Jerad Eickhoff (SP, PHI) – Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: After a tough two month stretch, Jerad Eickhoff has rebounded in his four starts since returning from the DL with a back strain. In that stretch he has surrendered just eight earned runs in 22 innings pitched to go along with 25 strikeouts.

After returning from the DL in July, Eickhoff’s strikeout rate has risen to 25.8% after being in the teens for most stretches of the season. While it is unclear whether he has turned a corner, he has had forced 15, 10, seven, and six swinging strikes in those same four starts indicating that his improved strikeout rate has been earned.

As for other areas of his game, due to his increased walk rate this season Eickhoff has been a burden to fantasy owners’ WHIP. There have been no signs of his ability to limit walks improving since returning from the DL, as his past three starts have all included multiple walks. Further, Eickhoff is just 2-7 on the season and will continue to play for one of the worst teams in the league, meaning expecting any production in the wins category would be a mistake.

Overall, it is worth picking up Eickhoff to stash on your bench and see if he can continue to build on his results. He may not be a startable fantasy option every week, but given the state of injury and poor performance at the position, Eickhoff will have value moving forward.