Clayton Richard (SP, SD) - Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 32% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: In the Age of the Bullpen, Clayton Richard has been a throwback to the workhorses of old. The crafty left-hander is riding a streak of 10 consecutive starts lasting at least six frames and he's fourth in the National League with 107 innings pitched. Richard is enjoying a solid rebound year posting a 4.29 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 7.1 K/9.

Although the strikeout numbers are modest, Richard's K-pace is the best of his career. More importantly, his durability puts him in excellent position to figure in ballgame outcomes. In his 17 starts, he has an even seven wins and seven losses. Richard just wrapped up a brilliant June with a 4-1 record, 3.27 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in five starts.

Richard leverages plus-sinkers and sliders to balance out a heater that barely breaches 90 MPH. When hitters put the ball in the air against him, he's crushed to a tune of a 95.8 MPH FB/LD exit velocity, but he limits the damage by inducing ground balls at a league-best 58% clip. A 3.87 FIP (3.70 xFIP) suggests the renaissance year is legit for the veteran. Well on his way to double-digit wins with serviceable ratios and tolerable strikeout numbers, Richard is worth a flyer for fantasy teams looking for backend pitching help.