Anthony Desclafani (SP, CIN) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: 

Desclafani is a guy we’ve seen go up and down plenty, but one thing has always remained constant. He is terrible against lefties and great vs righties. The addition of a slider has exemplified that. Against righties, a 3.19 xFIP and 1.17 BB/9. Against lefties, a 5.48 xFIP and 4.42 BB/9. The Braves and Angels are right-handed heavy on the upcoming schedule, but it gets dicey with the Cubs, Nationals, and Brewers coming down the line. I like Desclafani for the short-term add until he reaches that tough gauntlet of games.

That makes it five quality starts in a row for Desclafani. It’s hard to say he’s consistent, and he’s not against certain teams, but he’s no longer just a wild card. If you can see a right-handed heavy lineup ahead, he’s a pretty safe option that can go 100 pitches and strikeout seven or eight batters. With his xFIP improving every single month, it’s hard to say these last five starts are a fluke. If you’re in search of starting pitching, Desclafani is a great short-term placeholder while you figure out an arm to push you in the playoffs.