Martin Perez (SP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Mixed Leagues, AL-Only Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Texas Rangers' number-two starter Martin Perez should avoid the dreaded sophomore slump this year, and should also be added off the waiver wire. He added a cut-fastball in the offseason, which both demonstrates his commitment to the game and also is the main reason he's  3-0 in four starts with a 1.86 ERA. It gets better. Perez has given up zero homeruns after surrendering 15 a year ago, and he has reduced his WHIP from 1.39 to just 1.03. His strikeout rate is actually down a little, but that can be seen as good news because it means he's become more of a battler with better control. Instead of wasting pitches, arm strength, and risking walks, he seems to be exchanging some Ks for efficiency and more outs. The 23-year-old could probably be the ace on another staff, and he's under team control until 2019. Unlike teammate Yu Darvish, the team also seems to be scoring runs for him. So start him whether you're in a wins league or an ERA league, because Perez should be a useful fantasy commodity off the waiver wire if he's still available in your leagues.