Ian Kennedy (SP, KCR) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Ian Kennedy has always had issues with the long ball, and this season has been no exception. Despite calling one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in the league home, Kennedy has surrendered 19 home runs in as many starts. Early in the season, he was also having uncharacteristic struggles with strikeouts and walks. Those are still reflected in his overall season rates, which would be among the worst in his career. Recently, however, the veteran right-hander has gotten back into his usual form.

Kennedy has turned in quality starts in five of his last six outings. Over that time, he's pitched to a 3.47 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, with 33 strikeouts against only nine walks in 36 innings. He's even managed to avoid allowing a home run in three of those six games, and four of the five he has permitted were solo shots. Today's matchup in Baltimore might be best avoided, but Kennedy has a favorable slate for most of August.