Clay Buchholz (SP, BOS) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately in All Leagues

ANALYSIS: Clay Buchholz looked like his old self in his latest start Tuesday, giving up one earned run on five hits in 6.1 innings pitched. This coming a week after a dazzling debut after being activated from the disabled list, where he allowed three runs in the second inning, but settled in nicely and pitched into the eighth inning. Overall, he allowed four runs total on seven hits through 7.1 innings. We all know what Buchholz is capable of, considering his 1.71 ERA in 2013 led the major leagues before he took a three-month trip to the DL in early June. He returned in September, and continued his brilliance, surrendering just five earned runs in 24 innings pitched. He finished the year with a 1.74 ERA and a remarkable .199/.270/.277 triple slash line for opposing hitters. When 2014 rolled around, however, it slowly became abundantly clear that the 29-year-old was not himself, getting rocked consistently and walking batters at an insane rate, including an eight-walk outing right before being placed back on the DL. After a month, Buchholz has returned to impress in his first two outings, not having walked a batter in either one. Everything points to Buchholz trending up over the remainder of the season, assuming he stays healthy. If you have been stashing the righty on your DL spot or bench, now is the time to activate him. If he is unowned in your league, which is still the case in 61% of Yahoo! leagues, add him immediately.