Brandon Maurer (RP, SDP) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 34 percent of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: In his first appearance as the new Padres closer, Brandon Maurer allowed a run on two hits but nailed down a save against the Yankees. Since then, he hasn't allowed a run and has only permitted five runners to reach base over a span of 12 innings. His strikeout rate is down during that time, but he's been lights out anyway. It's reasonable to expect a rebound in whiffs as well, given that he boasted an 11.0 K/9 prior to assuming the closer role. Perhaps he made a conscious decision to sacrifice punchouts for better control or weaker contact. Whatever he's doing right now, it seems to be working.