Brandon Morrow (SP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues; Continue Scouting Elsewhere

OWNED IN: 10% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The signing of Brandon Morrow by the San Diego Padres did not make as much news as many of their other moves, mainly because he isn’t exactly a headline drawing player. Since 2012, he has yet to throw more than 60 innings as a starter due to continuous arm issues.

But Morrow’s profile makes him a promising fantasy waiver wire addition even with the risk of injury. When the Padres’ right-hander has been healthy, he has proven that he can supply quality starts while racking up strikeouts (9.36 K/9 in his career). And in spite of his injury-filled past, he has not lost much velocity on his fastball. So far he has averaged 93.7 mph this season with a 94.0 mph career velocity. This pitch, coupled with his curveball (about 79.0 mph) gives him the potential to be an above average fantasy contributor again (especially in pitcher-friendly Petco Park). Morrow could be headed toward a potential rebound and would bring good strikeout numbers and a decent ERA.  In shallow leagues you can monitor him for a few more starts but in very deep leagues he's worth a flier.