Spencer Turnbull (SP, DET) - Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 32% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Though it may appear that Spencer Turnbull's best days of 2019 may already be behind him, there is evidence to suggest that the time is right to buy low on the 26-year old former Alabama Crimson Tide (and right in time for his start against the Cleveland Indians). Turnbull had been rather effective from the mound through his first 12 starts, producing a 2.84 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 8.9 K/9 while allowing only six home runs in 66.2 IP. Then the start of June hit and things started to roll down hill, picking up a 5.06 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in three starts. Despite this and a few areas of concern, things should be looking up for Turnbull soon.

This month, opponents hold a BABIP of .353 against Turnbull. While he has been allowing more hard contact this month to batters with a rate of 42.3%, he has done so on a GB/FB ratio of 2.07, built off of nearly 57% grounders. Even with the uptick in quality contact, this is a high BABIP to expect to be sustained when so many balls are eating dirt. Don't be shy to deploy Spencer Turnbull on Saturday afternoon against the offensively questionable Tribe: even though he hasn't fared so well against Cleveland this campaign, he has been spectacular on the road with a 2.43 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in seven starts.