Carlos Rodon (SP, CHW) - Week 19 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon has thrown just 58 1/3 innings this season, but looks like he is turning the corner as a solid pitcher. He pitched 28 2/3 innings in his four July starts, winning two, and striking out 27 batters while allowing just 15 hits. Rodon has also walked 12 batters, but is now 3-3 with a 3.24 ERA this season.

While Rodon is pitching better, walks are still an issue (21 this season) and his BABIP is an unsustainable .212. He has also allowed eight home runs this season and his FIP is an uncomfortable 4.56. His ground ball rate is a decent 41.5%, but he has a hard hit ball rate of 26.2% for the season and is only striking out 20.6% of batters. While his seasonal numbers are not great, his hard hit ball rate was down to 18.3% last month, his GB% was 49.3, and his K% was up to 24.3%, better than his career rate of 23.3%.

Rodon will face the Rays in Tampa on Saturday before facing the Indians in Chicago on August 10. Neither are particularly great matchups, but Rodon has been pitching well enough to give him a chance. It is wise to play Rodon mainly for strikeouts and ratios, though, as the White Sox will not be favored in either game.