Homer Bailey (SP, CIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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EXPERT ANALYSIS: When he's not occupied by his side job as a stunt double for Christian Bale, former first round pick Homer Bailey can eat up innings like nobody's business. Actually, Bailey has been shelved for over a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Previously, Bailey had posted a sub-4.00 ERA between 2012-2014 and started a total of 88 games in those three seasons. After signing a sizable $105 million contract, the Reds are eager to get Bailey back on the mound to help out a young pitching staff. His first start was encouraging, as he went 5.2 innings and allowed just two runs on four hits. Granted, it was against a suddenly depleted Padres lineup, but for a first start of the year he'll take it. Bailey tends to give up his share of hits, with an 8.9 H/9 for his career, so his WHIP won't be as desirable as his ERA. A 2.55 K/BB is acceptable, but even in his best season of 2013, he hasn't struck out more than a batter per inning. At 30 years old, we've probably seen the best he can offer, but he has shown the ability to maintain a decent ERA and strikeout rate (7.4 career). Bailey can fill out the back end of rotations in deep leagues for owners needing a steady presence to fill some of those unused innings.