Mike Minor (SP/RP, TEX) - Week 26 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 42% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers pitcher Mike Minor earned a no-decision in his last start against the Padres, but has now lost just three games since the beginning of June. He is 12-7 this season with a 4.14 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 152 2/3 innings. Since the All-Star break, though, Minor has a 2.72 ERA (but a 4.00 FIP) and has struck out 49 batters in 53 innings.

While fantasy owners may be skeptical about his ERA considering his FIP, he has walked no more than two batters in eight of his nine starts and has struck out seven batters in three of his last four starts. Yes, it is tough to maintain a .198 BABIP with a 34.5% GB rate, but a 28.1% soft hit ball rate will keep batted ball stats in his favor.

Minor has a start today and on September 27, both against the Mariners (today's start in Texas and Wednesday's start in Seattle). The Mariners have played themselves out of playoff contention and, by Wednesday, may not have many regulars playing. Minor has allowed 11 runs in 13 2/3 innings against the Mariners this season, but his good form makes him an addition in deeper leagues.