Carlos Estevez (RP, COL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

Baller Move: Add in all leagues

Owned in: 33% of Fleaflicker leagues

Analysis: It is uncomfortable to trust a pitcher in Coors Field no matter what. However, it looks like Fantasy Baseball Managers should be placing their trust in the young hands of Carlos Estevez (once again, not Charlie Sheen). In 28.1 IP this season, Estevez has a 4.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a cool 9.5 K/9. He lacks sharp command as demonstrated by his BB/9 of 4.1 and he allows 1.3 HR/9, but that isn't surprising given his home field. Not surprisingly he pitches better in away games with a 3.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and the southpaw also tears through left-handed batters as they have a slash line of just .214/.340/.286 when facing him.

It took awhile for Estevez to gain his MLB bearings. He struggled in April and May with a 5.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 4.7 BB/9 in 15.1 innings. He came along nicely in his next 13 IP in June with a 3.46 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, with a lowered BB/9 of 3.46, and his highest K/9 rate of the year at 10.4. June is also when he started receiving save chances in place of the injured and struggling Jake McGee who boasts a rough 5.09 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. Estevez continues to improve, pitch better than McGee, and earn save opportunities. That makes him a valuable asset.