Vince Velasquez (SP, PHI) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 21% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez has won each of his last three starts, earning a quality start in the last two. While his 4-4 record and 4.37 ERA for the season are not that solid, Vinny Velo has only allowed four earned runs over his last three starts and had 12 strikeouts in six innings against the Giants on May 10.

The 25-year-old has struck out 55 batters in 47 1/3 innings, walking just 16 and his xFIP is a much more respectable 3.88. Eight home runs allowed have been a bit of a thorn in the side for Velasquez, as he had allowed a home run in five consecutive starts before his 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Cardinals in St. Louis on May 17. His 34.6% ground ball rate is far from strong, but his solid strikeout rate (along with his 71.4% strand rate), show reasons for optimism for the Phillies righty.

Velasquez will only get one start this week, at home against the Braves on Tuesday, but his strong start last week against the Cardinals is cause for optimism. If he can put up another strong start against Atlanta, Velasquez will be worthy of a hold, but, for now at least, Velasquez is only a streaming option.