Trevor Cahill (SP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

OWNED IN: 52% Fleaflicker

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ANALYSIS:

Fantasy owners have been resistant to buying into Cahill’s hot start as the right-handed starter is just 52% owned despite having very impressive numbers. Cahill has done a very good job of limiting home runs, he has allowed just .51 HR/9 to this point, thanks to a high groundball and strikeout rate. The high groundball rate is nothing new or unexpected as he has a groundball rate at 55% for his career. His strikeout rate is quite different, however, as his 30% strikeout rate to this point in the season is nearly double his career rate. His swinging strike rate, currently at 14%, is high enough to suggest that the strikeout rate is earned.

The only downside for Cahill comes from concern over the limited innings he has pitched over the past few seasons when he has pitched out of the bullpen. This has already limited him to short outings, as he has pitched six innings or more in only two of six starts. Cahill has not pitched more than 150 innings in a season since 2012 and has not struck out more than 7.02 batters per nine in a season as a starting pitcher. For now, however, Cahill is working his way into must-own territory.