Aaron Nola (SP, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 28% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: I seriously want to start calling Aaron Nola "Big Easy." In his season debut against the Reds, Nola made things look easy. He threw seven strong innings of one-run ball, striking out eight Reds. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the win because his bullpen couldn't hold the lead. Such are the problems of playing on the Phillies nowadays.

Nola won't overpower hitters, but he knows how to pitch. He pounded the strike zone against Cincinnati, throwing 73 of his 95 pitches for strikes. His strikeout rate won't be elite, but it should be strong enough to give him mixed league value. Even though he won't rack up wins with the offense he has behind him, he should still provide very good ratios. Fantasy baseball owners shouldn't expect Nola to perform like an ace, but having him at the back end of your rotation could be a nice commodity.