Jonathon Niese (SP, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Although the Pittsburgh Pirates have been exceptionally streaky to start the season,  the pitching of Jonathon Niese has only improved. Niese allowed five runs (four earned) in five innings in his season debut, but followed with six innings of three run ball in his next appearance; good enough for his first win. His second win came in his most recent and most impressive performance thus far, surrendering no runs in seven frames of work where he induced 14 ground balls. Niese's next start is scheduled for today versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Niese has struggled to limit the walks and home runs -- his HR/9 and HR/FB ratios are noticeably higher than his career numbers. If he can limit those two areas, his value will remain steady. Niese is still only 29 years old, so age shouldn't be affecting the life in his pitches just yet. For those in need of another starter, Niese can eat up innings, put up a decent amount of strikeouts, and earn wins often because of the solid offense backing him up.