Mike Soroka (SP, ATL) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 36% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka deserved so much better on Saturday, as he was through 4 ⅔ innings before inducing a grounder toward third base that should have ended the inning. Instead, Jose Bautista booted the thing and, wouldn’t you know it, a bases-clearing double followed.

While we are all for holding a pitcher accountable under pressure and dealing with adversity/poor defense, Soroka is only 20 years old and still has a lovely 15-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his first three starts. The early 38.8% line-drive rate is rough and, underscores that ugly .408 BABIP, but expect that to smooth out given his talent. He has allowed 21 hits in 14 2/3 innings this season, but has only allowed one home run and his ability to control his pitches should keep his ERA at or around his current 3.68.

If someone dropped him in your league for the newest shiny toy then swoop on in like the vulture you are. Soroka and the Braves will face the Cubs on May 17 at home, so move swiftly to pick him up and hold him in all formats.