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ANALYSIS: After a surprisingly effective 2018, German entered the pre-season without a clear spot in the Yankees' rotation. After Luis Severino’s injury, however, the Yankees rewarded the 26-year-old by naming him their fifth starter. In two outings, he has two wins, a 1.64 ERA, a .91 WHIP, and ten strikeouts. German is looking to improve on his rookie season when he was productive but inconsistent. The right-hander’s high strikeout ratio and ability to induce bad swings should let him keep his starting role given the age and health concerns of the Yankees rotation. If German sticks in the rotation all season or even bounces some between the rotation and bullpen, he should still manage 150 IP.
German has struggled with control issues in the past so his high walk-rate (5.72 BB/9) could be a cause for concern. The same is true for his fly-ball/ground-ball ratio considering his unsustainable 0% HR/FB ratio. Despite those issues, if he’s available, there’s probably no stronger source of waiver-wire strikeouts and wins. If he can keep the ratio stats under control, he’ll be a bargain for fantasy owners.
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