Ivan Nova (SP, PIT) - Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 29% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova was battered over five May starts before hitting the DL, allowing 20 earned runs over just 23 ⅔ innings, but has risen from the ashes in June. Across 19 ⅔ IP, the 31-year-old righty has allowed two runs on 12 hits and five walks with 19 K's over his three starts.

Never underestimate the power of getting a mental break from the action, especially when you are in a funk. It should also be mentioned that Nova’s not the overpowering type and really needs his command to be on point.

Fantasy owners should be pleased with Nova now and he should be owned in all deeper leagues. He is on point now as he cruises toward a date with the Mets. Nova's track record (3.06 ERA in 64 2/3 innings with the Pirates in 2016) shows what kind of pitcher he can be and he is a decent option to hold for the remainder of the season.