Ross Stripling (SP/RP, LAD) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 35% of leagues

ANALYSIS: After being used as a swingman in 2016, Ross Stripling was employed almost exclusively as a reliever by the Dodgers last year. Like many pitchers, Stripling enjoyed a velocity bump and a corresponding surge in strikeouts upon transitioning to a relief role. Those gains have held thus far in 2018, even as the 28-year-old has found himself pressed back into starting duties thanks to injuries. While you shouldn't expect Stripling to keep rocking a double-digit K/9, ERA estimators and other peripherals largely support his success to this point. With Rich Hill out for at least the next few weeks, Stripling should have several more turns through the rotation at minimum. He'll take on the Padres on Friday; San Diego is bottom five in the league in runs scored and top five in strikeout rate.