Ian Kennedy (SP/RP, KC) - Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 45% of leagues

ANALYSIS: The Royals spent most of the season's first half cycling through ninth-inning options. (Kyle Zimmer and Richard Lovelady, we hardly knew ye. Wily Peralta and Brad Boxberger, we only wish we hadn't.) Erstwhile starter Ian Kennedy has seized the role, yet remains unowned in over half of Yahoo leagues at the moment.

That's a mistake. Not only has Kennedy locked down the last seven save situations for Kansas City (dating back to May 30), he's doing it with solid ratios (3.48 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) and striking out nearly 30% of hitters. The veteran's propensity for giving up home runs has disappeared in his move to the bullpen; he's running a career-high in ground ball rate and also his lowest HR/FB% ever.

Add to that the fact that he's a closer with SP eligibility, and he shouldn't be under 50% owned; soon, he likely won't be.