German Marquez (SP, COL) - Week 22 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 41% of leagues

ANALYSIS: The Rockies are not generally a great source of pitching value in fantasy leagues, given the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. While this is normally the case, 2018 is different, as Jon Gray and Kyle Freeland have each proven to be valuable fantasy commodities. German Marquez is right behind his teammates in regards to fantasy relevance.

The strikeouts have been there all season (151 in 142 2/3 innings), but his unfavorable home park and penchant for allowing home runs kept Marquez's ratios in largely unplayable territory. Since the beginning of July, however, the 23-year-old has produced excellent numbers (five wins, 3.14 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) and has notched a quality start in all but one of those outings. That's even more impressive when you consider that all eight of those opponents are playoff contenders and in the top half of MLB in runs scored.

Considering that he has been able to handle Coors Field, a start in San Diego on August 31 will be very nice in Week 22. He does face the Cardinals at home on August 25, but we would not blame you if he stays on the waiver wire for that matchup. Looking like a huge addition for the stretch run, Marquez can be owned in all formats.