Jack Flaherty (SP, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 34% of leagues

ANALYSIS:  The good news is that St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty allowed just one run over his 5 2/3 innings of work on Tuesday night against the Twins, lowering his ERA to 2.87 over three Major League starts this season, as he looks to establish himself in a crowded rotation. He also walked just one, which is important to see given his fantastic walk rates in the Minors not translating to the bigs over his first seven career MLB starts.

The bad news is that he only struck out three batters and notched a paltry six swinging strikes on 98 pitches. It is wise to trust his strikeout stuff to be there somewhere given his larger body of professional work, but the 4.18 xFIP over 15 2/3 innings thus far is not as appetizing.

Either way, we advocate adding him in most 12-teamers, but temper expectations due to uncertain playing time and his hitting adjustments. He is not scheduled to pitch, as the Cardinals are considering the health of Adam Wainwright, but he should start this weekend against the Phillies in St. Louis.