Spencer Turnbull (SP, DET) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 34% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Spencer Turnbull has seen the leagues he's rostered in drop after a disappointing outing last week against the White Sox, where he lasted just 2.0 IP, giving up three earned runs on four walks and two hits. While Turnbull's control has been a problem all season (13.9% BB%), he's managed to compile a 3-2 record in his six starts with an impressive 2.97 ERA. He's struck out a modest 26 batters in 30.1 IP but the key to his success has been avoiding the long ball, as Turnbull has yet to give up a home run this season.

The lack of home runs allowed explains why his underlying numbers appear disjointed as he's got a 5.38 SIERA and 4.97 xFIP yet just a 3.42 FIP, as FIP is calculated using a pitcher's actual home runs allowed. Regardless of whether or not Turnbull can continue to avoid giving up homers, we can expect some slight regression. Turnbull's fastball has just a .149 batting average against it and has been thrown 46.3% of the time this year which is key as it ranks in the 82nd percentile for spin-rate which is inducing groundballs and weaker contact. As long as Turnbull can continue to avoid giving up home runs, or just cutting down the walks, he will see continued success and should be rostered in all leagues.