term possibilities.
3. Adam Conley (MIA): 6.8% owned
After spending time in the minors, Conley has exploded during his new opportunity for the Miami Marlins, boasting a 1.74 ERA with 15 strikeouts in three starts as he’s averaged nearly seven innings per start. His improvement can be traced to great fastball command, allowing him to hit his spots inside to right-handers effectively without leaking the ball out over the plate.
There’s still a question of consistency given his tumultuous history, but he makes for a solid grab until he hits a bump in the road. And who knows, maybe there are only a few ahead.
2. Dinelson Lamet (SD): 11.9% owned
Here are some quick numbers on Lamet. Across his last seven starts, he’s holding an 11.34 K/9, 2.95 BB/9, and 3.33 FIP. His 4.31 ERA does give hesitation, but his 60.5% LOB rate is massively low, and there’s reason to believe he can get it under 4.00. Ride with him against the Pirates this weekend, and feel free to start him outside of the top tier offenses.
1. Reynaldo Lopez (CWS): 4.0% owned
No, Lopez is not up in the majors yet, but White Sox GM Rick Hahn has said that Lopez is pitching so well that he is “forcing the issue.” That could mean this week, that could be in a month, but whenever he does get brought up to the majors, he’ll be one of the best adds on your wire.
He’s featuring a stellar 2.16 ERA, 11.7 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 across his last seven starts, with an excellent curveball and 96+ mph heater that will turn heads. Don’t be the one that misses out when the time comes.
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Nick Pollack is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Nick, find his work at PitcherList.com and follow him @ThePitcherList.
