Alex Wood (SP, CIN) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 31% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Alex Wood has finally made his long-awaited Cincinnati Reds debut. Wood dealt with back spasms during spring training this year and had recurring effects of the injury throughout his recovery process, keeping him away from action until he began his minor league rehab stint earlier this month.

In his 2019 MLB debut on Sunday, Wood went 4 2/3 innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. Over his four minor league rehab starts in Double-A and Triple-A, he maintained a 3.18 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

Wood spent the past three-plus seasons with the Dodgers and was a steady fantasy contributor during that stretch, highlighted by his exceptional 2017 season where he went 16-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He's a fantastic add for anyone in need of starting pitching help. For the next few weeks, he'll likely be held to a pitch count around 80 or so, but if he can return to his pre-injury form in another month, he'll be a great boost to your pitching for the final stretch of the season. His next start is on Friday at Atlanta.