Mike Fiers (SP, OAK) - Week 20 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers was acquired by the Athletics this week and looks to make an impact for his new team. While his 7-6 record is not much to write home about and his 3.40 ERA is passable (even if his 4.57 FIP is not), he is also moving to a better team in the playoff hunt.

Also, sorting specifically by homers on the FantasyPros park factor tool, Comerica Park stands at 13th while Oakland is 26th, and Oakland’s defense is a true top-10 unit per Fangraphs’ defensive leaderboard. Fiers was unlucky to have his quality start streak snapped at six in his last start with the Tigers, but he also allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings in his first start with the Athletics on August 8. Most impressively, Fiers struck out eight batters without a walk, playing up his strikeout potential (after striking out less than seven batters per nine with Detroit) and continuing with his elite control (1.88 walks per nine).

Fiers will face the Mariners in Oakland on Tuesday as his lone start of the week. While facing the Mariners is not a great matchup, at least it is at a pitcher's ballpark like O.co and he has been pitching very well. He is a good pickup in deeper leagues to hold for the remainder of the season.