Trevor Cahill (SP/RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 15% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Oakland Athletics pitcher Trevor Cahill is finally set to return to Oakland’s rotation on Thursday against Houston after turning in a clean four-inning rehab appearance (with seven strikeouts) for Triple-A Nashville last Saturday. Even with some injury-saddled innings mixed in, Cahill has a 2.77 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over 48 ⅔ IP with a 3.06 FIP, 2.90 xFIP and 3.09 SIERA.

Pick whichever of those fielding-independent metrics you want; they are all telling you to take a chance on him. We all know that Cahill started hot before getting hurt and stinking in the second half of 2017, so we understand the trepidation here. However, you are going to have one helluva walk of shame should he light it up and you passed on the free admission ticket.

If you are hesitant to pick him up because he is facing the Astros in his first start (we would not blame you either), keep an eye on how he fairs. Even if he gets hit a bit, if he is inducing grounders and striking batters out at a healthy rate, he will quickly become a must-add in all formats.