Nathan Eovaldi (SP, NYY) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Leave him on waiver wire

OWNED IN: 23% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: There's a lot to like about Nathan Eovaldi, despite what his record and ERA show early on in the 2016 campaign. He throws his fastball well into the high-90's. He induces a ton of ground balls (52.3%) and his K% is at 24.4, 7% higher than his career average. Eovaldi will never be in the Cy Young conversation but he does have his moments where he displays Cy Young-like stuff. Eovaldi flirted with a no-hitter at the end of April, and was nearly untouchable for seven solid innings. Understandably his best start of the season by far, Eovaldi often battles and keeps the Yankees within striking distance. However, here lies the one giant issue with him--he wears pinstripes.

Eovaldi was rewarded plenty of run support in his last start, but was unable to capitalize, allowing six runs in five innings for the no decision. He's often plagued by one bad inning, although it doesn't help that the Yankees are averaging just 3.5 runs per game. It's not that the pitching has done much better, currently owning a 4.79 ERA, but wins are usually important for starting pitchers in fantasy. Eovaldi isn't electrifying, but he's gritty and deserves at least one or two more W's so far this season. Right now, the Yankees offense isn't trustworthy enough to roster some of their backend rotation guys, including Eovaldi.