Joey Lucchesi (SP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 28% of leagues

ANALYSIS: San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joey Lucchesi has seen his ownership continue to slowly decline despite a solid start against the Rangers on Monday. It was just his second start back from the DL as he spun four scoreless frames despite spotty command. He hit 70 pitches early and was promptly lifted, presumably not to tax him fresh off of injury.

This relatively solid outing should assuage some doubt after he only recorded five outs in his first start back as he heads toward July with a 3.57 ERA, 3.64 xFIP and 3.81 SIERA across 11 starts. Even with the lag in getting back to full strong, there are reasons to remain impressed and fantasy owners should benefit from an impatient owner who just wants to see a clean win and big K.

It may be wise to wait until he throws more than 41-of-70 pitches for strikes, but the talent is there with the rookie. He can be rostered in nearly 3/4 of leagues and could be a league winning move at the halfway point.