Nick Pivetta (SP, PHI) - Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 40% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Nick Pivetta has had a strong start to the 2018 season, so much so that he is becoming more than just a streamer. After posting an 8-10 record and 6.02 ERA for the Phillies in 2017, he is 1-0 with a 2.49 ERA in the early going this season, posting a 0.97 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings.

While Pivetta struggled in the majors last season, he did have a 5-0 record and 1.41 ERA in 32 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, so performing at an elite level is not foreign to the 25-year-old. No matter his struggles, he has turned into a strikeout pitcher, fanning 138 in 148 2/3 innings in 2016 (Double-A and Triple-A) and 177 in 165 innings last season (Triple-A and MLB). A big factor in Pivetta's success is that he has thrown 67.7% strikes this season after throwing just 63.1% last season. Coupled with a 67.4% first pitch strike rate and 10.8% swinging strike rate, it may not be a shock that Pivetta is performing this well.

Pivetta may not be the safest of options in all formats considering his track record, but that should not make you shy away from him. He has been very good to open the season and should be fired up for his start against the Braves on Sunday.