Jimmy Nelson - (SP, MIL) – Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Jimmy Nelson is on track to post a career best season across nearly every fantasy category, yet has not received much attention from the fantasy community. According to the ESPN Player Rater, he is the 48^th best starting pitcher this season, held back by his wins and WHIP. However, given the current pitching landscape, he is a viable streamer in most formats and a must-add in deeper mixed or N.L. only leagues.

While Nelson’s velocity has remained similar to past seasons, he has changed his pitch mix and is throwing his fastball more frequently. That has helped him find the zone more and throw more first pitch strikes, which has resulted in a career-best walk rate of 2.25 per nine innings. That has also led to more strikeouts and a career-best 23.4% strikeout rate.

Given the decreased walk rate and increased strikeout rate, Nelson has posted, it is a surprise that his WHIP remains at 1.32. However, he has been saddled with a .344 BABIP to this point, so there is room for positive regression in his WHIP. This all makes Nelson a compelling add in most leagues and makes him an underrated addition for teams in need of pitching help.

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