Adam Plutko (CLE, SP) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 8% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Months ago we had Cleveland Indians starting pitchers Adam Plutko and Shane Bieber battling for one rotation spot, but Trevor Bauer’s injury, combined with Cleveland’s cushy lead in the AL Central, means both should finish out the regular season in the rotation. Plutko bought some leash by tossing seven innings of three-run ball against Baltimore in his first start back, though he had some misfortune there.

He allowed only four baserunners that day, but three would score on one swing from Jonathan Villar in the third inning. The longball has been an issue for the 26-year-old righty, as he has given up as many dingers (12) as walks issued across 48 ⅔ IP thus far.

His good control will be tested on Thursday as he will face the Red Sox at Fenway. While we will never suggest throwing a pitcher at Fenway, Plutko may be worthy of a stream in deeper leagues.