Jonathon Niese (SP, NYM) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Pick up in deep or NL-Only leagues

OWNED IN: 10% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Jon Niese was roughed around in his last start, giving up 6 ER and 8 hits in only 3 IP against the Dodgers. It was probably the pitcher's poorest outing thus far in 2015, and rose his ERA to 3.75, but don't let it overshadow Niese's recent success. Despite trade rumors swirling around him, Niese posted 8 straight quality starts prior to the debacle against LA, allowing 2 ER or fewer in 5 of them while managing eight scoreless innings against San Fransisco and 7.1 scoreless innings against St. Louis over that span. He won't strike many batters out, as indicated by his 5.8 K/9, and walks remain a problem, but Niese has shown spurts of strong pitching in 2015 and deserves a higher ownership than 14%.

A change of scenery could also do some good in the event that he does end up being traded. Overall, Niese is more than capable of adding depth to a fantasy pitching staff and should provide solid production for the remainder of 2015, regardless of what uniform he is wearing.