Tyler Thornburg (RP, MIL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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Owned in: 58% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Analysis: Tyler Thornburg was riding a hot streak from the mound well before Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress were traded away, leaving a lot of high-leverage innings vacant. August 1st is a distant memory now, and Thornburg has been a lights-out closer for Milwaukee. He is still having trouble finding ample takers for some reason. Let's start with the obvious: Thornburg is the closer in Milwaukee, so after piling up just two saves in his first 42.2 IP this season, he has seven in his last 17.2 IP. Sure, the saves are nice, but it doesn't compare to how lights-out he has been in the second half of the season. Through June and July he had a 1.33 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 12.4 K/9. In the 17.2 innings since he became the Brewers' closer, he has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.45 WHIP. Since August began, he has yet to allow a single ER, and allowed just two hits. Has been incredible since his opportunity opened up, and he is the best available closer option as the season winds down.