Joey Lucchesi (SP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 23% of leagues

ANALYSIS: San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joey Lucchesi is just on the outside of the top-100 overall leaderboard per Yahoo’s 5x5 scoring format over the last 30 days thanks to his 2.28 ERA/1.06 WHIP with 24 punchouts in 23 ⅔ IP. While we understand the dismay over his short starts, but being held back from facing a lineup for the third time has led to strong ratios.

He carries a 2.23 ERA the first time through, 3.45 ERA to the second and a 7.00 ERA when hitters get a third look; if you look at Lucchesi like a longer long reliever rather than a starter, you will be more than happy with his ratios. Plus, as a starting pitcher, Lucchesi will give you the wins that an elite long reliever will not.

With a 2.14 FIP in July (3.68 ERA), look for Lucchesi to continue rocking out in concentrated bursts down the stretch. He should be owned in all deeper leagues.