Alex Reyes (SP, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Mixed Leagues, NL-Only Leagues

OWNED IN: 15% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: Alex Reyes made his Major League debut Tuesday against the Reds, tossing a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout— he fanned Adam Duvall on a 101 mph heater.

Reyes, 21, has had his ups and downs throughout his time in the Cardinals’ organization. He began his professional career with three consecutive seasons with an ERA below 4.00— 3.39, 3.62 and 2.63, respectively, to be exact. However, he began the 2016 season serving a 50-game suspension for marijuana, and managed just a 4.96 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP in the Pacific Coast League upon his reinstatement.

Reyes is a power pitcher with two potential plus offerings— a mid- to high-90s fastball and a knee-buckling curveball. He has struggled with his command of the strike zone in the past, and while his 11.0% BB% in Triple-A was still incredibly high, it was the lowest of his minor league career.

There are no major concerns about his physical makeup, but his current spot in the St. Louis bullpen certainly limits his short-term value. Until he is called upon to join the rotation, Reyes will not quite be mixed-league worthy. Still, he is worth a shot in NL-Only leagues, and is a must-own in all keeper/dynasty leagues.