Ivan Nova (NYY, SP) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Stream in 14-team leagues or deeper

OWNED IN: 14% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: After over a year away from the game to recover from Tommy John surgery, Nova came back strong against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. He pitched 6 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, allowing only three hits, two walks, and striking out one. Granted, it was the Phillies, but this was an encouraging start nonetheless.

Nova was touching 95 mph on the gun, and could be a solid guy to round out rotations in deeper leagues. Back in 2011 when Nova won 16 games, he posted a 3.70 ERA, but only a 5.33 K/9. Then in 2013 he went 9-6, posting a 3.10 ERA and 7.49 K/9. The message here is to not expect him to rack up the strikeouts, but he won't kill your ratios. There will be some rough outings in all likelihood but rolling him out there based on matchups could pay off. His next start against the Angels should be a good litmus test.