Drew Smyly (SP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep and AL-Only Leagues
 
ANALYSIS: Smyly has struggled a bit since his move into Detroit's starting rotation, sporting a 4.37 ERA over his nine starts. He showed signs of promise in his most recent start against a talented, albeit struggling, Boston offense, but needs to display some consistency before becoming a reliable fantasy option. The young lefty had a spectacular 2013 campaign in relief, with a 2.48 DIPS (Defense-independent ERA) that put him ninth among relief pitchers with at least 60 IP. This year, opposing hitters are posting a mere .223 AVG in his first 30 pitches of a game. However, once Smyly goes beyond that point, he has surrendered 28 hits in 96 at-bats, good enough for a .296 AVG. So, we know what Smyly is capable of, it's just a question of whether or not he can sustain his dominance beyond a few innings. Take Joe Nathan's inexcusably poor start to the season and Bruce Rondon being out for the year, pair them with the fact that Robbie Ray may be ready to make the jump to the majors, and Smyly may be finding his way to the very back end of that bullpen. Right now that is just speculation though, as the Tigers would like nothing more than for this highly talented lefty to stick in the rotation.  If Smyly remains in the rotation, owners in mixed leagues should continue to monitor his progress and potentially stash him on the bench if he puts up a great next start vs. CHW. Alternatively, if Nathan continues to struggle and the soon-to-be 25-year-old is called upon to close games, Smyly will become an immediate add in most leagues as a closer.